A chain, sure, but a nice big site without the mad London queues. Set menu excellent!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 160 North Street
The Druid’s Head
Perfectly serviceable but unremarkable Taylor Walker/Greene King pub; not pots of atmosphere (despite the atmospheric-looking exterior), just a standard well-lit chain pub.
Verdict: Ok
Location: 9 Brighton Place
http://www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub/druids-head-brighton/c1336
The Old Bank Steak & Ribs
A simple interior but with comfy booths if you’re lucky, and lovely service. A steak was had and was delicious, but the famous ribs, well, deserve to be famous. Really excellent BBQ sauce and tasty chips. Also, Monday is all you can eat ribs and wings, and the wings were pretty great too. All of which comes for not much money at all. Brilliant.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 120A St George’s Road
Tropical Sushi at Oseta Cafe
Latin-Japanese fusion pop-up, evenings at Oseta Cafe. Actually insanely good, sushi with Latin influences like plantains on top or mango drizzle. Quite apart from that, just made with incredible care and lovely presentation. Tops.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 32 North Road
Heart & Hand
Small and cosy little pub with stained glass windows, lots of tables, and home-made vodka shots. Resident cat too although I didn’t see it!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 75 North Road
Touro
All you can eat Brazilian steakhouse where they come to your table with skewers and slice off all sorts. Not all 100% amazing, but loads of them were. Only downside was buffet food to go with it was cold (eg fries) but I just ate more than 10 kinds of meat and was delighted.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 65-75 West Street
The Coal Shed
Had high hopes for this noted steak and fish resto. Mostly all good. Delicious steak and chips, delicious gnocchi, and delicious petit fours. Holding it back would be the fact that seating is crammed in a bit more than I would like, but on balance excellent.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 8 Boyce’s Street
The Hope & Ruin
Random little place with school-like chairs, a bath, random stuff all over the place – but good selection in the booze department, and an awesome vegan kitchen. Loved loaded fries with chilli non carne, mac ‘n cheese and tofu hot dogs.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 11 Queens Road
La Cave à Fromage
Really more of a fancy cheese shop this, but they hold events. I was taken to a fondue evening and man. Man. Incredible, proper melted cheese – some sort of scientific blend for fondue goodness – with piles of interesting bread pieces and a selection of meats. So, so good.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 34 Western Road
The Freemasons
To fit the name the outside is all Masonic symbols, but inside it’s an awesome pub. Lots of space, big tables with benches, couches, all great stuff. Major points there. Only had a drink in there but the menu, including roasts, looks extremely excellent.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 39 Western Road