Star & Garter

Another venture from the Pond and Easy Tiger people, both of which we like a lot. Easy Tiger is more a resto that happens to be a pub, the Pond a fancy pub with a specialty menu. The Star & Garter is more of a boozer with a specialty menu; it’s rather close and loud in there with any amount of people. But really went there for the “Detroit style” pizza, deep dish stuff. Worth a try, and I thought the toppings were delicious, but it does get rather bready. Loaded fries not so much my bag but my companion enjoyed. Overall, something different but I wouldn’t go again.

Verdict: Ok

Location: Kings Road, BN1 1NE

https://www.starandgarterbrighton.com/

Nostos

A tough call this. Been meaning to go for ages, and had a lovely table outside. On a Wednesday they have a package street food deal for £21 which has spreads/pitta, starters, and meat/chips. It’s bonkers value and pretty tasty. But when we went the wait was insane, we were warned that there was 30 minutes on food but an hour later we had to ask for our food to be boxed up.

Verdict: Ok

Location: 63a Holland Road

https://www.nostos-hove.co.uk/

Seven Stars

Having passed this many times but never gone in, I had a glass of wine in here and it’s so nice! Way more substantial than you would expect, with a massive vaulted skylight ceiling in the back. Food menu looks ok but can confirm a charming place.

Verdict: Awesome

Location: 27 Ship Street

https://seven-stars.pub/

Rudy’s

A new branch of a chain I’d never heard of, in the massive space that used to house the Chilli Pickle. Napoletana Pizza – boldly right next to a big ol’ Pizza Express. Was fortunate enough to enjoy a pizza each on the house for their opening, and had a great fennel sausage pizza. Really great crust, and quite large, although we felt they cheaped out a bit on how much they spread out the toppings (as in toppings more suitable for a smaller pizza). Still excellent, and they were such lovely staff, and it’s a great airy space. But, you know, there’s a lot of pizza about already, so good luck to them.

Verdict: Awesome

Location: 17 Jubilee Street

https://www.rudyspizza.co.uk/location/brighton/

The Gin Tub

Have wanted to go here for YEARS since the conceit is they have retro phones on each table which you use to order your drinks. Just went in for one on a Friday night, they will make you share a table if there’s just two of you and it gets busy, but that’s fair enough. Nice cosy vibe, bustling but you can hear each other pretty well. And had an amazing jaffa cake gin!

Verdict: Awesome

Location: 16 Church Road

https://www.thegintub.co.uk/

Topolino

Stopped in on a quiet night, very nice service, a nice spot! The pasta I would say was above average, really delicious carbonara sauce in particular, but a very average side salad. Overall had a nice time, but unfortunately for Topolino the competition for Italian is VERY strong and for quality/price I can’t give it top marks.

Verdict: Ok

Location: 97 Church Road

https://www.topolino.uk/

Yemen Mandi

As the name suggests, Yemeni food, which is new to me; lots of lamb. Really enjoyed lamb and okra, minced meat with vegetables, and really tasty bread to pull apart and dip etc. And an amazing cheese sauce thing on the side. I say awesome but it’s pretty rusty as a restaurant in terms of service, speed, giving you a glass with your can of drink though. And be careful as loads of stuff comes with bread and it’s enormous, you probably don’t need more!

Verdict: Awesome

Location: 79 London Road

https://yemenmandi.co.uk/