Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but being a busy working woman I can only just about squeeze in a coffee first thing, so was absolutely delighted to be invited along to Jo & Co who won first place in Best Team and top three in Best Brunch in the BRAVO Awards, ‘22.
The venue situated on Church Road in Hove is incredibly chic. A bright and welcoming space, featuring a mezzanine floor complete with hanging foliage and quirky pastel wallpaper. It’s the perfect setting to catch up with friends, or quietly work while enjoying a latte or three.
Proprietor Jo greeted me and my plus one at the door and subsequent to seating us at a comfortable booth, we were presented with menus. Making a decision wasn’t easy, but we eventually settled on a Full English and shredded Ham Hock Benedict with Oat Vanilla Lattes. The coffee (sourced from Australia and New Zealand) is served in glass mugs, a smooth and delightful start to our brunch experience. The food arrived without delay and I was impressed with the presentation, and couldn’t wait to get stuck in. All the ingredients are high quality, the egg was perfectly poached with a golden centre that oozed out under my knife onto the sourdough toast. I devoured the crispy bacon and well cooked sausage, hash browns, fresh tomato and mushrooms and small pot of baked beans. Absolute heaven and one of the nicest cooked breakfasts I’ve eaten. The Benedict also delivered. A lightly toasted muffin topped with shredded ham hock and poached eggs smothered in creamy Hollandaise. Every bite was perfection, the salty ham complimented the delicate flavours of the egg and sauce, I honestly could have eaten two of everything. Side note, I did share these two dishes with my dining partner in case you were wondering…
To finish, Bloody Marys. Jo & Co make one of the best, double vodka and just the right amount of spice, garnished with fresh rosemary and a celery stick. There’s something decadent about day drinking when brunch is involved (as opposed to a park bench) but we resisted the urge to order another and wobbled happily out of the door to catch the bus back into Brighton.
115 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2AF | 01273 934400 | joandcorestaurants.co.uk
