The Velvet Crab | A bold new chapter for a Brighton favourite
There’s a fresh energy on St James’s Street as seafood favourite The Velvet Crab (formally The Gothic Crab) emerges with a brand-new identity, exciting culinary plans and a determination to turn adversity into something extraordinary.
For owner Jake, the journey to reopening hasn’t exactly been straightforward. Following an unexpectedly turbulent transition behind the scenes, the team found themselves forced to rebuild almost overnight. Rather than dwell on setbacks, Jake chose to focus on creating something entirely his own – transforming the former Gothic Crab into The Velvet Crab, a softer, more welcoming new concept inspired by the species itself.
“The most important thing people need to know is that we’re still the same passionate team, still delivering the same quality experience people loved before – but now we’re building something even better,” says Jake.
Part of that new identity includes turning the restaurant into a creative community hub, with local artwork displayed on rotating exhibitions throughout the venue, and future plans to develop downstairs into a dedicated arts and events space.
Alongside partner Julia, who has been instrumental in rapidly rebuilding the restaurant’s digital presence across Instagram, Facebook and beyond, the pair are focused on reconnecting with Brighton diners and making people aware of the exciting changes.
Food lovers can also expect a deeper dive into bold Bayou and New Orleans flavours, with a Sunday brunch offering. The menu now features dishes including oysters Rockefeller, gumbo, jambalaya, seafood boils and chargrilled seafood platters, alongside Jake’s own range of house-made hot sauces and barbecue blends.
Jake brings decades of hospitality experience to the table, having worked extensively in high-end catering, restaurant launches and American-style live fire cooking, making this latest venture feel like a natural evolution of years spent perfecting his craft.
With soul music supper clubs, collaborations with local suppliers and a packed events calendar in the pipeline, The Velvet Crab isn’t simply reopening – it’s reinventing itself. Make sure you connect on social media channels and book yourselves in for an unforgettable, authentic New Orleans-style experience.
www.thevelvetcrab.co.uk | 15 Madeira Place, Brighton BN2 1TN
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