Words by Samantha Harman
Discover Editor visits Blossoms, a brand new Japanese inspired small plates and cocktails venue in Brighton Square
This brand new Japanese-inspired small plates and cocktails venue in central Brighton is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique, affordable and luxurious dining experience. From the moment you approach the restaurant, you are greeted by cherry blossoms that festoon the front door and bar, setting the tone for a truly magical evening.
Upon entering, the interior is stunning, with plush velvet seating, neon wall art and Japanese murals with one of the tables inside a giant bird cage, which is a real showstopper. But it’s not just the decor that’s impressive; the food and cocktails are outstanding too.
We started with the beef gyoza, which were the best I’ve ever tasted – the perfect balance of flavours and textures, tender beef with a slightly crisp exterior. We also tried the vegetable spring rolls, pac choi and broccoli, all of which were delicious and beautifully presented. The king prawn tempura was a real highlight, crispy and flavourful, not too much batter so the succulent prawns were the star of each bite. and paired perfectly with the rose and lychee cocktail, which was refreshing and perfectly balanced.
Speaking of cocktails, the mixologist really knows her stuff. With over 15 years experience at high-end venues, I was impressed with the fact she has taken all of the classics and given them a Japanese twist. I asked the owner to bring me whichever cocktails they’d like me to try (and no, I didn’t snap my fingers) and for this reason my memory evades me as to which ones they were exactly, suffice to say they don’t skimp on the measures here. My favourite was served in a coupe glass and featured its own tiny rubber duck floating on the surface. This drink summed up the venue for me, playful, contemporary and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Overall, Blossoms is a fantastic addition to Brighton’s dining scene, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and memorable experience. The attention to detail, both in terms of the decor and the food, is truly impressive, and it’s clear that a lot of care and thought has gone into every aspect of the restaurant. They also serve brunch as well as lunch and dinner so you have no excuse not to go. I for one can’t wait to go back and try more dishes from their fantastic menu.
