Brighton’s outpost of the famous US chain; a touch more upmarket in decor and ingredients, but still ultimately pretty cheap stuff. Just: not bad, but not something you’d seek out.
Verdict: Ok
Location: 95-99 Western Road
The French Horn
What a nice surprise this pub was. Cosy inside, with (at least when we went) a fairly raucous after work drinks crowd, the staff simply can’t be helpful enough. And the food was just AMAZING. We both had raclette burgers which rivalled specialists Coggings across the road (two for £12 on Thursdays!), huge plate of onion rings, and raclette garlic bread with huge amounts of garlic. Absolutely top food and seriously good value.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 82 Dyke Road
Bincho Yakitori
This place is always booked up, and it’s easy to see why – a cosy, warm space, mostly at the “bar”, serving up a wide range of yakitori, at worst good, at best – stunning. And doesn’t break the bank either!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 63 Preston Street
Iris Food
Nice cosy caff right by the station; reasonably priced and good food!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 3 Terminus Road
Can’t find a website
Creams
Dessert only place; haven’t been in but got Deliveroo, and a very sad sundae for the almost £8 they want it was too.
Edit: Now I’ve been in. While not as warm and nice inside as Sprinkles, the ice cream and the cookie dough in particular were amazing!
Verdict: Don’t go (takeaway), Awesome (dine in)
Location: 86 Western Road
The Bok Shop
A cool, independent fried chicken place should be right up my street, with a “Bossman” burger with chicken, hash browns and BBQ sauce, fried chicken pieces etc. Should be, but the very best I can say is “ok”, if I’m being generous, and given the price, won’t be going again.
Verdict: Don’t go
Location: 3-4 East Street
Patty & Bun
Another London classic gets a Brighton outpost. I didn’t think too much of Patty & Bun when I went in London, but either things are different here or I was wrong. This place is OUTSTANDING. Burgers are juicy as anything and chicken salt fries (and normal ones for that matter) are crispy and hot. Even during Pride, which is well done. Only drawback is that they’re pretty pricey, but not crazy. Go!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 56 Ship Street
Bison Beer – Hove Bar + Bottleshop
Bison started as a craft beer shop in the Lanes, and recently opened their second location which is a bar and bottleshop, so falls under our remit. As a shop, it’s excellent for craft beer, wide range, great service. For me, as a bar, not great – really, it’s a shop with a couple of tables in it. Fine, but not a place to hang out.
Verdict: Ok
Location: 57 Church Road
Marroccos
Popular Italian restaurant known for two things: being a great Italian restaurant, and gelato. Can’t speak to the former, but can now understand why on a hot day people are queueing out the door for the latter! Not expensive either with generous scoops.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 8 King’s Esplanade
V and H
Smallish cafe that we went to for breakfast. Food really tip top and very reasonably priced. Not their fault, but avoid Dalston cola! Only downside is not much seating so probably gets very busy of a weekend.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 63 Holland Road