Tiny reviews of Brighton food and drink
Bills itself as a “not-so-greasy spoon” in the Open Market. Bless them, the chap was really lovely, and the food incredibly cheap, so they’ve got that going, but it was pretty below par (average eggs, cold beans on toast) and the whole place smelt of the kitchen.
Verdict: Don’t go
Location: Unit 4 Marshall Row
Small, 20 cover restaurant doing set and tasting menus – we did the latter. A lot to love – a passionate team (seriously) making food focused on local ingredients, and all the drink is British. Some deliciousness on the menu especially brined slow roasted carrot, and lamb with aubergine paste. Matching wines a bit hit and miss but matching juice (yes, juice) offered fascinating combinations. Final verdict though is that it’s just way too expensive for what it is – superior experiences to be had elsewhere for less; worth one go, but no more.
Verdict: Ok
Location: 2 Gloucester Street
Neapolitan pizzeria – lovely bright and airy restaurant, and lovely staff. Food excellent and very reasonably priced. Not the best pizza in Brighton, but that’s more because that’s a competitive field. I enjoyed mine very much!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 14 West Street
I’m normally the first to defend a Wetherspoons – cheap but cheerful and normally quite good. Not this one, it’s huge and has all the decorating panache of a 1970s comprehensive. No charm to offset the loudly drunk people – go to the other Wetherspoons!
Verdict: Don’t go
Location: 20-22A West Street
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/east-sussex/the-bright-helm-brighton
Shack serving up “organic dirty burgers” under the Trafalgar Street Arches. Tricky this. Proprietor is lovely, and the burger I had was EXTREMELY tasty…but tiny for the money, which can be just under £10 for not much. Clearly made with love, but too expensive for what it is.
Verdict: Ok
Location: Trafalgar Street Arches
Cracking Victorian pub, with loads of space, varying areas (big tables vs small but highly cushioned) and tasty food (had great burgers, enjoyable pork belly baguette special – and AMAZING brownie). Rock solid.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 15 Black Lion Street
Hove Park is unexpectedly amazing, and so is its cafe. Most park cafes are just so-so, but this one has an extraordinary selection of tasty-looking cakes, brilliant-looking ready made sandwiches of all descriptions, plus cooked food including breakfast. Have yours outside on the huge amount of outdoor seating!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: Park View Road
Fried chicken delivered, and have to say, very well done. The true test of fried chicken delivery is the chips. Hot? Or cold and soggy? Difficult to achieve. LFC, who in fairness are very close to my house, did very well. Nuggets, popcorn chicken, chips, garlic bread, all good.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 37 Ditchling Road
Cool old-school tiled facade to this pub; walk in and the first impression wasn’t great (figured one of those stripped down boozers). But that was wrong – grab your beer and go behind the bar and there’s a really nice seating area with maps on the wall. Didn’t try, but the menu is full of pub classics and looks great.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 6 Duke Street
Great little funky deli in the heart of North Laine. Really nice people in there; tried a cheese and a cheese and bacon latke, both delicious, especially with recommended mustard/mayo combo. Vast blackboard of interesting looking deli sandwiches too!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 4 Gardner Street