Giraffe

Though it’s been a long time coming, the latest branch of “world music family restaurant” chain Giraffe is finally ready to throw open its doors to Brighton diners on Monday.

Based in a previously unused section of the recent Jubilee Street development, the restaurant, with its bright orange frontage and huge windows, is a colourful and sizable addition to an area that also houses Yo! Sushi, Pizza Express, Carluccio’s and Cafe Zilli.

Best known in London, where its distinctive logo can be spotted on the South Bank, in Spitalfields, Hampstead and Islington, the company has been looking to open in Brighton for some time, says new manager Pauline Barlow.

She was taken on last April and has spent months commuting to other Giraffe branches to learn the ropes while details were finalised for Brighton.

Understandably, she’s excited about the realisation of her new venture, the 24th to open under the Giraffe name: “This is my baby and it’s going to work!” she says.

In line with the company’s ethos of creating “a friendly, welcoming place, where a smile goes a long way”, the restaurant is warm, bright and airy.

The front part is cafe-like; big slouchy sofas and an oversized Anglepoise lamp sit next to low tables.

Towards the back, near the enticing, well-stocked bar, low lighting and dark wooden booths offer a little more intimacy.

The walls bear cheery sentiments such as: “Eat Together, Love Forever”, and the young, energetic staff are attentive but studiously casual – no intimidating formality here.

“Behind the scenes, it’s slick, but on the surface it’s quite laidback,” Pauline agrees.

“We want people to come here with their parents, on a date, or just to have a cocktail.

We’re not trying to focus on one particular group.

We’re not trying to be too cool.”

The menu is all-encompassing, offering versions of dishes from a range of countries.

Fancy Tex-Mex? Giraffe serves spiced turkey enchiladas and BBQ ribs.

Italian? How about the roast mushroom, spinach and goat’s cheese tostada or penne pasta margherita? For lovers of Asian foods, there’s Phod Malay Udon noodles and Thai duck stir fry, while a nod to Middle Eastern cuisine comes in the form of the mezze plate and falafel burger.

Pauline’s personal favourites are the enchiladas – “just awesome” – and the banana waffle split, a mouthwatering combination of roast bananas, vanilla ice cream and chocolate and butterscotch sauce.

The wine comes from independent wine merchant Bibendum and there is a cocktail list as imaginative as the range of smoothies on offer.

Like many of the leading coffee chains, Giraffe likes to tie in music with its food and works with world music label Putumayo to highlight “underexposed artists and bands from across the globe”.

All CDs played in the restaurant can be purchased there.

As for the name? “Giraffes are so tall they see a different view of the world.

We love fresh ideas,” explains the company’s website.

Sample the menu

Starters
Wok-fried Edamame (soya beans with chilli and ginger): £4.10
Chicken Potstickers (fried dumplings with sweet chilli dip): £4.95
Nachos melt (melted jack cheese, black bean chilli, jalapenos, guacamole): £5.25
Mains
Parmesan Chicken Schnitzel Kiev (crumbed chicken breast, mash, garlic and herb butter): £9.95
Fish Finger Caesar Burger (with fish fingers, Parmesan shavings and red onion):
£8.25
Vietnamese Chicken And Prawn Curry (with snap peas, spinach and green beans): £8.95

Swiss chocolate cheesecake: £4.95
Apple-berry crumble: £4.95
Sticky toffee and apple pudding: £4.75

Open Monday to Friday 8am-11pm, Saturday 9am-11pm, Sunday, 9am-10.30pm