I head down on a balmy summer evening, the kind in Brighton where you can smell the sea air and outside spaces are packed with people making the most of the sun.

Large, floor-to-ceiling windows adorn the whole front of the restaurant, allowing plenty of natural light to flood in. There is bar-style seating at the window, a large shared table in the middle and smaller tables peppered throughout if you want a bit more privacy. A large open kitchen dominates the space, where you can watch roti being hand-stretched and cooked to order and really whet your appetite for what’s to come. 

My friend and I sit down at one of the tables at the back – it’s busy for a weeknight, the atmosphere is buzzing and the air fragrant with a myriad of spices and sizzling meat. A mural adorns the wall and the rest of the decor is very industrial with concrete walls, leather chairs and wooden tables. We sip on canned cocktails as we peruse the menu, the steady hum of chatter all around us as people tuck into roti and catch up on their days.

Since launching in Euston, Roti King has built a devoted following for its freshly made roti canai, rich curries and bold Malaysian flavours. The move to Brighton feels like an effortless one, with the city’s rich foodie scene and diverse culture. 

Founder and Head Chef Sugen Gopal said of the opening: “Brighton has always had a special place in my heart—there’s an energy to the city that makes it one of my favourite places to eat out in the UK. The Lanes, with its independent spirit and incredible food culture, feels like the perfect home for Roti King outside of London. I can’t wait to share our food with such a passionate and knowledgeable community.”

The menu is varied without being overwhelming, however it’s still difficult to pick between the dishes on offer as everything sounds utterly delicious. It’s recommended to dine family-style here and they bring the dishes out when they’re ready as opposed to a rigid structure. This means it all comes out piping hot and fresh from the kitchen that’s located just a mere couple of metres away. 

The menu is split up into roti, noodles & rice, sides & sharers, drinks and desserts. Each roti canai comes with two pieces of roti served with a choice of kari. 

As mentioned, we were sharing our dishes, so we went for the spinach & cheese murtabak, a beef rendang, a nasi goreng with a friend egg, and an ayam goreng berempah which is a Malaysian fried chicken. We definitely ordered a little more than we needed but there were no regrets! Every dish was cooked perfectly, piping hot and packed a punch with flavour. It tasted fresh, portion sizes were just right and the accompanying sides ideal. Prices are super reasonable too, with the murtabak costing £10.50, the beef rendang £12.95 and the nasi goreng £11.50. You can easily eat a proper meal here with a wine or beer and spend less than £20.

Roti King is a much-needed breath of fresh air in Brighton and definitely lives up to the hype of its London counterparts. It’s a place where you can head for a quick bite after a long day in the office, a social meal with friends, or a date night with your other half. It’s relaxing, well-located and you know you’re going to get really, really good food. There’s no fuss and frills, just street-food served as it’s supposed to be, in a setting that draws you in and makes it hard to leave. 

You can’t reserve a table at Roti King, so just head on down for yourself and grab a table. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. And if you have to wait? It’s well worth it. 

Roti King Brighton
57 Ship St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1AF

The post Roti King Brighton Review – Malaysian Street Food So Good You Won’t Be Able To Stay Away appeared first on Seen in The City - Luxury London Travel Lifestyle Magazine.

Located just up from the station on the site where Fork used to be, it’s a spot that feels as though it was always meant to be a Japanese. The decor of Haru Izakaya Lewes is minimalist and relaxing with orange tiled floors and sleek wood-panelled walls. There a counter top where you can dine and watch the chefs hard at work, or a range of tables for both couples or larger groups. A terrace at the back begs for languid summer evenings spent soaking up the last of the suns rays while sipping on a glass of Sake and picking at a big bowl of tempura vegetables. 

It’s a Sunday night when we visit yet the restaurant is busy and the atmosphere is buzzing with the kind of low-key hum that signals a local favourite in the making.

Staff are friendly and welcoming and we’re seated at a table by the window. Light floods in and it’s a beautiful spot to both watch the happenings of the kitchen and also passers-by outside. Japanese dining culture places a strong emphasis on sharing plates, especially in izakayas, informal pub-restaurants known for their flavourful small dishes shared among friends. That spirit is alive and well at Haru Izakaya Lewes. The menu is built around shareable dishes such as small plates, salads, tempura, yakitori and kasiyuki. There are then a range of rice and noodle dishes, uramaki rolls and sushi.

It’s recommended we pick 2-3 dishes each to share between us and see how we get on. We order a bottle of rose which is promptly brought over while be try and make our decision. With not only a tantalising array of choices on the menu, but also the scents of the open kitchen wafting over to us it’s no mean feat!

Drinks wise there is a great selection including Japanese beers Asahi and Kirin, wines, house cocktails, Japanese spirits, Sake, teas (including bubble tea) and a range of soft drinks.

We eventually settle on prawn and vegetable tempura, Karaage chicken, chicken yakitori and Angus beef tataki. Dishes are brought out as they’re made so everything is fresh and it laces the meal out nicely. Flavour is the name of the game here and I’m impressed in how simply delicious everything is.

The Angus beef tataki, lightly seared, thin slices of marinated beef served with a citrusy soy is a standout. The karaage chicken which is marinated and covered in batter  and the chicken yakitori skewers are also fantastic.

For mains we share chicken yakisoba – a very generous portion where tender strips of chicken are tangled with crisp vegetables and noodles in a rich, unami sauce. It was tangy, flavoured and divine (and had us fighting for the last bite!) 

Dessert wise I opt for the chocolate Dorayaki which is a traditional Japanese desert. Two fluffy pancakes are delivered with a decadent chocolate cream sandwiched in the middle. My partner selects an ice cream bowl for something light to round the meal off. 

Prices at Haru Izakaya Lewes are very reasonable and you can easily have a special meal for two with a bottle of wine for under £80. Alternatively, you can pop in for a bowl of fresh curry and a Japanese tea and you’re looking at under £20 per person.  

Everything is beautifully prepared and unfussy, perfectly flavoured and great sized portions. It’s somewhere you can come for a date night and spend your time relaxing over a few dishes or you can pop in for a warming bite to eat or your way home from work when you just don’t fancy cooking. The service is fantastic and you can feel their own passion for the restaurant and the care they put into everything they do. 

Haru Izakaya is a new player to the Lewes scene but feels like it’s always been here. It offers a warm welcome when you enter and fresh, flavourful food that won’t disappoint. One things for sure, when you dine here once you won’t be able to stay away. Looking for somewhere to stay after dinner? Don’t miss our review of the White Hart Hotel Lewes!

Book Your Table

Haru Izakaya Lewes
14 Station St
Lewes
BN7 2DA

The post Haru Izakaya Lewes Japanese Restaurant Review appeared first on Seen in The City - Luxury London Travel Lifestyle Magazine.

Fetch of The Day allows Brits to feed their dog a variety of delicious treats, that keep their tummies satisfied, whilst contributing to their nutritional needs. The rich-in-protein Barking Burgers are served with a sweet potato bun, high in fibre and packed full of essential vitamins and minerals , whilst the Seaside Salmon Cones will help keep your dog’s coat and teeth in top condition. To finish, dogs can enjoy the refreshing and frozen Watermelon Bites – perfect for a hot, sunny day.

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Dr Sean McCormack, Head Vet at tails.com said: “We’re all guilty sometimes of slipping our pups a morsel from our dinner plate, or treating them to something delicious just for being good, but too much human food can be really harmful. First, it’s often laden with fat and sugar, meaning calories galore and from our studies we’ve found that weight gain in dogs will reduce their lifespan.

“A little snack to us might be the same as half a small dog’s daily allowance – it all adds up. Some foods can cause serious harm, inflaming the pancreas or causing toxicity. So lay off the snacks if you want a healthy hound.”

At the seaside alone, a fifth (20 percent) of dog owners reveal they have had their sausage roll eaten by a dog, while 17 per cent have lost out on some fish and chips.

This new experience also comes complete with Step, Treat, Eat, Repeat steps so dogs of all sizes or height can get their paws on one of these limited edition items. And it’s not just the treats that the dogs can enjoy – pups who visit Fetch of The Day can cool down on a reclining deck chair whilst they tuck into their cones, or re-hydrate in the cooling water bowl corner.

Dr. McCormack added: “at tails.com we know every dog is different, which is why we’re proud to offer food and treats designed to cater to a whole range of different doggie needs.

“Fetch of the Day” provided us with the perfect opportunity to share with people on how to manage their pet’s diet moving forward, making sure they go through life happy and healthy.”

To learn more about tails.com and how to whip up some easy, nutritious summer meals for your dog visit https://tails.com/blog/2023/07/04/fetch-of-the-day/ 

The post Fetch of the Day Brighton’s First Food Van for DOGS Launches! appeared first on Seen in The City - Luxury London Travel Lifestyle Magazine.

What is the Brighton foodies festival?

Known as Gastro-Glastonbury, the festival will take place at Brighton’s Preston Park across the May Bank Holiday weekend. The three-day event features live cooking demonstrations from top chefs drawn from the ranks of TV’s MasterChef, Great British Bake Off and Great British Menu, plus top-rated Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs. 

Star names appearing in the live cooking theatres include: MasterChef 2021 champion Tom Rhodes, Brighton-based 2018 MasterChef champion, Kenny Tutt, from Pitch restaurant in Worthing, MasterChef: The Professionals champions Alex Webb and Steven Edwards, from 3AA Rosette awarded Etch, in Hove and BBC bread expert, Jack Sturgess.

Also on the menu, Great British Menu winner Michael Bremner, from Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded 64 Degrees restaurant and Hove-based Great British Bake Off favourite, Juergen Krauss. 

The musical feast is just as sumptuous with chart-topping disco diva, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, platinum-selling local festival favourites Scouting For Girls, and Spandau Ballet and Eastenders icon Martin Kemp, delivering the ultimate 80’s DJ party. 

What can you expect over the weekend?

Throughout the 3 day weekend, visitors will enjoy a jam-packed schedule of TV cooking show champions and award-winning chefs in the interactive live theatres. In the Chefs Theatre, celebrities will create their signature dishes and share new tips and tricks, whilst in the Cake & Bake Theatre, star bakers whip up showstoppers and offer tempting sweet treats.  

In The Kids Cookery School, Foodies SuperChefs make cooking fun, helping younger guests to prepare delicious food which they can take away and enjoy. Masterclasses in the Drinks Theatre include tutored Champagne, Beer, Cider, Cocktail and Wine-tasting, with experts including ITV’s Tom Surgey and BBC’s Joe Wadsack.

Visitors can browse the latest food trends in the Shopping Village, meet local producers in the Artisan Market and taste exotic and unusual new dishes in the Feasting Tent – which features a mouth-watering range of street food and delicacies from all four corners of the globe. Other attractions include a fairground, children’s activities, and family-friendly areas.  

Where is the Brighton Foodies Festival and how to buy tickets?

To WIN

To WIN one of 3 family tickets to Brighton foodies festival, simply fill in the form below. Winners will be contacted Friday 21st of April and tickets can be collected from the box office.

Share this article to your Instagram story, tagging @Seeninthecity for an extra chance to win!

Terms and Conditions

Prize consists of family weekend tickets for Brighton Foodies Festival. 1 family weekend ticket per winner only. At least 1 adult must be present. No purchase necessary. Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable. If the festival is cancelled for any reason, no alternative and no monetary concession will be given. The closing date for entries is Friday 21st April, entries received after this date will not be counted. Winners will be required to collect their tickets from the Foodies Festival box office on the day. Winners will be contacted at random, no alternative will be offered if the winner cannot make this date. If we don’t have your acceptance of the prize within 72 hours it will forfeit your prize and it will be given to someone else at random.

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If, like us, you have found that food dominates most of your lockdowns, then this is for you. Pancake day is crepe-ing up quickly and if you’re looking for an opportunity to flip the daily grind on its head, look no further than Crêpe Affaire’s postal pancake kits. Offering everything you need to celebrate in style and negating the need for a whole load of washing up, they are the perfect choice.

Just in time for Pancake Day, Crêpe Affaire’s postal pancake kits are available for nationwide delivery with two different types of kit available. The DIY Pancake Mix Kit (£10) is perfect for those who fancy getting their hands dirty and comes with 250g of luxury house-blend pancake mix (enough for around 10 crêpes), Nutella, strawberry and toffee sauce, sprinkles, marshmallows and Oreo pieces.

If you’re more of an artiste than a chef, opt for the DIY Pancake Kit (£14.50), which includes six perfectly golden house made crêpes and all of the toppings included in the Mix kit so you can get creative without the washing up. For vegans, a plant-based kit is also available, and for larger households and pancake parties, Crêpe Affaire can create custom DIY kits on request – get in touch with the team to order yours.

And remember, Crêpe Affaire’s postal pancake kits aren’t just for Pancake Day… the DIY kits will be available beyond, making them the perfect activity for home schoolers or for half term. It’s fun for all the family! Alongside the kits, the online shop has a range of pancake mixes and paraphernalia to ensure the perfect flip, every time.

Order online here: https://www.crepeaffaire.com/diyshop or order freshly prepared crepes via click and collect, Deliveroo or Uber Eats from select creperies across the UK

For Crêpe Affaire’s postal pancake kits to arrive before Pancake Day (on Monday 15^th), orders should be placed no later than 11am on Friday 12^th February. For delivery by 6pm on Pancake Day, orders should be placed no later than 11am on Monday 15th February. For group orders of four or more DIY Pancake Kits or DIY Pancake Mix kits, please contact orders@crepeaffaire.com or 07458 392924.

Crêpe Affaire
www.crepeaffaire.com
orders@crepeaffaire.com
07458392924

Local delivery plus click & collect available from Crêpe Affaire stores in Brighton, Bromley, Cambridge, Chester, Leeds, Islington, Milton Keynes (Crêpe & Roll), Newcastle and St Albans. For a full list of stores please visit https://www.crepeaffaire.com/locations

The post Crêpe Affaire’s Postal Pancake Kits Is All You Need For Pancake Day appeared first on Seen in The City - Luxury London Travel Lifestyle Magazine.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to celebrate with your loved one. Here are our top Valentine’s day restaurants in Brighton.

Revel in the gorgeous surroundings that is our Seafront and the iconic West Pier ruins in this chic put-together eaterie – Salt Room Brighton. Locally sourced sustainable produce makes its way to your plate, with a delicious stop off on the coal fire, making it the ideal candidate for our top Valentine’s day restaurants in Brighton. Pared back in setting, the food is the star of the show. Expect buttery monkfish, scallops roasted in their shell and a sharing dessert dubbed ‘Taste of the Pier’.

Book here

SIX
Organic and Creative

For those of us who are planet conscious, SIX delivers with a focus on organic produce and various healthy options. A contemporary approach is met with fresh ingredients for a stimulating dining experience. The restaurant is split into parts and The Dining Room in particular is fantastic for couples. The eye catching greenery enhances the ceiling and fairy lights sparkle over the top. Plants drape over counters and are allowed to grow freely, giving the impression that SIX really values natural life in their restaurant. Matching comfortable chairs add style and class, while the luxurious atmosphere and romantic details win us over every time a perfect choice for Valentine’s day restaurants in Brighton.

Book here

The Gingerman
Elegant and Modern European

The Gingerman produces uncomplicated and full flavoured dishes made from high quality seasonal produce. There is a sense of intimacy in the dining room with its neutral palette, cosy wood furnishings and an exposed brick wall. A few menus are on offer, but the Tasting Menu is where they shine. Each dish is rich and artfully presented with no fuss. Recommended with the wine pairing, it is sure to impress a loved one.

Book here

Etch
Relaxed Fine Dining

Masterchef winner Steven Edwards opened this monthly changing British tasting menu restaurant. Dishes are ingredient focused and take advantage of the great quality produce from the Sussex countryside. The small team have frequent sessions tasting the food, so they really speak from experience. Each element of the menu is carefully thought out, with the menu written in simple form, so the chef can interchange ingredients with flexibility to optimise produce.

Book here

64 Degrees
Eclectic Small Plates

Intimate and innovative, award winning 64 Degrees is a real treat and the perfect choice for Valentine’s day restaurants in Brighton. The best seating is at the bar where you can see the magic happen in the open kitchen. Michael Bremner brings about the concept of social dining with this feature, where customers can interact with chefs freely. The tapas style menu is appreciated with fun dish names such as ‘Jacob’s Ladder Tacos’ and ‘Rum Bear Jelly’.

Book here

The Chilli Pickle
Authentic Spice

Spice up your date night at The Chilli Pickle. This may not be your typical idea of a ‘romantic restaurant’, but it is all that. Run by husband and wife, they take inspiration from their frequent travels to India and produce top quality authentic Indian dishes. Everything is flavourful and vibrant from the street snacks you can share tapas style, to the traditional curries and well appreciated sweetly spiced desserts. The decor is as bold as the food with bright and fun colours. We recommend finishing off your meal with a cup of ‘Hot Chai Chai’.

Book here

Which is your favourite in our list of Valentine’s day restaurants in Brighton? Let us know!

The post The best Valentine’s day restaurants in Brighton you need to book now appeared first on Seen in The City - Luxury London Travel Lifestyle Magazine.

If you’re local to the Brighton and Hove area, you might be familiar with the Flour Pot Cafe – a cute, nordic-style bakery tucked away in the lanes. Well now they have taken their offerings beyond rustic breads and delicious bakery good to a licensed restaurant in Kings Road Arches next to the Brighton i360 – The Flour Pot Kitchen Brighton.

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If you are already a Flour Pot fan, then the thoughts of their already delicious menu being extended is enough to get you down there, but if you haven’t heard of them before, the enviable seafront location makes it the perfect spot to try it. I headed down on a cold winters day and there were tables sat on the forecourt complete with faux-fur throws and blankets – the ideal coupling for if you want to snuggle up with a hot chocolate and watch the waves.

Instead, I pushed open the door and was greeted with a delicious wave of warmth, smells of freshly baked bread and rich, roasted coffee. The restaurant has a host of delicious offerings both for lunch and dinner, ideal as a place for lunch with friends, dinner with your other half on a candle-lit table, or somewhere to relax with a glass of wine at the end of a day. I headed down for lunch and they had a number of hot offerings such as a lamb stew and spiced carrot and coriander soup as well as cold dishes such as sandwiches and muffins. The menu differs slightly from the dinner menu where you can find a mix of small plates and dishes such as pizzas and skillet-cooked dishes. In the summer you can order your food to takeaway for your very own beach picnic.

Being a cold wintery day, I was desperate to warm up, so ordered the Flour Pot Kitchen Brighton’s spiced carrot and coriander soup and a hot chocolate to start – though the tantalizing cake selection on the counter was hard to tear myself from. (I made a mental note to leave space for a chocolate brownie.) The hot chocolate was deliciously creamy and extra hot just as I had asked for. The soup was packed with flavour, warming the insides from the very first mouthful – and an ideal winter warmer. It was accompanied with croutons and delicious artisan bread that was lightly toasted so it was delicately crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the in and finished with a soft dusting of flour.

I then moved onto one of their savoury muffins – bacon, cheese and sweetcorn. I can be wary of savoury muffins (why go savoury when you can have double chocolate chip instead?!) But I was pleasantly surprised at just how delicious it was. It was light and fluffy and utterly divine.

To finish I rounded off by sampling a couple of their cakes – and again, was not disappointed. The hard part here is choosing what to have as each and every choice looks just as good as the last. Be sure to come here hungry! There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options – just let them know if you have any dietary requirements.

The Flour Pot Kitchen Brighton ticks all the boxes. You can come here to fill your boots with food, for a coffee when it’s cold, or for an ice cold beer when it’s warm. It’s cosy, welcoming and inviting, with the food, drink and location to match. An ideal Brighton eatery no matter the time of day.

The Flour Pot Kitchen Brighton
Kings Road Arches 85-90
Brighton
BN1 2NF

The post Review: The Flour Pot Kitchen Brighton – A beautiful eatery on the seafront appeared first on Seen in The City - Luxury London Travel Lifestyle Magazine.

There’s nowhere quite like Brighton to take a leisurely tour, and nothing quite like afternoon tea to make for a perfect evening. Now what if we told you that you can combine the two in an afternoon tea bus Brighton journey unlike any other? Well this is something you can do with afternoon tea on the regency Routemaster bus with Fizzbox. We can hear many of you thinking how would that even work, well it’s executed and stylised perfectly and an experience not to be missed! On our recent experience, we headed to the city centre where we had no trouble spotting the bus in the station, it draws the eye instantly with its glossy red exterior and charming style. The exterior of the bus was matched by the revamped interior with a quaint remodelling including navy velvet curtains drawn back with golden cord and plush cushioned seats, definitely not just your average bus!

Our afternoon tea bus Brighton journey started with an ice cold glass of Prosecco in hand and an introduction from the driver on the route we would be taking around Brighton as well as the history of the particular Routemaster bus we were on and what we could expect of the evening.  As we set off the on our tour of the city we were given the true experience as the ‘conductor’ came round and issued us with tickets – the old-school kind printed from an antique looking ticket machine. Amongst the chatter the driver gave an informative speech on the different areas around Brighton whilst the conductor took our choice of tea which included the classic English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Rooibos with vanilla and rhubarb, Mint tea, Green tea with Chamomile and Lemongrass and finally pure Chamomile.

Our teas and coffees were brought to us in a ‘keep cup’, a travel mug that ensured our drink stayed warm and wouldn’t spill. The peppermint tea dubbed ‘Rockerfella Cleansing’ on the menu was a lovely blend of peppermint and spearmint which was very refreshing amidst the sweet treats. The afternoon tea was exquisite, a beautiful display of cakes and sandwiches including crisp cucumber and chive cream cheese, smoked salmon with lemon and caper butter and delicious honey roast ham and mustard mayonnaise. The cakes looked stunning – almost too good to eat, though it didn’t take too much persuasion to dive in! The selection included a delicately flavoured rose and pistachio cake, moist carrot cake, colourful fruity Macaroons and Eclairs that would rival the pastries in Paris and two little surprise pots which turned out to be a fruity syllabub and chocolate ganache cake. This was followed up by a fruit scone, clotted cream and jam. The well balanced flavours and presentation exceeded all expectations as well as how they’d overcome the potential problems that might occur on a moving bus! Disembarking from the where we began it was time to move to our next activity – cocktail making.

The cocktail masterclass held at Las Iguanas – also organised by Fizzbox – was only a short walk from when we left the bus and was a seamless transition between the two. On arrival we were each greeted with a cocktails, seated at the end of the bar and an expert  gave us a run down of the different cocktails we would be creating ourselves. We were told two of us in turn would make the cocktails and it got very messy very quickly with Las iguanas free pouring policy but this made it even more fun! The cocktails included an interesting watermelon Margarita, the classic Mojito, Caprinha and a ridiculously good Pina Colada.  The in house expert made the whole class immensely fun making sure everyone got involved and with timed tasks for each cocktail.

The whole evening was exceptionally good, the activities were of a very high standard and we would definitely do them again, but what made the whole evening was the seamless organisation behind it, I didn’t have to think about anything except enjoying my evening and that is all down to the dedication of the Fizzbox team.

These two activities barely scratch the surface of what Fizzbox have to offer, there is something for everyone, all over the country.  The only hard part is simply choosing your activities!

The afternoon tea bus tour is available all year round and is a wonderful way to see Brighton, at £38 and an absolute must for any day out. Book here

The Las Iguanas cocktail making experience is £30 and is great was to start/end any night. Book here.

See book and see what else Fizzbox have to offer for a stress free event: https://www.fizzbox.com/brighton

The post An afternoon tea bus and cocktail making in Brighton with Fizzbox… appeared first on Seen in The City - Luxury London Travel Lifestyle Magazine.

Brighton is a city as charming as it is quirky, constantly bustling with the aplomb of a city that runs to its own tune. It has a bit of everything – from coffee shops tucked away in the Laines, to wine bars, fancy restaurants and casual eateries, to theatres, a comedy club and spas. There is always something going on, a steady stream of people fulfilling tasks, exploring the city and heading in and out of the shops it can sometimes feel a bit of a whirlwind. If you are looking for somewhere away from the hustle and bustle and into an oasis of calm, The Grand Hotel Brighton is the ideal location.

The Grand Hotel Brighton is as iconic as you can get, its traditional facade, while having experienced a recent face-lift, still retains the classical Italianate style as crafted by London architect John Whichcord at its conception in 1862. The Grand Hotel Brighton has always been architecturally pioneering, having the first elevator outside of London, and in 1862, being the tallest building in Brighton. It quickly built a reputation within the upper class of the time as a luxury and indulgent place to stay. It’s high profile repute has carried it through the decades and it still today is one of the most luxurious hotels to stay in Brighton. And it is easy to see why. A recent major refurbishment has restored much of the buildings historic clout, managing to retain its former charm while feeling updated, fresh and still utterly indulgent. Check in, and head up in the elevator to reveal bright, airy corridors with beautiful wall decor, plush carpets and grand light fixtures. Push open the door to your room – we stayed in a beach front suite – and you are greeted with muted decor in shades of grey and a deep teal.

Baby pink accents provide pretty splashes of colour – such as on the bedspread, curtains and sofa, while contemporary nuances peek through in the glass-topped table and wooden desk with a large television. The room is flooded with light which tumbles through floor to ceiling windows, you can smell the salt spray from the ocean beyond and hear the waves caressing the shore just a stone throw from your balcony. This is the sort of place where you sit and your coffee goes cold as you stare mesmerised at the hustle of bustle down below, transfixed at the view. Fix yourself a Brighton Gin with a dash of tonic while getting ready for dinner and watch as the sun sets, shades of orange and red rippling over the water.

The bed is as comfortable as you could wish for, fat pillows just begging to rest your head after a long day of exploring, crisp white linen with a feather-light duvet and a soft mattress daring you to find a better nights sleep elsewhere. There is a large wardrobe by a full-length mirror complete with two chairs and a table, the ideal space for getting ready for a night out, and the bathroom, while not huge, is still well sized, with a bath, large sink area and plenty of light.

Before dinner, be sure to head to the GB1 bar for a gin & tonic – head down between 5 and 7pm during the week for a special happy hour, where selected cocktails and gin and tonics are just £5. The bar is a contemporary space, with puddles of blue lighting, silver-toned accents and high chairs surrounding the bar.

The restaurant itself continues to marry classic design with contemporary touches and offers seafront views beyond large windows. Brighton air works up an appetite like no other and GB1 is here to satisfy that. And what else can you eat when in one of the country’s most famed cities for its seafood, than just that. The kitchen here opts for classic seafood, emphasising their philosophy of blending quality with simplicity.

A 2 AA rosette restaurant, it offers a fantastic choice of the finest and freshly caught seafood from Brighton’s shores. Executive Chef Alan White brings his passion and innovative flair to each and every dish, with a menu that shifts with the seasons. Start your meal with fresh oysters and a glass of Prosecco while your peruse the menu, taking it at a languid pace, enjoying the flavours and tastes as you decide what to have. From here, you can enjoy starters such as crab with creme fraiche, lime and black pepper, soft poached quail eggs with smoked haddock kedegree or scallops caught just off the coast of Brighton. Each is cooked with precision, full of flavour and presented in a way that almost makes them too good to eat.

Mains wise, you can choose from GB1 favourites – such as Cod, Sea Bass, classic Haddock ‘n’ chips, Lobster and Chargrilled cauliflower steak, among others. There is a good selection here and it’s easy to see why they made the cut to this particular column. Dishes are a cut above your average restaurant here, but they aren’t pretentious. The haddock and chips for example, features a large battered piece of soft fish, with fat, triple-fried chips, golden and crispy in colour and covered in salt and vinegar. It is accompanied by mushy pea puree and tartate sauce and makes for a fish and chips dish you’d be hard to rival. GB1 restaurant Brighton is not pretentious and dishes such as this show you can have a fine meal without scrimping on portion size. There is also a grills section with dishes such as fillet of beef, wagyu beef burger, rump of lamb and corn fed chicken, as well as a market fish section with fish caught on the south coast and landed in the early hours on the Hove shores. This includes Plaice, Dover Sole, Lemon Sole, Bream and Lobster. You can add a range of sides to your dishes such as mojo potatoes, cauliflower rice, creamed spinach and green beans with garlic. As with the starters, flavours are the main focus here, and you won’t be disappointed. The hardest thing here is the choice as there are so many dishes which catch your eye.

Finally, be sure to save room for dessert – you’ll regret it if you don’t. Choices include chocolate fondant, poached winter fruits, lemon curd and vanilla cheesecake, carrot cake, peanut buttter pana cotta, and a range of ice creams and sorbets. They are indulgent and delicious and the ideal way to round off the meal. Finish your evening off with a cocktail in the Victoria Bar before retiring off to bed, or heading out to one of the nearby cocktail bars in Brighton.

Wake the next morning to the sun streaming through your window and take some time to admire the West Pier and the i360 before heading to breakfast in the GB1 restaurant. Opt for a freshly cooked dish such as poached eggs or avocado on toast, or make a beeline for the buffet with a selection of pastries, breads, cereals and hot options, including everything to make a full English.

Once you have had your fill, wander down to the Grand Brighton Spa, a hidden oasis just one floor below the building. We recommend you try the Winter Warmer treatment You start your treatment by selecting your favourite scent from three Natural Spa Factory warming massage candles, before being led to your treatment room. Lay on a warm bed, the scent of candles and toasty towels in the air and enjoy a warming massage to the back and back of legs with your candle of choice. The nourishing oil is perfect to soothe tired muscles and fill you with bliss for an indulgent 40 minutes. When your massage has finished head to the relaxation room with a cup of peppermint tea and a magazine where you can feel the worries and stress melt away. You can find more information on the Grand Brighton Winter Warmer treatment here.

The Grand Hotel Brighton offers everything you could want for a relaxing and utterly indulgent break by the sea. From the second you walk through the revolving doors, to the second you unwillingly drag your case back out of them, you are presented with the ultimate in five star treatment. It is a true respite from a city that, while it is truly amazing, can sometimes be a little too much, and gives you the chance to enjoy the best of it, while escaping at the end of the day to your own little sanctuary. It is a large Hotel that manages to remain feeling intimate and special, that encapsulates its magical and historic heritage, without feeling the least bit dated. For something special and that you will remember forever, there is nowhere else to pick but the Grand Hotel Brighton.

The Grand Hotel Brighton
97-99 Kings Rd
Brighton
BN1 2FW

The post Review: The Grand Hotel Brighton – Utter indulgence by the sea appeared first on Seen in The City - Luxury London Travel Lifestyle Magazine.

Since opening in London two years ago, What the Pitta – the UK’s first vegan kebab brand – have announced a fourth branch of restaurant – What the Pitta Brighton. This will be the brand’s fourth brands, following their successful locations in Boxpark Croydon, Boxpark Shoreditch and Camden.

Due to launch on Brighton’s bustling East Street on Friday 16th November 2018, What the Pitta Brighton will serve vegan kebabs including non-GMO soya pieces marinated in a blend of their secret spices, to provide the perfect healthy, guilt-free meal. The bread is handmade on site in front of customers, and filled with homemade hummus, tzatziki, fresh salads and chilli sauce. With prices for the Vegan Doner Kebab starting from £7.95, the menu also includes a variety of purse-friendly meal deals and plant-based options such as Turkish pizza (Lamacun), Doner Chop Box, a couscous salad box and baklava. A
recent addition to the Camden branch also includes their Vegan Doner Pitta which is already proving to be a huge hit!

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What the Pitta have an already established fan base amongst hungry Londoners – both vegan and meat-eaters. They are famed for their unique kebabs and their popularity is only growing. 

What The Pitta was founded by British-Turkish friends Cam Yildiz and Rojdan Gul. Cem had recently turned vegan due to his passion for the health and environment, however he was missing the grilled flavours of his favourite Turkish foods which he had struggled to find since changing his diet. Roj’s uncle had been working to perfect his own cult vegan kebabs in Germany for years, so they went to Turkey, learny the secret recipe and then opened their first pop up What the Pitta in Shoreditch shortly after!

Co-Founder Cem Yildiz comments:
‘It’s incredible that in just two years we have grown so quickly with the support of our loyal
customers, and will now be opening our fourth location. What started as a little wooden stall in Shoreditch is now a well-known name amongst the vegan community, especially in London. We can’t wait to take our kebabs further afield with our Brighton opening. We hope to continue encouraging people across the South-East to be meat free more often by providing delicious and satisfying alternatives, with added health and environmental benefits.”

What The Pitta Brighton will be opening on Friday 16th November on East Street.

What The Pitta

The post What the Pitta Opens in Brighton serving delicious vegan kebabs appeared first on Seen in The City - Luxury London Travel Lifestyle Magazine.

When looking for a romantic meal in Brighton, there are so many places to choose from, it can be difficult to decide just where to go. Check out our list for some top inspiration – why not try them all?

Isaac At

For a romantic meal in Brighton, Isaac At is a fine dining restaurant that oozes with romance and has date night written all over it. Dining at Issac at is a culinary work of art, known for their expertise in serving locally sourced produce within their delicately prepared taster menu’s  – which is designed for vegan, vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Of course pairing the courses with an English wine from their dedicated wine list enhance the experience and you are guaranteed to finish your evening feeling wined and dined!

Address:  2 Gloucester Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4EW
Telephone: +44 7765 934 740
Website: http://www.isaac-at.com/

The Gingerman

A small and intimate eatery, The Gingerman is a true gem situated just off of Brighton’s seafront. The decor is cosy and inviting, with exposed brick walls and dark leather seating, and this combined with their philosophy to create uncomplicated, full-flavoured food, made from the freshest, highest quality seasonal produce makes for a perfect romantic meal in Brighton. Share one of their bottles of wine while you enjoy the great quality cuisine and why not round your date night off with a stroll along the beach?

Address: 21a Norfolk Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2PD
Telephone: +44 1273 326 688
Website: gingermanrestaurant.com

Pascere

Pascere is an independent Brighton restaurant offering wines by the glass, small plates and classic dishes with a twist.The décor is chic and sophisticated, marble-topped tables are complemented by walls in a deep teal. This is a place where you can eat, drink and relax with your other half. Upstairs you can dine by the open kitchen watching the chef’s in action or downstairs with your own privacy of you and other couples around, either way it’s the perfect spot for a romantic meal in Brighton.

Address: 8 Duke Street, Brighton, BN1 1AH
Telephone: +44 1273 917 949
Website: pascere.co.uk

The Little Fish Market

If a delicious seafood meal is on the agenda, then head to The Little Fish Market where each course will be executed to perfection. Chef Duncan Ray makes sure every dish served surpasses expectations, with care and precision going into each course. The restaurant is small and intimate, a place where you can relax and enjoy the company of your other half for a truly special evening. We’d recommend you opt for the wine pairing to add that special something to your meal.

Address: 10 Upper Market Street, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1AS
Telephone: +44 1273 722 213
Website: thelittlefishmarket.co.uk

The Restaurant at Drakes

Just take one look at the reviews and you will see how highly rated Drakes is when it comes to the quality of service and the food they serve. Overlooking the seafront of Brighton, Drakes creates a cosy, romantic setting which, when coupled with the food they serve, makes it the ideal location for a romantic meal in Brighton. One of the closest restaurants to a Michelin star in Brighton, dining options include their standard A la Carte menu, which is 2 or 3 courses, or if you are looking for a real romantic treat you can opt for their taster menu and pair it with wine.

Address: 43-44 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1PE
Telephone: +44 1273 696 934
Website: drakesofbrighton.com

Food for Friends

Often described as a veggie heaven and a great place to dine, Food for Friends is an ideal date location in Brighton. Whether you are a vegetarian or not, it doesn’t matter as you are guaranteed to have a romantic meal with a tasty menu. Their cosy atmosphere coupled with their take on vegetarian cuisine has lead them to become an award winning restaurant that sits in the heart of the city.

Address: 17-18 Prince Albert St, Brighton, BN1 1HF
Telephone: +44 1273 202 310
Website: foodforfriends.com

Where do you go for a romantic meal in Brighton? Let us know in the comment box below…

The post The Best Places to Head for a Romantic Meal in Brighton appeared first on Seen in The City - Luxury London Travel Lifestyle Magazine.

The Set Brighton is one of those restaurants that once you discover you feel like you’ve missed out having never been here before now. It is a bit of a secret, hidden just out of the main shopping district of the city, in Regency Square, carefully tucked round the corner. That being said, it’s difficult not to spot with a bright sign on the door, marking it out upon the townhouse facades of its shoulder-to-shoulder companions round the square.

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It’s location is enviable, the square begging to be flopped onto under the sun after dining, your stomach full and pleasantly content. The i360 is a stone throw away and you can hear the gulls squawking and waves lapping upon the shore. It’s small yet eccentric, part of the Artist Residence Hotel. In a nod to its namesake, it is decorated in such a way you almost crane your neck trying to look at everything at once. Rustic brick walls with contemporary artwork and chalk boards displaying the specials are complimented by large windows at the front of the restaurant, allowing the room to be flooded with light. If you are happy enough to sit here it’s a great spot to look out to the seafront. The tables and chairs are made of wood and you can choose to sit at the pass, a great opportunity to watch the chefs at work. It’s a space that’s as unpretentious as the staff, you feel comfortable and relaxed as soon as you enter and nothing is too much effort.

The menu at the Set Bar is vast and varied and you can choose tapas style dishes which you can pair with glasses of wine. The dishes are seasonal and proudly British, with beautifully arranged combinations of flavour, of texture and colour.

The menu of the Set Brighton is laid out with hot dishes, cold dishes and then desserts. It is delicious and the price tags are low – something you rarely get in places like this. Dishes on the cold menu include Maldon Oyster with ponzu/ shallot vinegar (£2.50) Burrata, pea pesto and rhubarb (£4) and Flint owl Sourdough and whipped butter (£2.50.) On the hot menu you can enjoy potatoes, buttermilk and herbs (£3), lamb meatball, goats cheese and anchovy crumb (£4) and Honeyed artichokes with tahini (£3) among a whole other host of delicious offerings. We recommend you pair wine with your main meal and swap to a cocktail for dessert.

They’re simply too good it would be a crime not to try. Dessert wise, you can indulge in a dark chocolate & dolce lecce mousse (£3), Lamington with whipped cream (£3) or Carrot cake truffles (£3)

The Set Brighton is somewhere you can go to enjoy fine wine, even finer food and leave without your bank balance having taken a major bashing. The atmosphere is great, the setting ideal and the location perfect. It is somewhere you will return to again and again, with friends, with family, with your other half and with everyone in between.

The Set Brighton
33 Regency Square
Brighton
BN1 2GG

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