Seafront dining tour: Winter indulgence by the sea
Brighton’s iconic seafront isn’t just about pebble beaches and lively bars to be enjoyed during the summer. It’s also a haven for food lovers seeking moody sea views and blustery walks during the colder months.
The first stop is Harbour Hotel Brighton, a Victorian-era hotel featuring a subterranean spa of HarSPA, sea-view rooms, and the relaxed yet stylish HarBAR + Kitchen.
A more laid-back, breakfast-to-dinner alternative is Coastal, the seafront restaurant, bar and terrace attached to the Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel. Expect relaxed breakfasts, seafood lunches or sunset drinks with sea views.
For something more indulgent and intimate, ideal for a special dinner out even in winter add Pearly Cow to the mix. Nestled just off the seafront at 123 Kings Road, this grill-and-seafood restaurant serves open-flame steaks, oysters, seafood-refined seasonal dishes and Sunday roasts with a moody, bistro-style interior.
For a completely different energy: communal, casual and versatile, there’s Shelter Hall. Originally built in the 1880s and reborn in 2020, Shelter Hall brings together a rotating collective of independent kitchens, crafts and cocktails under one roof, with sea views and a social, informal vibe.
For a beach-bar twist, Salt Shed at The West Pier offers a barbecue-style beach bar experience under the arches on Kings Road, a more relaxed, unpretentious counterpoint to the hotel and fine-dining venues. Expect chargrilled dishes, cocktails, casual seating and a laid-back seaside vibe.
Tucked into one of Brighton’s famous seafront arches on Kings Road, The Winkle offers a relaxed yet refined dining experience, with a coastal-meets-contemporary vibe. It’s a spot defined by fresh, seasonally driven menus, often leaning on seafood and local produce.
Located next to Hove Lagoon, Big Beach Cafe, formerly owned by Fatboy Slim, is a down-to-earth family-friendly venue that has recently been acquired by new owners Kash Miah and his sons. We wish them luck in their newest business venture!
Rockwater in Hove’s ‘Records and Roasts’ is a Sunday essential, a relaxed blend of vinyl vibes, and perfectly cooked roasts by the sea. Expect DJs spinning tunes, friendly buzz and unbeatable coastal views. The ultimate laid-back Hove hangout for food, music and good times.
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