A family dining in a popular Edinburgh restaurant hit out after they had to sit in their coats for their meal because they were so cold.
They were also apparently left confused over the "bizarre" policy meaning a 16-year-old teen was refused a beer with dinner despite being with parents.
The group was out celebrating a family reunion for the first time this year and were excited to spend some quality time together and mark the occasion with a plush meal out. Yet it culminated with them leaving a one star review on Tripadvisor.
Unfortunately, they were left disappointed due to poor service from a staff shortage, an uncomfortable atmosphere and long waits for food - telling how they waited nearly three hours for all three courses.
READ MORE - Fury as Edinburgh heritage boss works from home 11,000 miles away in New Zealand
A manager at Browns in George Street apologised for the poor experience and urged the customers to get in touch so they could find out more.
The gutted family wrote: "Have eaten at Browns several times and usually like it. My elderly mother took kids and grandkids out for a reunion treat and I’m sorry to say it was unrecognisable compared to other visits.
"We were in a little room off to the back, absolutely freezing, and had to put our coats back on. No sense of being out in a restaurant, the lovely atmosphere elsewhere completely bypassed us.
"Service was really pleasant but completely chaotic. I suspect very understaffed and we sympathise, we know the sector is struggling for staff.
"It did however take 2.5 hours to even reach the pudding stage. Kids on the table, not tiny granted, but still too long.
"Bizarre policy of not serving nonalcoholic cocktails to kids. And also a policy of not serving a 16-year-old a beer, out for a meal with her parents.
"Absolutely within the law and what better place for her to have her first few sips of a bottle, because that’s all she’d have drunk, than in that situation. It’s our call as parents.
"Mainly though the food wasn’t great. Lukewarm much of it, octopus tasted odd frankly, steaks quite charred. We made the best of it for Mum’s sake but not in a rush back tbh."
Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
The manager at Browns Brasserie & Bar responded to the review and said: "I am sorry you did not enjoy your recent visit to Browns Edinburgh. I would like the chance to discuss your visit in more detail. I would appreciate it."
Brown's is a popular restaurant on George Street that offers sophisticated dining and drinking with a range of occasions menus. The eatery scores an average 3.5 stars on TripAdvisor.
The recently refurbished brasserie is located in historic New Town, a short stroll from Edinburgh Castle. It is described as: "Bright and airy, with luxe interiors and art deco styling."
READ NEXT:
First pictures of Edinburgh men found dead at city flats released
Scottish woman paralysed after hitting head on toilet during bathroom fall
Plush Edinburgh mansion with walk-in-wardrobe and three terraces hits the market
'Unconventional' Midlothian house extension rejected for being too high
Five Sisters Zoo to host incredible Christmas light trail with Santa's grotto
