Nestled in the heart of Brookmans Park, the all-new Brookmans has opened its doors this week to reveal for the first time its chic new interior and fabulous food and drink that are set to turn the place into a style hot-spot.
From top to bottom, the entire space has been transformed, giving Brookmans a contemporary edge to make it the place to meet, eat, drink and party, whatever the occasion.
Step inside and be wowed by the chic new layout of the bar, the perfect place to down a Disaronno Sour or a Pornstar Martini at one of the new poseur tables and chairs upholstered in warm corals and reds that offer a glimpse of the glamorous eatery beyond. Panelled walls picked out in smart French navy pair with the crisp chequerboard flooring and glowing copper lights.
The elegant eatery has been opened up to reveal a smart new setting for lunch and dinner and everything in between. Walls lined in beautiful teal and silver florals and splashes of rich mustard leather offset by twinkling chandeliers give the place a luxurious feel. Dine at one of the array of round tables or take a whole showcase table with crushed velvet Chesterfields if there’s a party of you out for a special occasion. For the ultimate celebration, reserve one of the new chef’s tables which comfortably seat 12 and make for memorable dining.
The garden room to the side has been completely remodelled, with a light, fresh feel enhanced by leafy green foliage patterned walls and bold blue and lime green fabrics with palms and touches of gold. At one end there are two curvaceous booths in sunny yellow leather to slide into, and at the other, stunning bi-fold doors opening onto the terrace. With comfy sofas, statement planting and more poseur tables, this spacious deck is set to come into its own with summer on the horizon.
If a private party is called for, Brookmans offers the perfect venue. Tucked away to the front of the pub is a gorgeous new private dining room with its own outlook that’s beautifully decorated with a generously sized circular table, chandeliers and touches of luxe. It’s secluded for working, with free WiFi and laptop compatible presentation facilities, and for exclusive gatherings over a delicious lunch or dinner.
A sleek new back bar adorns the private room to the other side of the bar, meanwhile, with pretty floral walls, soft blues and splashes of gold creating a stylish backdrop for cocktails and drinks parties. Free to hire, this room is perfect for gatherings of 20 seated or up to 100 for drinks.
On the menu at Brookmans is a mouth-watering selection of delicious seasonal dishes ranging from sharing plates, lighter dishes and salads to classic gastropub options given an indulgent twist.
Order the sharing plates to enjoy with a cocktail or a flute of fizz: Butcher’s is piled with ham and cheese croquettes, black and blue bavette with Béarnaise sauce, delectable Dorset charcuterie, chicken wings and spicy ketchup; while Vegetarian features warm crispy Camembert wedges and sweet tomato chutney, spiced tomato houmous and toasted pitta, char-grilled Mediterranean vegetables and pesto with a light summer vegetable salad. Or share a gooey and fragrant baked Camembert studded with garlic and rosemary as the perfect start to dinner.
New dishes soon set to become favourites include a delectable Lobster Mac ‘n’ Cheese with crunchy fennel and radish salad and Bloody Mary ketchup; Niçoise salad with pole and line tuna steak, poached egg and sweet baby gem and Cornish lamb cutlets, crispy lamb croquettes, Dauphinoise potatoes and purple sprouting broccoli.
Salads and grains offer a healthier bite, with spicy bang bang chicken salad topped with cucumber and peanuts and a light sesame dressing laced with garlic and ginger or summer vegetable salad served with zingy oranges, toasted cashews and a nutty Oriental dressing.
Stone-baked pizzas, top-notch steaks and Aubrey Allen’s steak burgers are also on offer, alongside a choice of daily changing specials. Look out for the Fixed Price Lunch menu served from Monday to Friday with two courses from Starters, Salad & Grains or Favourites sections of the menu for £15.25.
The talented team behind the bar, lead by general manager Terri Dell, mix up a fabulous choice of Grand Gins, notably a crisp Chase Elegant 48 made in a bespoke still using rare apple varieties, garnished with apple and served with Fentimans or Schweppes Tonic with plenty of ice; or a tart Chase Pink Grapefruit packed with citrus and a big kick of fruit. Fizz and flutes, magnums and bottles of great wines from award-winning independent vineyards, classic beers, grand soft drinks and mocktails make up the pub’s impressive new list.
“We’re back, better than ever, with a fabulous new look and even more fantastic things to enjoy here in the heart of Brookmans Park,” says Brookmans’ general manager Terri Dell. “We’ve really transformed the feel of the pub, talking to guests to find out what they wanted from Brookmans to make it a place for any occasion. Now, you can join us for a drink, a bite to eat, for dinner or a party, and find everything you want right here in the village. Why go anywhere else?” she adds.
The new-look Brookmans is open now, serving good food and drink on Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 11pm; on Friday and Saturday from 8.30am to midnight and on Sunday from 8.30am to 10.30pm. Find it at the heart of the village.