Tapas Revolution to open new restaurant in North Street, Brighton

Tapas Revolution will open in North Street in Brighton, in the building which previously housed Bella Italia.

Casual Dining Group, which owns Bella Italia, Cafe Rouge and Las Iguanas, announced it would be shutting all three of its Bella Italia restaurants in Brighton last year after the company went into administration amid the pandemic.

A launch date has not yet been confirmed but the new Spanish restaurant is due to open at the start of June.

Tapas Revolution will offer vegetarian and vegan options. Photo: Nic Crilly-Hargrave

Open daily from 11am to 11pm, the 100 seater venue will also have a Spanish “terraza” for up to 80 people to enjoy an al fresco meal and soak up the sun.

A pop-up van will soon be offering tasters around the city to give people a sneak peek of the menu, which includes an array of small plates, traditional Spanish mains, paellas and churros.

The drinks list includes an extensive wine selection, blending Spanish favourites with biodynamic and organic producers, including Sussex winemaker Kingscote, alongside a range of beers and cocktails.

The menu has been developed by Madrid-born chef and author Omar Allibhoy Cuende, who said diners can expect the classic small plates and paella dishes, but also find a range of new vegan and vegetarian dishes especially for Brighton using ingredients from local producers.

Chef Omar Allibhoy Cuende

Feature dishes include Albondigas En Salsa - beetroot, oat and lentil albóndigas served in a rich tomato vegetable ‘sofrito’ sauce, and Garbanzos Con Espinaca - spiced chickpea stew with baby spinach, garlic and spices, which will sit alongside classics such as Tortilla, Croquetas de Jamon, Calamari and Chorizo cooked in Asturian cider.

Omar said: “Brighton is such a vibrant, culturally rich city, we can’t wait to join the amazing food scene here.

“We hope to offer a little taste of true Spanish hospitality, showcasing the wonderful food that goes hand in hand with a relaxed and welcoming way to socialise.

“We’re excited about meeting members of the local Spanish community, hosting events and working with groups, creators and artists, so would love to hear ideas on how we can support and celebrate Spanish culture’s place in Brighton.”

The team is also hoping to connect with Brighton’s vibrant Spanish community by planning various events, including a street market celebrating local Spanish artists and producers later this year.

Diners can enjoy a range of menus, including Bottomless Brunch for bottomless sangria, wine and beers every Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 2pm, and Aperitivo Time from 3pm until 6pm Sundays to Fridays, providing two for one on sangrias, gin and tonics and cocktails.

The restaurant is also offering “Tapas Time” allowing guests to taste three Tapas dishes for £18 between Monday and Friday from midday until 6pm.

The restaurant will be open for both bookings and walk-ins, with bookings through reservations@tapasrevolution.com recommended to secure a table.