Following on from reports last month, the group said that both the Browns restaurant and cocktail bar on Duke Street, which are connected at the back but separated on the street by a retail unit, will close tomorrow (9 May) having traded for more than 50 years.
A spokesperson for Browns said: “It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm Browns in Brighton will close after 52 glorious years.
“It isn’t something we wanted to happen, but unfortunately our lease has expired and despite our best efforts it has not been possible negotiate a new term.
“We’ve had a lot of fun over the years and made a lot of friends. We’ve been there for countless landmark celebrations and we will miss you.”
Browns is one of the oldest brasserie chains in the country having been established in Brighton by Jeremy Mogford back in 1973.
The group is now owned by Mitchells & Butlers, which acquired the business in the late 1990s.
“Brighton has been incredibly important to us,” the spokesperson continued.
“It was the very first Browns to open way back in 1973 and the success of its classic seasonal food and signature cocktails has been replicated at 26 venues across the country.
“Our major focus is redeploying our wonderful team who have all made the business what it is today, and we thank you all for all of your dedication and hard work over the years.”
In 2023 Browns marked its 50th birthday with a £2.5m refurbishment of its West End restaurant in London’s Covent Garden (pictured) that featured a more contemporary and luxe interior.
Other Browns restaurants to subsequently undergo refurbishments include its locations in Cambridge, Exeter and, most recently, Southgate.