Brawn – Mediterranean Flavours in the Heart of London’s Columbia Road
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
Brawn is a celebrated Mediterranean restaurant located at 49 Columbia Road, London E2 7RG, renowned for its seasonal, seafood-focused small plates and a vibrant, buzzy atmosphere. Its menu highlights exquisite dishes like seafood pasta and rustic mains, complemented by an impressive natural wine list. The airy, light-filled dining room with vintage touches creates a relaxed yet lively setting, perfect for sharing plates with friends or enjoying a memorable meal in East London’s trendy Shoreditch area.
A brief summary to Brawn
- 49 Columbia Rd, London, E2 7RG, GB
- +442077295692
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 5:30 pm-10:30 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Friday 12 pm-2:30 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-2:30 pm
Local tips
- Book ahead, especially on weekends, as Brawn is popular and can get busy.
- Visit during weekday lunchtimes for a quieter experience and to avoid peak crowds.
- Try the seafood pasta and lemon tart, which are standout dishes praised by many diners.
- Explore the natural wine list with staff recommendations to complement your meal.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Brawn location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Brawn
A Culinary Legacy in East London’s Columbia Road
Brawn has established itself as a cornerstone of Shoreditch’s dining scene, nestled on the bustling Columbia Road near the famous flower market. Founded by chef-patron Ed Wilson, the restaurant has evolved over more than a decade into a refined yet unpretentious venue, blending Mediterranean influences with British sensibilities. Despite its name suggesting robust, meat-heavy fare, Brawn’s menu is celebrated for its delicate seafood dishes and seasonal ingredients, reflecting a commitment to freshness and simplicity.Seasonal Menus and Signature Dishes
The kitchen at Brawn crafts a rotating menu that changes with the seasons, ensuring each visit offers new culinary delights. Signature dishes include the much-praised seafood pasta, known for its perfect balance and freshness, and rustic mains such as braised rabbit agnolotti and veal blanquette. Starters like whipped smoked cod’s roe and crab with blood orange showcase the kitchen’s skill in marrying textures and vibrant flavours. Desserts, including standout lemon tart and rhubarb mille-feuille, provide a beautifully balanced finish to the meal.An Inviting Atmosphere with a Vintage Twist
The restaurant’s interior is light and airy, featuring large windows that flood the space with daylight. Vintage mid-century chairs and a forest of empty wine bottles on whitewashed walls create a charming, relaxed ambiance. Music lovers will appreciate the old-school hip-hop playing from vintage speakers, adding a youthful, energetic vibe to the dining experience. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and lively buzz, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.Exceptional Service and Wine Selection
Brawn is known for its friendly, knowledgeable staff who provide attentive and flawless service. The wine list is a highlight, featuring an array of natural and biodynamic wines alongside traditional selections, catering to adventurous and classic palates alike. Staff are happy to recommend pairings that enhance the Mediterranean-inspired dishes, enriching the overall dining experience.Community and Culinary Culture
As a neighborhood institution, Brawn reflects the vibrant cultural tapestry of Shoreditch. It draws a diverse clientele, from local professionals to food enthusiasts traveling from afar. The restaurant’s focus on shared plates encourages conviviality and exploration, making it a social hub where guests can savor a variety of flavours in a single meal. Its proximity to Columbia Road flower market adds to the locale’s charm, especially during market days when the street buzzes with energy.Balancing Tradition and Innovation
While Brawn honors Mediterranean culinary traditions, it also embraces modern dining trends with its seasonal approach and natural wine emphasis. The kitchen’s creativity shines in the thoughtful presentations and flavour combinations, though some dishes lean towards rustic comfort food. This blend of refinement and approachability has helped Brawn maintain its relevance and appeal in London’s competitive restaurant scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Arnold Circus
0.5 km
Arnold Circus: The historic heart of London's first council estate, born from slum clearance and social reform, now a vibrant community landmark.
Shoreditch Church
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Explore Shoreditch’s historic Palladian church, a sanctuary of Shakespearean theatre heritage and architectural grandeur in vibrant East London.
Stairway to Heaven, Bethnal Green Memorial
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A powerful inverted staircase memorial in Bethnal Green Gardens, honouring the 173 civilians who died in the 1943 tube shelter disaster, the worst civilian loss of life in Britain during WWII.
Northumbria University - London
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Explore Northumbria University in London, where vibrant culture meets innovative education in the heart of the city.
Finsbury Square
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Discover Finsbury Square, London's tranquil urban park featuring lush greenery, rich history, and a lively atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration.
St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
1.4 km
Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
1.4 km
Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
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Discover Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, a historical cemetery in London, offering a peaceful escape and the final resting place of literary legends.
182 Bishopsgate
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Discover 182 Bishopsgate, where London’s ancient gateway history meets the vibrant pulse of the modern financial district.
Devonshire Square
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Liverpool Street
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Explore the vibrant heart of London at Liverpool Street Station, a historic transport hub with modern amenities and access to iconic attractions.
Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
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Bevis Marks Synagogue
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Discover Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the UK, where rich history and stunning architecture meet in the heart of London.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
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A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
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Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hackney City Farm
0.4 km
Discover a vibrant urban farm in East London where city life meets sustainable farming, friendly animals, and community spirit.
BrewDog Shoreditch
0.5 km
Discover BrewDog Shoreditch: A vibrant bar and restaurant offering craft beers, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of East London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Shoreditch
0.6 km
Discover The Cocktail Club in Shoreditch, a trendy cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night in London.
Nomadic community
0.7 km
A hidden creative sanctuary off Brick Lane, blending street art, community spirit, and sustainable urban gardening in East London.
Callooh Callay
0.7 km
Discover Callooh Callay, an enchanting cocktail bar in London, where innovative drinks meet a whimsical atmosphere.
Shoreditch Balls
0.7 km
Discover the perfect blend of cocktails and miniature golf at Shoreditch Balls, a vibrant hotspot in London's eclectic Shoreditch district.
Trafik
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Discover Trafik, a lively club and bar in London's Old Street, offering a vibrant nightlife experience with eclectic music and delicious cocktails.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
0.7 km
A whimsical monster-themed gift shop in London supporting creative writing charity for kids with quirky treats and curious curiosities.
Hoxton Square
0.7 km
Historic Hoxton Square is a vibrant garden oasis at the core of East London's creative and nightlife scene.
Sunset Bar
0.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of London at Sunset Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere in a stylish setting.
Spitalfields City Farm
0.8 km
A free-entry city farm in East London where rare-breed animals, organic gardens and a community tea hut create a peaceful rural escape in the heart of the city.
Brick Ln
0.8 km
Discover Brick Lane: London's vibrant street filled with rich history, eclectic shops, and tantalizing food from around the world.
The Hoxton Pony
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Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Hoxton Pony in Shoreditch, where creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere make for an unforgettable evening.
Village Underground
0.8 km
A vibrant East London cultural hotspot blending live music, street art, and creative community in a historic warehouse setting.
Shoreditch
0.9 km
East London's creative playground where street art, markets, and nightlife collide in authentic, ever-evolving style.
Essential places to dine
Brawn
0.0 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
The Clove Club
0.7 km
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Nest Restaurant Old Street
0.7 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Lyle's
0.7 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Da Terra Restaurant
1.0 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.3 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Behind Restaurant
1.4 km
An intimate Michelin-starred fish tasting restaurant in London Fields offering immersive chef-served seasonal menus in an open kitchen setting.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.5 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.5 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
14 Hills
2.0 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
2.2 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
2.3 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
St. John
2.4 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Hackney Church Brew Co.
2.4 km
A vibrant brewery and taproom in Hackney Central blending craft beers, open-flame cooking, and a welcoming community spirit.
Madison
2.4 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Luna & Curious
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Brick Lane Souvenirs
0.8 km
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DPUS Designer Outlet
0.9 km
Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
69b Boutique Sustainable Style
1.1 km
London’s first boutique dedicated to stylish, sustainable fashion with a focus on ethical brands and eco-friendly materials.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.5 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Middlesex Textiles
1.5 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Barbican Shop
1.9 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
The Royal Exchange
2.1 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Unique Gifts
2.2 km
A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Pop Up Luxury Shop
2.2 km
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1 Poultry
2.2 km
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Traders Gate
2.3 km
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Tower of London Shop
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Smithfield Market
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One New Change
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
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TT
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Tonight Josephine - Shoreditch
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Ballie Ballerson London
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The Sun Tavern
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Satan's Whiskers
1.0 km
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Simmons Bar | Old Street
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Nightjar Shoreditch
1.2 km
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Old Fountain
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The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
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Aviary
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Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Basing House - Shoreditch
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An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
E1
2.3 km
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London Best Night Clubs
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The Steel Yard
2.5 km
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Carwash Nightclub
3.8 km
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Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
3.9 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Proud Late
3.9 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Egg London Nightclub
4.0 km
Experience marathon electronic music sessions in a converted Victorian warehouse with vibrant terraces and world-class DJs at Egg London Nightclub.
Ministry of Sound
4.0 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
The Roxy
4.2 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
4.2 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Cirque Du Soul
4.3 km
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We Are Waterloo
4.3 km
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STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
4.4 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
The Ivy Club
4.4 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Casual
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly