DESPITE cooler than average spring temperatures, many of us are eager to get out and enjoy a meal with family and friends again.

Having been deprived of date nights, dinners and drinks with friends for many months, people up and down the country are now revelling in the chance to get a taste of normality back.

Luckily, Brighton has been named the best city in the UK for al fresco dining.

The city was found to have more than 200 outdoor dining options - the highest number per inhabitant in the UK, by holiday rental search engine Holidu.

With its numerous quirky cafes, bars, rooftop terraces and beer gardens, Brighton came top over Cambridge, Oxford, York and Worcester in the top five.

Chester, Exeter, Norwich also featured in the list, followed by Lincoln and Bournemouth.

The Salt Room in Kings Road was named as the top choice for an al fresco meal in Brighton, due to its incredible views of the seafront and modern British seafood.

The restaurant, which specialises in roasting seafood over coal, offers a seasonal a la carte menu focused on sustainable local produce.

It has won praise for its innovative dishes and in 2017 was named the best seafood restaurant in the UK.

For more information or to book a table, visit www.saltroom-restaurant.co.uk.