American Delights at The New Club & Seven Bees
The New Club has firmly anchored Brighton's affection for burgers in place, even extending its offering to a special breakfast serving. This tasty concoction features a piquant sausage patty, a perfectly cooked egg ensconced within a blanket of delectably melted cheese and served up on a glossy brioche bun. Adding another classic American breakfast option, patrons can enjoy their Boston-style boxty hash browns that come with a succulent side of crispy bacon and fried eggs, demonstrating the establishment's effortless interpretation of the authentic American diner.
As the day progresses, The New Club reveals a tantalizing selection of favorite "dirty" diner classics. It’s unique offerings encompass everything from mouthwatering pastrami sandwiches and zesty fish tacos to crispy fried chicken plates and an array of impressive burger options. From this enthralling menu choices, it is safe to say that the New Club and Seven Bees stands as a bastion for American-inspired dining in Brighton.
When it comes to the best value for your money in Brighton's gastronomical scene, tossing your hangover at more costly venues like the New Club - despite its prized seaside spot - isn't necessarily your only choice. Dive into Brighton's buzzing eateries and discover a less-costly alternative that doesn’t settle for less in quality or taste. If you’re looking to not merely nibble but savour a full English breakfast for less than a fiver, then Seven Bees stands out remarkably.
Although located in an unassuming alley off Ship Street, Seven Bees is anything but an ordinary greasy spoon. What distinguishes this place is not its facade, but its commitment to using high-quality staple ingredients. Everything - from the bacon, sausages, and black pudding supplied by locally raised pigs, free-range eggs, to fresh bread baked by a fellow Hove resident - is a testament to their belief in creating a breakfast that's several notches above the rest. Even a sausage sandwich that's easy on your wallet (£3) promises a satisfying fill of richly buttered bread, crammed with ample porky - albeit generously spiced - sausage.
Here’s the deal for both places:
The New Club offers breakfasts priced between £3.50 and £8.50, as well as sandwiches and salads starting from £6.50 and mains starting from £7.50. You can reach them at 133-134 Kings Road, through contact number 01273 730320, or visit their website at thenewclubbrighton.com.
Seven Bees joins the fray with a full breakfast ranging from £4.95 to £8.50, and other breakfast items from £2.50. They're located at 7 Ship Street Gardens, and can be reached at 01273 205477. Check out their page on Facebook at facebook.com/SevenBeesCafe.
Troll's Pantry
Featured Image by Chloe Smith: Troll's Pantry
New wave burger sensation, MEATliquor, will soon add its unique flair to Brighton's bustling restaurant scene next month at the address York Place. Yet, one may ponder the need for another burger joint in a town already brimming with burger mavens who have perfected the art of tender, succulent, and out-of-this-world patty crafting. One such enthusiast is Burger Brothers, a compact takeaway hotspot located at 97 North Road. Known for its humourous staff and late-night operating hours, the buns served here leave a lingering sweetness and doughnut-like texture, making their burgers-second-to-none in Brighton, with prices starting from £5.
For those craving a burger after a refreshing sea bath, Lucky Beach is a gem among the seaside cafes and bars adorning the Kings Road arches. From tantalizing luxury mayo and bountiful brioche bun with a delightful bite in its crust, to a creative inclusion of pickled red onions, their enviable burgers start from £5.95. However, when it comes to capturing the ultimate beefy essence in a burger, Troll's Pantry outshines all.
Troll's Pantry is nestled in the sheltered beer garden situated behind Hobgoblin, a revamped Victorian pub. This spot offers an impressive selection of six local microbrews, such as Dark Star and Hammerpot, starting from £2.99 per pint. The mastermind behind Troll's, Paul Clark, is renowned for his painstaking affection for every detail, from the resilient yet spongy buns to the rum BBQ sauce for his much-loved Smoky Mountain burger. It is hard to pinpoint whether the exceptional taste comes from the 35-day aged steak mince or the frying in beef dripping. However, the mouth-watering Imperial, decorated with Sussex St Giles Cheese, presents a sheer beef experience and starts from £6.50. This potential best burger contender could leave you pondering why not get another one right away, as you wipe the juice off your wrists and bear a smile of divine satisfaction. The Hobgoblin, 31 York Place, 01273 682933, thetrollspantry.wordpress.com
Choosing accommodations in Brighton
When it comes to Brighton, visitors aren't short of comfortable and cost-effective accommodations. Whether your stay is brief or protracted, you'll find a variety of budget-friendly homestays, hostels, and boutique hotels to select from. An interesting fact about Brighton is that it was a humble fishing village before it became a popular seaside resort. Historically, the town experienced massive growth following the arrival of the railway in 1841.
If you're looking for a local favourite, check out the Harbour Hotel in Brighton at harbour-hotel.eastsussex-uk.com. This hotel combines comfort, style, and excellent hospitality, making your stay in Brighton memorable.
For those who prefer having many options to choose from, Hotels in Brighton at tophotels.com provides a comprehensive list of accommodations for all tastes and budgets.
On the other hand, if you prefer a bit more luxury in your accommodations, there are a number of Brighton 4-Star Hotels that will certainly exceed your expectations. These hotels offer top-notch services, sleek design, and first-rate amenities.
Bardsley's
Let's delve into Bardsley's illustrious history for a moment, situated in the storied Max Miller room. Sourced directly from Alamy, this photograph captures its unique charm.
Now, don't let the location of this hidden gem fool you. While you won't find Brighton's top-tier fish and chips shop along the bustling seafront, a journey to the less-forefront location of London Road will reward you with this culinary delight. Fair warning, though; the prices are not cheap. For example, a small haddock served alongside our iconic chips will cost you £7.20. But be prepared for an authentic treat as they proudly serve it, skin and all.
Since its establishment in 1926, Bardsley's has prided itself on its quality. Even after all these years, they continue to dish out delicious, buttery chips and fresh, lightly battered haddock that's so fresh it's virtually squeaking! Enjoying their luscious fish and chips might require a bit of an extra effort, but remember, the best things often do. The interior of Bardsley's showcases an unusual blend of luxe Veuve Clicquot champagne buckets and charming, vintage Max Miller posters, reflecting its deep-rooted history and commitment to quality.
Prices range from £3.70 to £11.70 for takeaways. Visit them at 22-23a Baker Street, or call at 01273 681256. Explore their menu at bardsleys-fishandchips.co.uk
La Choza
Spotlight on La Choza, Brighton
Brighton's vibrant Mexican cuisine scene comes to life at La Choza, a lively hub enticing diners with its ambience filled with wrestling masks from Mexico, skull decorations, and striking, flower-patterned furniture. La Choza is renowned for dishing out mouthwatering burritos, tacos, and quesadillas par excellence. On a culinary exploration here, I chose the intricate, slow-cooked, shredded beef over the tempting deep-fried marine delight (served in a burrito!) and the pit-charred pulled pork—each bite was a mesmerising mix of potent spices and a profound, slow-cooked savor. Complementing this were the delicate, zingy pico de gallo salsa, the verdant rice, and even the heart of the meal, the burrito itself—each element radiating freshness and vigour. Indeed, La Choza exudes the essence that it's not just the protein that matters.
If your heart is set on a burrito and you're looking to economise, the takeaway from Bang Bang Burrito (beginning at just £4.50, located at 6 Jubilee Street) offers a commendable alternative. But, if you can stretch to £6.50, the burritos from La Choza propels you to a tantalisingly different culinary strata. Offering generous, well-filled cylinders of delight, La Choza ensures satiety comes without compromise.
Mains range from £6.50-£7.50. Find them at 36 Gloucester Road, or call 01273 945926, lachoza.co.uk
The Coal Shed
Exploring Brighton on a snug budget doesn't exclude the possibility of a mature dining escape. The Coal Shed beautifully demonstrates this with its prime focus on charcoal-grilled specialties cooked in an innovative Josper - a replica of both grill and oven. Their express menu during lunch and early evenings presents several delicious selections, one of which is the enticing onglet steak paired with chips seared in beef drippings, all for less than £10. In addition, they provide a brief yet substantial array of takeaway sandwiches for those lunchtime cravings. Notable mentions include the shrimp po-boy, the hot-smoked American belly bacon, and the BBQ pulled pork packed into a ciabatta, enhanced with a slather of red cabbage slaw and zesty tomato sauce. Be mindful, though, indulging in this might require some commitment as it could get messy. They aren't best enjoyed on-the-go. If not keen on a transformative lunch-wearing experience, best find a seat.
Sandwiches for takeaway at £5, main dishes on express menu from £8.50 to £10. Visit at 8 Boyces Street, Brighton, or call 01273 322998.Discover more at coalshed-restaurant.co.uk.
Iydea
Typically, the term "vegetarian canteen" tends to set off alarms, hinting of old-fashioned, insipid dishes from the 1970s era of cooking. However, such preconceptions are quickly dispelled at Iydea, a standout in dynamic Brighton where lazy, uninspired creations would never see the light of day. Iydea is a place that radiates with life, serving up some of the most flavourful and fresh fares in the city. Their winning formula is simple. Diners select from an array of hearty mains such as veggie lasagne, Thai green tofu curry, or the daily roti and quiches special, and then complement these with a selection of salad options and sauces or toppings for an extra flavour kick. Iydea’s menu manages to impress on all counts. Their curried bean salad hits all the right notes while their hummus leaves a delicious, lingering garlicky and lemony finish- a clear testimony to the dedicated and honest groundwork put in by the kitchen team. Just try their pea and goat's cheese arancini – a melting pot of panko breadcrumbs, sumptuous arborio rice and matured flavours. This standout dish could easily rival the offerings from the most refined Italian establishments. With such affordable prices at Iydea, your wallet will thank you. Why not use the savings to enjoy a pint at the Evening Star, just around the corner? This charming brewhouse, owned by renowned regional prized brewer Dark Star boasts 12 keg and cask pumps, and the latest brews from popular microbreweries like Brodie's and Magic Rock (pint from £3.10, 55-56 Surrey Street).
Iydea's takeaway meals run between £4.35 and £5.80, and eat-in options range from £5.85 to £7.30. Pay them a visit at 17 Kensington Gardens, North Laine and 105 Western Road, or call 01273 667992.Check them out online at iydea.co.uk
The Lion & Lobster
At the heart of Brighton lies the charming, humble Lion and Lobster pub, a maze-like structure that features multiple dim-lit rooms, levels and even includes a pair of private "internal" roof terraces. This delightful place allows customers to enjoy exquisite food offered in generous servings throughout the day. When indulging your taste buds becomes an effort, you can enjoy lighter options like the delicacy - smoked mackerel fillet. Paired with succulent streaky bacon and thinly sliced beetroot, it's placed neatly on a chunky slice of sourdough bread. The dish, complete with a satisfying leaf salad and silky creamed horseradish, cost only £4.95. Astonishingly, it would be classified as a main course in many places owing to its size.
While the menu offers a broad array of timeless pub favorites (most main dishes fall under £10), each dish demonstrates an innovative twist. The creativity ranges from a retrofitted roast pork toastie with black pudding to a revitalizing superfoods salad, and even a familiar shepherd's pie twisted with use of locally sourced lamb. The place takes a step further with a variety of enticing vegetarian offerings. A promising special of the day includes tantalizing grilled polenta topped with grilled aubergine, juicy ruby grapefruit slices, tangy Parmesan, and rocket for a price of £6.95, a pleasant departure from the ubiquitous goat's cheese salad.
For those seeking lighter bites, sandwiches are offered (until 5pm) starting from £3.95, and sumptuous pizzas start at £6.95, while main courses range from £8.95 to £11.95. Visit them at 24 Sillwood Street or dial 01273 327299. They also maintain a web presence on thelionandlobster.co.uk for further details.
Pizzaface
Pizza Face is a bustling destination for takeaway enthusiasts in Brighton, especially those with an affinity for foreign inspired toppings on their pies, such as succulent lamb prosciutto, tastefully smoked tuna, and earthy shitake mushrooms. Baked in a gas-powered stone oven, the bases are authentically crafted with fine Sardinian 00 flour.
While there are subtleties to consider, like the debatable addition of basil to the tomato sauce that some may feel detracts from the pure, sweet essence of passata. There's also a generous layer of semolina on the bases that could cause the pie to lose an expected degree of char, but it does provide a satisfying crunch to each bite.
One shouldn't get hung up on these minor details, because the essece of pizza eating lies in the experience. For instance, a piece of their Wild! pizza, even though it might scare off some with its heat warning and ghost chili (feel free to opt-out if you're not a big fan of spicy), is a must. When folded and consumed the way it deserves to be, it offers a rich blend of flavors including chipotle chili, wild boar, and pepperoni - a symphony of smoky, cured, and authentic piggy flavors rising on a wave of warm chili heat.
Choosing judiciously, a duo can savor a 12-inch pizza, a fresh salad, and a refreshing 500ml tub of ice-cream from Boho Gelato for under £20. We also recommend seeking out the Boho Gelato shop in the city for their decadent sea salt caramel or Ferrero Rocher-themed Ambassador ice-cream (address: 6 Pool Valley).
No need to break the bank when you have this reasonably priced pizza selection ranging from £6-£11. Visit Pizza Face at 35 St. Georges Road, Kemptown or check out their menu at: pizzafacepizza.co.uk
Flourtown
Brighton’s Gem: Flourtown
Matthew Drennan, an acclaimed chef and the one-time editor of the culinary journal Delicious, currently manages the Flourtown bakery-cafe in Hove. This establishment's atmosphere is minimalistic but inviting, offering a selection of refined daytime nibbles and light meals. Highlights include scrambled eggs accompanied with avocado and matured cheddar, seasonal pies, and a zesty chicken sandwich elevated with homemade chipotle mayonnaise. Flourtown, true to its name, presents a vast array of in-house baked goods including tarts, cakes, and pastries. The oatmeal and maple syrup American breakfast muffin, dotted with raisins and pecans, is particularly praiseworthy. Moreover, their unique open puff pastry flats topped with combinations like ricotta and spinach are worth a try. Although their flat white (£2.35) did not leave much of an impression, if one is seeking a solid coffee shot, Coffee@33 (33 Trafalgar Street), situated near the station, comes highly recommended. And for the record, their pastries and snacks range between £1.95-£2.95, while their sandwiches and meals can cost anywhere from £3.10-£7.50. Visit them at 63b Holland Road, Hove or call at 01273 321147. For more information, visit flourtown.co.uk
Pompoko
Nestled in Brighton, Pomoko is a charming, petite Japanese cafe and takeaway. It is a beloved spot among locals looking for delicious yet swift food options, operating from noon to 11 pm. The menu highlights uncomplicated yet satiable donburi rice bowl concoctions besides several stirred and fried noodle preparations. A key point to note is that all the dishes come below £5 - thus quality proportionate to the price is assured. My order was a well-prepared pork and kimchi (a fermented cabbage creation) dish. Despite the sauce being somewhat ordinary, the main elements, particularly the miniature rice grains, provided a gratifying palate experience.
Japanese cuisine aficionados might not want to miss exploring E-Kagen, located on Sydney Street (22-23) above a Chinese grocery store. This spot is prominent for its economical sushi and ramen offerings that do not compromise on taste and quality. Regrettably, it was not operational for a fortnight in the middle of August, aligned with my visit period.
The key prices hover around £4.50-£4.90. The eatery is located at 110 Church Street and can be reached at 07796 001927. For more insights, do visit their website at pompoko.co.uk
