Sunday roast with West Pier views
If, like me, you’re partial to a good Sunday roast with a sea view, Drift beneath Brighton i360 is one to add to your list. The venue recently launched its Sunday roast menu and it’s a delicious addition to the city’s culinary scene.
Drift boasts a huge terrace overlooking the beach, where you can watch the i360 pod glide skyward, coupled with unrestricted views of the iconic West Pier. Inside, the space feels warm and inviting, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows framing the seafront from all sides, and booths and tables set before a striking central bar. The décor nods to Brighton’s coastal character without feeling overdone. Although starters are available, the roasts are generous, so I’m pleased I went straight for the main – Surrey Farm 21-day aged sirloin of beef. Each roast comes with thyme-roasted parsnips, heritage carrots, crispy roast potatoes with confit garlic, hispi cabbage and a silky sweet potato purée as standard. I added pigs in blankets and cauliflower cheese sides, because, why not?
As my dining partner and I sipped fruity Merlot and enjoyed the live four-piece band, our enormous plates arrived piping hot. The beef was tender, pink and easy to cut, the roasties perfectly crisp and the cauliflower cheese boasted an excellent cheese pull. The pigs in blankets were golden and crunchy and when we asked for extra gravy it arrived within moments. (Extra Yorkshires were offered too, though unnecessary given the generous portions.) A special mention must go to the vegetables, cooked to perfection, and refreshingly free of red cabbage.
For dessert, we shared the bottomless apple crumble (yes, bottomless), served with rich, creamy custard. The crunchy sweet topping and tart apples made for a comforting autumn finale.
After lunch, I adjourned to the terrace to finish my wine, watching Brightonians, dogs and tourists enjoying a relaxed Sunday. Drift’s roast easily ranks among Brighton’s best, and is sure to flood social media feeds with positive reviews. Make sure you book!
www.driftbarandkitchen.co.uk / 128 Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN
