Eat My Words review: Brews Brothers, in Fernwood

Sometimes you just need to get out of the office, forego the standard meal deal, and try something new on your lunch break — I’m so glad I did.

That is where the Brews Brothers came to mind, just a stone’s throw from our offices, this cosy location is tucked away in the heart of Fernwood.

The family-run business runs regular events, quiz nights, and has a rotating menu throughout the day meaning there is plenty of choice whether you’re popping in for a light bite or and evening meal.

Browsing the afternoon menu, there were many tempting options from sandwiches and sides, to main meals.

I opted for the curried parsnip soup, which at just £7 for a hearty bowl, served with a warm crusty bread roll and butter felt like an absolute steal.

Nicely spiced without being over powering, garnished with spring onions and oil, thick without being heavy, this might just be one of the most enjoyable soups I’ve ever had.

It hit just the right spot and was the perfect lunch for a cool autumnal day.

My colleagues chose to share a posh fish finger sandwich, which came with a decent portion of side on skin on fries.

This sandwich came generously filled with crispy battered cod, which was light and fresh instead of greasy, creamy tartare sauce and just a hint of tangy pickle.

The bread was nice and soft and didn’t take anything away from the fillings, while the chips perfectly crisp yet fluffy on the inside.

We also ordered a couple of sides to share.

Something a little different with kimchi fries, which were loaded with toppings, and crispy battered onion rings which were not only massive and had an excellent texture, but looked to be freshly prepared as opposed to the measly frozen variety that has come to be expected at pubs and cafes.

Portion sizes were also massive for the relatively low prices, and I was glad to be sharing otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to fit it all in.

When it came time to head back to the office, I made the most of the hot drink and cake offer to take away with me.

The coffee was made using 200 degrees beans, roasted in Nottingham, and my homemade Nutella brownie was moist and cakey instead of dense and oily — just the way I like it.

Brews Brothers has an ethos of using and celebrating local and independent suppliers where possible, and if I had been in the evening I definitely would have been sampling some of the interesting beers and ciders on tap — not a Carling in sight.

I will definitely be back, whether it’s for another relaxed workday lunch, to taste the evening menu, or to take advantage of their weekly special offers.

Out of five:

Food: A very good range of hot and cold food options, including vegetarian and vegan alternatives, there is something for everyone to try. I was also pleasantly surprised to see some many interesting items on the menu that you might not see elsewhere. There are also bar snacks if you just want something to munch on while enjoying a drink. All very well made, with extremely generous portion sizes, what’s not to love? *****

Drinks: The are a wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcohol drinks, including freshly made coffee and guest beers. As it was the middle of a work day we only had soft drinks, such as ginger bear, apple juice, and diet coke, but there are plenty of reason to come back when we are ”off the clock” too. *****

Decor: Although relatively small, this micropub and eatery strikes the right balance between cosy and chic. With simple, stylish furnishings, plants, and a large floor to ceiling window letting in lots of natural light I felt like I could spend a good afternoon relaxing in here. Whether going for a relaxed date, meeting up with friends for drinks, or enjoying a family meal, you’ll feel right at home. ****

Staff: Despite being in the middle of the day, there were quite a few other customers already inside, we easily found a table, staff were quick to take our orders and bring out our food. They were friendly, good with communication, and made sure we had everything we needed. Nothing complicated, just good customer service. *****

Price: My soup was only £7, sides were less than £5, and lunchtime mains averaged around £12. There will be cheaper places out there, but the range of choice available and extremely generous portion sizes, I thought the prices were more than reasonable. ****

Do you have a favourite place to eat in the area? Let us know at news@newarkadvertiser.co.uk and we may review it…