When I headed down to Arcobaleno to try their Maltese food, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

From having a look at their menus before arriving I knew the food had potential and the Abba-inspired cocktails sounded fun.

But on arriving I realised I was about to have a new experience.

The venue, a restaurant, bar and events space uses the tagline No Place Like Arcobaleno and I would have to agree. It bills itself as Brighton's Favourite new Gay Bar.

I went down on the third Thursday of the month, which is when they hold their monthly country night.

The Hoedown Hunnies are a band who, the owner told us, have their sights set on Eurovision in the coming years.

They played live music throughout the night and were setting up on the small stage while we browsed the menu.

I chose the plant based platter which promised to “transport you to the Mediterranean”, while my friend chose the pasta with pork shoulder ragu.

The pasta was saucy and flavourful with succulent meat.

My platter was a huge serving and was a full rainbow of colours - my personal favourites were the Bigilla, a broad bean dip and Kapunata, a vegetable salad.

The sun-dried tomatoes were a little overpowering for my liking but the rest of it was delicious.

It was so large I got the rest in a takeaway box and it was just as good for my lunch the next day.

We washed our mains down with a cocktail each.

I chose the Mamma Mia with coconut tequila, flavoured with orange blossom water, lime juice and lemonade. It was zesty but I felt could have been more tangy to balance the sweetness.

My friend tried the Dancing Queen which the waiter recommended.

With amaretto, triple sec and rum it packed a punch.

By the time we had finished the country night was in full swing with drag queens Peanut and Amber Sands encouraging guests to get on their feet and start dancing.

The atmosphere was friendly and it really felt like everyone was welcome.

Arcobaleno, which opened last June, holds regular events with live music and dancing.

Mains start at £8 and platters are £16 (and could easily serve two).

Cocktails are £10 each.

Arcobaleno is in St George's Road, Kemp Town, Brighton.