I agree with the review below, Maling Rd food and coffee is of a generally high quality and Brown’s isn’t the best in street but it’s still not the worst either. I grabbed a takeaway latte here and it was as good as most places, the staff were really friendly and there was a great range of desserts that although a little on the higher end of average price-wise were good size servings too. I have a weekness for anything apple and the Apple Danish was delicious and reasonably priced at $ 4.30. They also have muffins, sausage rolls and pies(vegetarian options included), macaroons and artisticly designed tarts that look amazing. If you’re after a sit down meal then there are probably better places on this street(like Cornelius) but for a quick bite and coffee there’s nothing wrong with Brown’s.
Celia M.
Place rating: 3 Victoria, Australia
A couple of years ago Browns was packed for breakfast and lunch. It was the café and brunch destination on Maling Road. But severe competition(*cough* Maling Room and Cornelius *cough*) has brought an extended lull in service. There is actually nothing wrong with Browns. It has great bread, a nice variety of cakes and sweets, passable coffee and reasonable service. But then, in this modern age, there seems to be everything wrong with Browns. The interior decoration leaves much to be desired, the coffee isn’t beautiful or a joy to drink, and the menu doesn’t have a rich variety of cuisines. If Browns wants to succeed then it needs to compete, and it needs to do it fast. There is no room for bland coffee and food on Maling Road. This is evolution, survival of the fittest. It may sound strange, but in a competitive and cutthroat industry like hospitality, you simply can’t afford to let your guard down. Browns bakery is great for bread, but if you are looking for excellent coffee or interesting food, keep walking.
