Birthday at Browns

On Wednesday it was my birthday. I kind of like to make a big deal of birthdays. I know it’s not to everyone’s taste to, but I wake up nice and early, spring out of bed, indulge in a scrummy breakfast of whatever tickles my fancy (because calories do not count on birthdays… duh!) and wait slightly impatiently by the letter box. I get all excited and giddy about a day that let’s be honest here, is dedicated to me. One day when I can justify saying no to doing anything remotely chore like.

While I did get many suggestions on twitter from you guys of hosting a kid’s party complete with bouncy castle, jelly and ice-cream and goodie bags, I decided rather maturely to go out for dinner with my closest friends to Browns in Manchester.

Browns Bar and Brasserie is set in one of Manchester’s former banking halls, with opulent art, nouveau detailing, double height ceilings, marble pillars, clean, black lines, and to top it off a sleek grand piano. It screams Manchester’s young professionals.

I firmly believe presents should be given with great care and attention. Anyone can splash the cash and buy an expensive gift, but when it is something personal and meaningful to that individual then it becomes far more valuable. On Wednesday I scored the jackpot on that front. My oldest friend Becky bought me a Pandora Camera charm, as let’s be honest with my blog, I am permanently attached to my camera, often to the detest of my dates. 

From my former university flatmates? Well, just look! 

You cannot get any more perfect! So watch this space, you never know I may be implementing a few wise words from Zoe soon.

For starters we ranged from venison slices to lobster croquets, all paired with equally delicious cocktails of course. Mine is a French Martini or a Singapore sling if anyone’s buying by the way.

The pork belly is honestly to die for. It literally melted in my mouth, and the apples were soft, sweet but tart enough to cut through the richness of the pork.

With cocktails and food aplenty, it was a great way to catch up with all my friends. Having graduated in July, most of us have all gone in opposite directions across the country, with Nessa being in bloomin’ Portsmouth! Also I have less than 2 weeks left in my home town, as on the 1st September I am moving to London to start my career and without getting deep, the rest of my life. So I will also be leaving behind my home friends too. It’s strange really as it was also the last time I’ll get everyone in the same room together for quite a while I am guessing. 

My dress is my new cheeky little purchase from Topshop. I couldn't resist the eclectic print. Plus the loose style hides a food baby perfectly. 

Even though I really didn’t need dessert I just can’t resist something sweet. I am firmly in the dessert camp when it comes to starter vs. dessert (I’m sorry sugar or more savoury? How can you compare?)  So when the desert menu even had a section dedicated just for brownies, well that just sold it (and remember calories do not count on birthdays). Even better, a little birdie told Browns it was my birthday and out came my dessert with a cold glass of champagne and my own little birthday message.

I have no idea what next year’s birthday is going to be like. Right now I have no idea where I will be on that day, who I will be with, but right now, I  know I want to be with these beautiful friends (and my family) because it’s the in material relationships that are most important as we pass each birthday.  

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Birthday, Browns bar and brasserie, Cocktails, Eating Out, Food, Friends, lifestyle, Manchester, topshop