The Velvet Crab Brighton
Discover sat down with The Velvet Crab, and the conversation quickly moved beyond seafood. Madeira Place has borne witness to Brighton’s evolution since the late-18th century (the street itself was known as German Place until 1914). Number 15 has long been associated with hospitality and entertainment – many people remember the Italian restaurant and the downstairs dinner dances of the 1970s and 80s. It has long been a place to gather.
How does it feel to carry the story of the venue forward?
We feel fortunate. We are the latest custodians of a building that already means something to people and we want to respect those memories while allowing it to evolve. We would not be here without our team, our customers and our local suppliers. Their support has brought us this far.
What does the next chapter look like?
Working with Culturalee, we are developing an art-salon programme and extending an open invitation to artists, makers and collaborators. We are pleased to announce that our newly redecorated downstairs room will open this autumn as The Voodoo Lounge. It will offer private dining, celebrations and close-up live music.
Our collaborations with the One Night In… team and Soul Circle will bring local and international jazz performers into a room where the audience feels part of the performance. We want the room and its programme to grow naturally.
As the restaurant begins to do more, what remains at its heart?
People. Our guests bring the room to life, our team gives it character, and our suppliers allow us to cook with confidence. Our creative and marketing partners help us tell the story. The food remains central – seafood boils, oysters, live-fire cooking and dishes made for sharing – but hospitality connects everything.
What are you looking forward to as Christmas approaches?
Welcoming people around the table. We are taking enquiries for Christmas lunches and dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, group feasts, private hire and exclusive use. For family celebrations, gatherings of friends or company dinners, we would be pleased to help shape the occasion in the restaurant or The Voodoo Lounge.
www.thevelvetcrab.co.uk | 15 Madeira Place, Brighton BN2 1TN | 07908 084 246 | hello@thevelvetcrab.co.uk
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