Riddeli

After bringing the award-winning beach-front restaurant Due South and Riddle and Finns Champagne and Oyster bar to the city, dynamic duo Robert Shenton and Adam Brian have launched a new venture.

Riddeli, a combination of “Riddle” and “deli”, brings together a restaurant and deli on the same site, implementing elements from Riddle and Finns in an affordable bistro setting.

Split between the entrance level and an upper floor, visitors are met by a combination of New York deli and a traditional champagne and oyster bar, with clean marble surfaces, discrete chandeliers and unique candlesticks on the high tables.

“It’s an ideal meeting place to relax with friends while partaking in a glass of champagne and a platter of freshly-shucked oysters,” says head chef Stuart Paterson.

Laid-back elegance is key to the restaurant, with its wood-panelled walls, antique silverware, white linens and fine china.

Riddeli serves a contemporary British, bistro-style menu, featuring hearty traditional dishes cooked with an emphasis on simplicity.

The a la carte menu changes daily to reflect the freshest seasonal ingredients that have come in from local suppliers that day.

It sources many of its vegetables and winter oven game produce, such as partridge, from South Brockwells Farm, a family-run enterprise on the outskirts of Lewes.

The restaurant is also supplied by The Foragers, a network of individuals who forage for mushrooms, seaweed and samphire to supply local establishments.

“The produce is often out of the field one day and on to the plates of our customers the next,” Stuart says.

Weekend menus include all-day brunches, family-style Sunday roasts and whole baked fish to share, as well as a selection of fine wines and champagnes to enjoy on the premises or to take home.

The deli offers a range of fresh, made-toorder gourmet sandwiches, organic soups and salads, home-baked pastries and organic chocolate treats.

“The delicatessen lets customers mix and match products to eat-in and also promotes cooking at home,” Stuart explains.

“I’m always happy to give step-by-step instructions to customers who may not have had the confidence to attempt certain dishes before.”

He says typical customers include young professionals who pop in at lunchtime or after work, as well as older diners looking for comfortable surroundings.

Prices range from the breakfast menu’s basket of toast for £2, to a platter of 24 rock oysters at £30, and if pushed for a recommendation, Stuart says he’d opt for the confit leg of duck with sweet red cabbage, fondant potatoes, shallots and garlic (£11.50) – “a perfect pairing of flavours”.

With Valentines’ Day almost upon us, Riddeli is planning to offer a delivery service designed for couples who’d prefer to spend the evening in the comfort of their own homes.

The service will operate within a four-mile radius of Brighton pier and includes options such as a bottle of chilled champagne, lobster fruits de mer platter to share and organic chocolate desserts for £65.

Customers who visit the restaurant on February 14 will be greeted with a free glass of champagne and special dishes.

“The upper floor is an ideal location for this occasion, with dimmed lighting to set the ambience and plenty of space,” Stuart says.

“We know restaurants tend to take advantage of the occasion and cram as many people in to make more money, but we like to give customers the space needed to feel comfortable and at ease.”

Future plans for Ridelli include offering wedding and party packages, which have already proved a tried and tested success for Due South and Riddle and Finns, as well as introducing more dishes for takeout from the deli.

Sample the menu

Breakfast Favourites
Classic English: Two rashers of crispy free-range bacon, grilled Sussex sausage, herbed tomato and egg cooked your way, served with warm granary toast – £6.50.

Vegetarian
Vegetarian sausages, sautéed spinach, grilled herbed tomato, mushrooms and egg cooked your way, served with arm granary toast – £6.50.

Sandwiches
Granary, French stick or farmhouse white BLT – £4.50
Riddeli Club – £5
Egg Banjo – £3.50
Starters
Steamed mussels with shallots, white wine and cream – £6/main – £10.50
Home-smoked duck with a spiced lentil salad and sweet beetroot glaze – £6
Home baked vegetarian tartlette of the day served with winter leaves and a honey vinagrette – £5
Mains
South Brockwells Farm guinea fowl, honey roasted with rosemary roast parsnips and sautéed kale – £12
Sea bass baked with orange and fennel served with a pastis cream sauce – £14.50
Braised beef on a celeriac mash with baby onions, pancetta and red wine – £10.50
Desserts
Poached pears with a mulled wine sorbet – £5
Vanilla seed and honey crème brulee with homemade shortbread – £5
Artisan selection of local Sussex cheeses with home-made chutneys, biscuits, celery and apple – £6.

Open daily 9.30am-10.30pm, apart from Sundays when the restaurant is closed in the evening.