Brighton’s pub food scene is brimming with talent, with cuisines inspired by the world over taking residence in our watering hole kitchens.
From Taiwanese to Eastern African there’s a huge range of treats on offer to accompany a post-work or weekend tipple.
Naomi Matthews lists some of those worth trying – that is, if you haven’t already.
Beelzebab, The Hope and Ruin, Queen's Road
One for the quirkier among us, Beelzebab is a vegan food vendor which has been operating out of the back of a caravan inside the Hope and Ruin pub since 2015.
Diners can order at the bar, with wares including seitan doner kebabs, hot dogs and a whole menu of loaded fries, plus sides of deep fried olives and poppers – moreish little nuggets of deep fried seasoned seitan.
Despite it being 100 per cent vegan friendly, the abundance in flavour and texture means meat eaters won’t be able to tell the difference.
Kitgum Kitchen, The Signalman, Ditchling Rise
In 1972, the president of Uganda, Idi Amin announced that all Asians had 90 days to leave their homeland.
Among the exiles were Kitgum Kitchen owner Fayaz’s parents, and although they only took a single suitcase they brought a wealth of recipes from their unique heritage, which formed the basis of Kitgum’s unique East African and Gujarati fusion menu. After building up a loyal following at The Sir Charles Napier in Southover Street, a successful summer residency at The Hare and Hounds, and a short-but-sweet sitting at The Mesmerist, Kitgum Kitchen has landed at The Signalman by London Road station – and not a moment too soon.
Dizzy Gull, Brighton Beer Dispensary, Dean Street
Known best for its mouth-watering pub snacks, the guys behind the Dizzy Gull know a thing or two when it comes to food, after all, they also created The Set, dining extraordinaire located in Regency Square.
Its plates contain influences from all over, with a falafel flatbreads, pork schnitzel and hot dog appearing alongside potato rosti and a beefburger.
By pairing the food choice with the most varied beer menu in the city, they are on to a winner.
Lucky Beach, Temple Bar, Western Road
Offering the kind of menu that will take a hefty amount of time to ponder, Lucky Beach at the Temple Bar serves up local, sustainable and organic food every day until 9pm.
From its snacks and sharers all the way to the burger menu, which includes “ketchup leather” and other flavoursome burger concoctions, everything is erring on the adventurous side of pub food – but it works.
The blue cheese and bacon fries are a force to be reckoned with, too, for a quick and greasy pub snack.
Lost Boys Chicken, The Joker, Preston Road
Formerly known as the Orange Buffalo, Lost Boys Chicken relaunched at the end of last year with a nod toward JM Barrie. And if the creations mean we never grow up either, then we want in. Expect chicken burgers, wings and fries to tickle those tastebuds and add chilli to taste.
Croustillant D, Seven Stars, Ship Street
The team at Croustillant D offers something a little more than your average pub grub, with French and nouvelle cuisine influences aplenty.
One brother spent ten years training in the continent, picking up interesting techniques along the way. The other is a seasoned pub chef who has made his way through Brighton’s taverns over the last decade.
Together, they put magic on a plate – just wait until you try their platters.
Baby Bao, The Pond, Gloucester Road
Since The Pond relaunched last year, it has quickly become the coolest place for Friday night drinks in town – and for a good reason.
Street Diner from around the corner curates the kitchen, showcasing some of the finest culinary talent Brighton has to offer.
Serving up its take on Taiwanese street food, kitchen-in-residence Baby Bao offers delightful little steamed buns brimming with flavour to suit all tastes, from pork belly to hoisin tofu.
For those with a sweet tooth, there’s even a doughnut bao, encasing a choice of either matcha tea ice cream and condensed milk, peanut butter ice cream and jam or vegan vanilla, jam and peanuts.
Pattypan Kitchen, The Victory, Duke Street
Chef Matt Stay graced the kitchens of Indian Summer, Terre a Terre and the Open House before ditching them all in favour of his own.
Offering a unique style of vegetarian cuisine, Pattypan’s menu includes a bit of everything, from arancini and stuffed mushrooms to Sri Lanka style curry and open sandwiches.
The desserts are a bit more unusual however, with vegetable-based sorbets a far cry from the standard pub food.
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