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Old Town 97 - BrentfordB+Worth Trying

Name: Old Town 97 - Brentford
Address: Unit 8, Brentford Lock, Middlesex, High St, Brentford TW8 8AQ, Brentford, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.8

Unit 8, Brentford Lock, Middlesex, High St, Brentford TW8 8AQ · Chinese restaurant, Cantonese restaurant · 4.8/5 Google (486 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

A lively Cantonese spot by Brentford Lock delivering roast meats, dim sum, and cha chaan teng comforts with warm service; occasional delivery inconsistencies and some bland dishes reported.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Old Town 97 delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by excellent roast duck, LSE fried rice, and salted egg specialties, paired with genuinely attentive service that creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. However, inconsistent execution—occasional blandness and portion variance—prevents the restaurant from reaching grade A territory, though it remains competitive with the area's better casual dining establishments. The relaxed riverside setting and generous portions appeal to families and regulars seeking dependable Cantonese comfort rather than culinary distinction.

Restaurant Summary

Set by the canal, Old Town 97 in Brentford hums with a warm, lively energy that feels neighborhood-first rather than touristy. Staff come across as genuinely welcoming—one diner even got chopstick tips—and plates arrive looking polished. A guest summed it up: "crispy duck, silky egg rice, and tender brisket made the meal memorable." The cooking leans classic Cantonese with cha chaan teng comforts—think roast duck, brisket in Malaysian-style curry, dim sum, and that signature LSE fried rice—plus a few playful touches like salted egg specialties and pistachio lava toast. It suits diners who crave dependable, wok-kissed flavors more than culinary theater, although a handful of dishes can skew mild for spice-chasers. Families fit right in thanks to a relaxed room and kid-friendly staples like fried rice and noodles, roast meats, and mild dumplings. There is no explicit kids menu noted, but portions are generous and sharing works well; picky eaters should steer toward simple roast rice or chow mein.

At a Glance

Excellent roast duck, LSE fried rice, and salted egg dishes
Friendly, attentive service with neighborhood vibe
Generous portions make prices feel fair for many
Delivery quality and portion consistency can vary
Some dishes reported as bland or underseasoned

What Sets It Apart

signature_roast_duck
hong_kong_tea_drinks
riverside_relaxed_vibe

What People Love

Crispy, juicy roast duck
Silky egg-topped fried rice
Warm, helpful service
Old-school Hong Kong milk tea

Points of Concern

Delivery orders show variable heat and portion size compared with dine-in
Occasional bland soups or curries; seasoning varies by dish
Service delays during peak or holiday periods
Automatic service charge plus tip prompt may surprise some

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£32-45 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Pair a roast meat rice (£14-£20) with a dim sum starter and HK iced lemon tea for balance.
If sensitive to salt, request lighter seasoning; staff have accommodated dietary notes.

Perfect For

Casual dinners by the canal
Group meals with shareable dishes
Comforting Cantonese cravings
Pre or post-match eats near Twickenham

Location Insights

Area: Riverside mixed-use Brentford Lock with residential, offices, and casual dining; suits locals and match-day crowds.

Safety: Generally safe and well-trafficked waterside area with good lighting and footfall.

Nearby: Near canal paths, housing, pubs; accessible to Twickenham match-goers per reviews.

Brentford LockBrentford Lock is a vibrant micro-neighborhood centered around the canal and lock area, featuring a mix of waterside pubs, restaurants, and boutique shops. The dining scene here is casual and relaxed, often attracting people looking for scenic views and a laid-back atmosphere near the water.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–15:00, 16:00–22:00 Tuesday12:00–15:00, 16:00–22:00 Wednesday12:00–15:00, 16:00–22:00 Thursday12:00–15:00, 16:00–22:00 Friday12:00–15:00, 16:00–22:30 Saturday12:00–22:30 Sunday12:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

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