TRADERS at the city's first food hall are delighted to finally be welcoming customers in from today.
Brighton's Shelter Hall on the seafront has officially opened after more than five years of refurbishment, and staff at the hall's kitchens have been busy preparing to welcome diners to the venue's outdoor space.
MasterChef winner Kenny Tutt, who has opened Ox Block, his first kitchen in Brighton at the food hall, said it is a "great feeling" for businesses at the hall to be launching as the city emerges from lockdown.
He said: "It's like we've woken up again and so lovely to see everyone out and about.
"I've always been a big fan of cooking British meat that is reared well and treated well, and with Ox Block it is all about good local ingredients, done simply and done well.
"It's very relaxed here and what's really lovely is diners can mix and match - you could have a really exciting meal by trying out different bits and pieces.
"I'm absolutely chuffed to be here."
Kenny's Ox Block kitchen is a smoking robata grill serving up seasonal barbecued meats, from steaks and kebabs to breakfast baps, with a selection of side dishes and puddings, including deep-fried Oreos with dulce de leche ice cream.
Julie Haylett, co-owner of Sugardough bakery in Hove since 2009 and its cafe in Market Street in Brighton since 2015, said she was attracted to the idea behind Shelter Hall - to have a space for all local and independent food businesses under one roof.
She said: "We were drawn to the concept as it's a food hall but with local businesses rather than chains, and a space for up and comers, and it's all year round.
"It's about good quality produce in a lovely big space and it's not just about getting the tourist dollar.
"This has been such a hard year for hospitality so it's great to have something positive and exciting to be involved in.
"We've taken on new members of staff which is great - it's definitely been such a boost."
Tart by Sugardough will be providing freshly made pastries and artisan coffees, cakes and desserts, as well as savoury pastries.
Julie added: "All our pastry is handmade and inspired by French bakery - what we call puff tarts. "It's such a good mix here and perfect for the couple or family who can't decide - as you can sit and order different dishes from different operators."
Shelter Hall has opened its outdoor seating area to begin with, followed by indoor dining from May 17, in line with the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.
The newly restored Victorian building at the bottom of West Street has seven kitchens, a craft beer and wine bar and will host live music, all under one roof.
It is the first food hall to be launched by Sessions Market, a company set up by former Deliveroo managing director Dan Warne.
The business aims to remove barriers facing hospitality entrepreneurs and provide them with "spaces and opportunities to grow”.
Food director Olivia Red said: “The Shelter Hall that will welcome you is a wonderful celebration of food, drink and location that far exceeds expectation.
“Brighton is going to be busy this summer and it should be, with such a fantastic offer for residents and visitors. We are expecting large volumes and are eager to welcome them.”
Among the food businesses are Pan by Lost Boys Chicken, Caught by Crabshack and Amalfi by VIP Pizza, while there will be a selection of vibrant salads and juices at Zest by Hanoi Kitchen.
Olivia said the food partners at Shelter Hall will celebrate “all things local and independent”.
She said: “The curated food offering launching is fixed for this year, with six kitchens and the exciting addition of the rotational new venture kitchen to be announced, and pop-ups throughout the year.
"The kitchens are designed to facilitate different cuisine offerings, fitted with bespoke equipment to deliver a curated menu of grill, fried, fresh, baked items, and we seek out the best chef concept to match each kitchen identity.
“Working closely with these partners, their suppliers and our portfolio of visiting chefs will constantly refresh the offer seasonally, and keep it inviting for all demographics.
“The process of engaging food partners is ongoing as part of our mission to facilitate growth and opportunity for chefs. My door is open.”
Visitors can either reserve a table at Shelter Hall online or turn up on the day, as half of the venue's tables will be reserved for walk-ins.
The upcoming opening weekend will kick off with live DJs on Friday and the first weekly Sunday live music sessions on the terrace stage.
There will be resident DJs every Friday and Saturday and a Shelter Hall Introduces... session with live musicians every Tuesday.
Olivia added: “Sustaining food and service standards at all times is key and our team will be managing the site confidently with Covid restrictions in mind at all times.
“We aim to be the heart of the seafront all year round, offering the best of food, drink and entertainment.”
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