Getting a booking for their lunch tour had been quite difficult over the past few months. They have recently engaged a new Sales & P.R. Manager, who we thought was fantastic! She was quick to respond and was very clear about booking conditions etc. The lunch itself was okay, not worth the amount they asked for. We've been to many places like this, around the country & world, and we just didn't feel it was worth what they asked for. We didn't even get our 3 glasses of wine. The staff, I have to say, were really really good! They would be the reason I would go back. The owner herself was very indifferent to us. Not hospitable at all. I don't know if I'd go back here.
Brown's cheeses are the best local cheeses and they now have a great many to choose from. Quality wise, I cannot fault them, they take great care and obviously put a lot of love into their work. Also available are dips and cream cheeses and they never fail to surprise you whenever there is a fair. Friendly and polite as always, it is a pleasure to buy their products.
My son (12 yewars old) and I went to Brown's in April for the cheese factory tour and lunch. We arrived about 30 minutes early, and the staff were wonderful, suggesting a walk on the nature trail or a drink on the patio while we waited. After canapes and drinks, we received the lesson on how cheese is made, changed into our lab coats to tour the factory, received the tour, and then had a great cheese sampler plate, followed by lunch in the garden. There were maybe 20 people in attendance at the tour and lunch. One of the owners conducted the tour, happily answered all questions, and made sure we were well taken care of. Lunch was wonderful, and it was a nice, leisurely afternoon. Also, as you drive to Brown's, you pass some of Kenya's tea and coffee plantations, which was a nice extra. This was my son's fifth visit, and my first, but we'll definitely be back. This is one of Nairobi's best experiences and values!
I've been to the cheese factory twice and have recommended it to many others. It's a phenomenal experience - definitely work the drive and cost. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you visit:1. Directions: If you are taking a taxi to the factory, print out the directions and take them with you. Although it's a great place, it's off the beaten path and is not a frequent destination - at least not to the extent that taxi drivers will know what you're talking about.2. Cheese vs. Meal: A common comment that I have heard from visitors is confusion over the meal that is served. In the backyard of the factory, the staff serves plates with a variety of cheeses to sample, along with bread, jams, etc. And, a staff member provides a brief explanation of each one. However, that is NOT the meal. Unbelievably, there is more! So, don't stuff yourself on bread.3. Buy Cheese: We compared prices of cheese at the factory with prices at Nakumatt in town. The difference was at least less than 50%, if not more significant. And, there are all kinds of specialty cheeses at the factory that you won't find elsewhere. If you ask nicely, they might sell you some.4. Family: I've brought my son, who was eight years old at the time, and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience - the whole thing. It involves a bit of maturity, patience, and interest on the part of kids. But, for the right kids, it is a really terrific time.This place is by far a highlight of visiting the Nairobi area. I live in Central Africa, so in particular appreciate the varieties that are available, as well as the challenge to status quo industry in the region. It's well worth the time and cost.
We went for a friends birthday and had a fantastic time, being shown around the factory and the farm. It was interesting comparing how cheeses are made here and in the UK. The meal was a selection of different cheeses with the crackers. Very filling but not suitable if you don't like cheese :( Which luckily the party did and demolished the meal, followed by ice cream. There was also the opportunity to purchase cheeses to take home which of course we all did. Well worth a visit, even if off the beaten track and we did get a little lost due to insufficient signage.
A vist to Browns is a treat in many ways. I was with a group and we had a wonderful lunch out on the grounds after touring the pretty farm and interesting cheese factory. I love what the very involved owner is doing there and appreciate her striving to produce an excellent product.
Best cheeses in Kenya = Death by cheese!!!Great hosts. Great food = Death by cheese!!!The whole family enjoyed!
I went with my wife , we really enjoyed the atmosphere, the food ,the hospitality and the experience ,It's recommended.
We were in the Tigoni area and called Sun Power Products Ltd (commonly known as Brown's Cheese) to ask if we could stop by to buy some cheese on Wednesday 23rd Dec.The tours we learnt were closed until 2015.The 3 of us arrived shortly thereafter and their staff welcomed us only for some strange white man (we later learned was one of the owners called Andrew) to 'follow' us around the shop without once greeting us but somehow managing to make his presence felt very patronizingly.One of us looked him in the eye and said hello,ah only then he responded.I didn't pick up on it until as we left,parking is very tight so we had to reverse out.Andrew drove his car almost menacingly towards us and one of us said...do you see that? Clearly his car had been ready for a long time but he wasn't about to leave us in the shop in case...??what?..we got free cheese? or some rotten gouda like they tried to sell us?It is unbelievable that in the 21st Century in Kenya some 3rd/4th generation kaburu can still be like this.Andrew is bloody racist and his cheese like him deserves to be shamed.Terrible experience not to be recommended for anyone.
One of the best trips out of Nairobi. You have to book well in advance and they have a minimum numbers for your party, so get your friends together.Brown's Cheese farm is situated about 45 minutes out of Nairobi in rolling hills of Lamuru. You drive through tea estates en-route so a great idea if you have visitors from out of town.When you arrive, you don white overalls and hat and go for a tour of the "factory" I am still amazed that they make all that cheese there and was convinced that they had a HUGE factory hidden behind the trees. After the factory tour, there is a yummy cheese tasting, followed by buffet lunch in the garden. Food for the lunch is mostly sourced directly from the farm. Included in the price as your welcome drink and wine and soft drinks, during lunch. Altogether, a lovely day out. I think I have been three times.