Tag Archives: bramble gastropub

British restaurateur expands her food empire with the opening of Heron in Toronto’s west end

The logo speaks of upscale cuisine

Jenny Gibbes keeps a very low profile with hardly any social media activity, media mentions or large-scale announcements. My instincts are that this British ex-pat prefers her culinary success to speak on her behalf, and on that front, she’s literally shouting from the rooftops!

Since 2014, Jenny has opened four restaurants — one on Lakeshore — and two on Bloor Street West by Royal York Road (technically, the third one she took over but more on that in a minute). They are all within walking distance of each other with excellent foot traffic and window appeal. You want to go inside and eat.

Literally weeks ago, Jenny opened her fourth location along the same stretch of Bloor, called simply Heron.

But, let’s take a step back.

In 2014 she opened Kitchen on Sixth (Lakeshore), a distinctly British-style eatery and we gave it a respectable Brits in Toronto 4/5 stars. The menu has changed many times since then, but if you went in today, some example dishes include Stuffed Yorkie, Pie & Mash, Pork & Beans and Bubble & Squeak Gnocchi and — of course — a Full English.

They also have specials including Dirty Burger Wednesdays and Roast Dinners on Sunday (huge portions, by the way).

Her next opening was Bramble Gastropub, another Brit-inspired, sleek and classy (but not snobby) cosy restaurant on Bloor. You’ll see the Queen Mum as you walk in. We gave it a top-notch Brits in Toronto 5/5 stars and it’s definitely one of our favourites in the area.

It is laid out like your grandmother’s front room (yeah, we know how that sounds!) but trust us, it’s a very nice and intimate spot for a date night, and has a lively atmosphere too. There’s a private dining room out back and a refurbished patio.

At Bramble you’ll find an upscale Fish & Chips (with wasabi slaw, pickled plum tartar, charred lemon), Scotch Egg, Oysters, Seared Scallops, Steak Tartare and Bone Marrow, Sausage & Mash, Pan Seared Duck Breast, Chicken Tikka, Steak & Ale Pie among other delights.

Similar to Kitchen on Sixth, they also do specials including Martini Mondays (all Jenny’s restaurants are licensed), Buck-A-Shuck Oysters and another Full Roast on Sunday (we HIGHLY recommend upgrading to the Prime Rib).

So far, so good, right? But Jenny didn’t stop there.

She then took over Merlot — an already excellent and now even better — French Bistro just down the street on Bloor. (No review from Brits in Toronto because it’s, um, French.)

All the regulars are here: French Onion Soup, Lobster Bisque, Spring Cassoulet, Calf’s Liver, Chicken Chasseur and Steak Frites, among others. Want more you picky thing? OK, check out the separate rooftop patio menu and thank us — or merci — later! Oh, and live jazz on Thursdays.

So, where were we again? Oh yeah — Heron.

Now, this one is a little bit of a mystery to Brits in Toronto. It only opened a few weeks ago and details are scant. We haven’t been yet. But seeing as it’s just steps along Bloor — or what will eventually be known as Jenny Gibbes Boulevard — we will surely check it out.

Early reviews on social media are good. Here is their Instagram page with menu that includes Caviar, Poached Lobster, Octopus Carpaccio, Uni Carbonara, Rabbit and Bison. This definitely speaks to the discerning diner and we can’t wait to try it.

From personal experience, Jenny is also a VERY generous patron who supports people when needed and the local community and charitable causes.

So, four restaurants in and counting. We are extremely impressed with Jenny’s expanding culinary empire and now regret writing this as we probably won’t be able to get a table soon once the word is out.

Just joking, Jenny, you deserve it all. See you soon!

Totally biased product review by me — Bramble Gastropub

They certainly don’t skimp on portion sizes

I heard about a new British eaterie at Bloor Street West and Royal York Road called Bramble Gastropub so perused the menu.

Scotch Egg with Lamb Sausage? Check. Sausage and Mashed? Check. Finchley Fish and Chips? Check. Poutine with Pheasant Confit? Check.

All looked amazing, but thought I’d plump for the traditional Sunday British roast of roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, seasonal veg and gravy. It costs $26 and you can also get dessert for $7. They deliver too if you’re in the area.

Well, have to say it was absolutely delish. As mentioned in the photo caption they certainly don’t skimp on portion sizes. It was actually enough for dinner and lunch next day unless you can really eat huge amounts of (medium rare perfection) roast beef … massive Yorkshire puddings … loads of veg … and really nice crispy roasties. Those were my favourite part of the meal to be honest. So good.

You push yourself away from the table, a little stuffed, but still have room for dessert. How about the Eton Mess? This is strawberry meringue, gooseberry, burnt marshmallow and golden cake. Hits the spot.

The Eton Mess

All in all a really solid Sunday roast and I give it a rare Brits in Toronto 5/5 stars. Looking forward to trying some of their other menu items soon.