Discover Visits The Coal Shed In Brighton To Review The New Venue, Food And Cocktails.
The Coal Shed has moved from its former premises in the lanes to a more prominent position on North Street. The highly anticipated refurbishment took some time to complete, and the results are showstopping. The black and gold fronted venue is now a beacon of bougieness, boasting a floor level cocktail bar and seating that leads into an expansive dining area with booths, and private dining spaces for meetings and events situated at the rear.
We received a warm welcome from the front of house team and were promptly invited to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the bar area. I selected an apricot and fig margarita while my partner opted for a pear daiquiri. Delicate glassware was presented with deliciously balanced contents. A lot of training has taken place to perfect the execution of the cocktail menu and this was evident in each delicious sip.
The main dining area beckoned upon completion of the drinks and we were escorted up the stairs to a booth adjacent to the open kitchen. The venue was busy for a Monday night and the redolence of our fellow diners’ meals hung in the air, mingling with clinking wine glasses and low chatter.
Subsequent to being poured glasses of red velvety wine, we scoured the menu. The Coal Shed offers a wide variety of grub. Aside from the devastatingly wonderful steak offerings, you will find chicken, fish, vegetarian and vegan options.
To start we selected BBQ ‘Waldorf’ Scallops Celeriac, Walnut, Nashi Pear and Cornish Crab, BBQ watermelon, espelette with citrus dressing. Plump tender scallops were complimented by delicate accompanying flavours and the crab was light and fragrant with tiny crackers to pile the contents of the plate onto. Beautiful light starters, leaving us hungry enough to move onto some steak.
We both selected Ribeye with sides; creamy mashed potatoes, blistered tomatoes, coal fired greens and spinach Rockefeller. Each rich, buttery mouthful of steak was tender and an absolute delight. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten such creamy mashed potatoes either. We poured peppercorn sauce liberally over each Ribeye, although the meat was so juicy it could’ve been enjoyed without.
Full to bursting? Yes, we were, but dessert is always alluring and it was rude not to include for research purposes. Our waitress recommended the Coal Shed dessert selection for two, which incidentally could’ve fed four. Churros with warm chocolate sauce, burnt lemon pie, kiss at the opera, brûlée brioche with popcorn and medjool date cake adorned the platter and we tried (but couldn’t finish) each item. I have since fantasized about that dessert wishing I’d brought it all home with me. A-maz-ing.
You must visit this stunning venue, the food, service and ambience are spot on and I think this is now my favourite Blackrock venue. Make sure you see our video of the experience on our socials @discover_btn TIKTOK & Instagram
Clarence House, 30-31 North St, BN1 1EB / 01273 322 998 / www.coalshed-restaurant.co.uk
