Unusually for a chain restaurant, Browns doesn't feel like it belongs to the mass-produced, conveyor belt market.   Part of the Mitchells-Butler Group, "Browns" is a small chain of 15 bar-restaurants, seven of which are in London.

Part of the appeal of the Leeds branch of Browns is its central location.  The restaurant is within the sympathetically developed and refurbished complex "The Light", which has taken two Grade II listed buildings and transformed them into a modern shopping, dining and cinema centre.

Originally a branch of the Leeds Permanent Building Society, Browns' has retained many of the bank's original features, including the former bank manager's office -  complete with its very heavy oak doors.  The room is now a comfortable snug, ideal for a quiet drink and a chat.  Or, in the case of the TV soap "Emmerdale", a good venue to film a scene!

The remainder of the old bank has been tastefully transformed into a light, airy bar and restaurant, pleasantly decorated and utilising the company's trademark giant mirrors.  Despite being open plan, Browns retains a feeling of intimacy and privacy thanks to careful use of many different decorative techniques, including railings, columns and a variety of different levels, creating a pleasant atmosphere where a woman travelling alone would feel quite at home.

Popular and busy with evening drinkers who gather around the long, sweeping bar, Browns is an excellent venue for a meal, and is among the best places to eat in Leeds.  Whether for business or for pleasure, there is plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy their food without feeling a need to rush.  The young, pleasant staff is extremely efficient, ensuring everyone is served promptly and professionally. 

The menu is not so extensive that it takes half an hour to choose what to eat, yet there is plenty to choose from, with prices that are good value for the quality and standards provided.  Our main courses, picked at random were all excellent quality and portions were just right. 

We tried the Steak, Guinness and Mushroom pie, which much as I hate to admit it, was just as good (if not better!) than my homemade version; the Fishermans Pie which was delicious and the Browns Hamburger.  My husband commented that his burger was one of the best he'd tasted in a long time, seemed hand-made and was definitely not of the thin, boring frozen type.

A second visit to Browns had us trying the 10oz Rib Eye Steak.  Two succulent, juicy steaks arrived cooked to perfection, on a bed of French fries, served with half a beefsteak tomato, shallots and watercress.  The butcher who supplies Browns obviously sells very good quality beef, as the meat was tender and tasty - unlike some steaks I've tried, which have been tough and full of fat.

Browns serves an extensive range of drinks, although real ale lovers will be disappointed - most of the beers are light European lagers.  A large range of wines is offered, with many varieties available by the glass, and enough choice to suit every budget.  For early mornings, cold afternoons or just a welcome break, a wide range of teas and coffees are served, with the coffee being head and shoulders above certain American coffee-house chains.   I was pleased to find Browns able to accommodate my request for coffee with real cream, even though it wasn't on the menu.