Party time in what is fast becoming the food capital of the UK

I’m not in habit of reviewing parties here, despite being invited to so many. My view has always been that there is little value to you the reader in hearing about what a good time I have had at an event that you were not invited to. Would I not simply be gloating about my own life?
But once in a while I think it only fair that I report on a string of events that reflect the buoyant nature of Brighton & Hove’s food and drink scene – so here goes.

It’s been a busy fortnight with two launches and one relaunch to attend. First was the launch of Jetty, the new restaurant and bar in what will be the new Harbour hotel on Brighton seafront. And what a party, a lavish affair highlighting a menu that will really focus on fresh fish and seafood.
The space has been gutted, gone are the tacky opera house style decorations and in their place a cool, modern interior with an open kitchen, smart bar, dining areas and comfortable lounge areas too. The Champagne flowed and the oysters were being shucked thick and fast at an event that heralded exciting things to come. Executive chef Alex Aitken spoke with me and I cannot wait to go back and dine in style.

Next was the relaunch of The Bistor and Hotel du Vin. I was there when it opened 15 years ago at party that set the bar very high indeed. Now, after a very smart refurbishment, the bistro has a much brighter and lighter look and a fresh new menu to match.
And what an event, the good, the bad and the, dare I say it, ugly gathered to celebrate in style this new era for one of the city’s most popular drinking and dining venues. Lavish buffets of seafood, charcuterie and the biggest display of perfectly roasted meats I have ever seen were matched by brilliant Brewdog beers, free flowing award-winning Ridgeview sparkling wines and award winning Blackdown Spirit cocktails – with ice creams, wine tastings and live music this was an event to be seen at. I cannot wait to get in there and sample their new offering.

Finally a new venue for Las Iguanas at Brighton Marina. And what a night of indulgence, excellent cocktails, tasty foods and plenty of fun, but above that they are proving that at every level of the market Brighton and Hove can deliver. This South American eatery is well priced and extremely family friendly with a kids meal deal that I reckon is pretty unbeatable, check that out for sure.

I’ve eaten at Las Iguanas a few times now and have never been disappointed. Much as I love our independent restaurant scene, I also like to have, up my sleeve, a few reliable national brands that I can visit when I travel in the knowledge that I will eat and be looked after well. Las Iguanas fits the bill and their new venue at Brighton Marina is certainly worth a visit.
So here you have it, sorry to show off about my busy social calendar, but it had to be done. Brighton and Hove boasts so many great places to eat now that we are certainly punching way above our weight when it comes to food and drink and long may it stay that way.

Jetty, Brighton Harbour Hotel, 64 King’s Rd, Brighton, BN1 1NA 01273 916916, www.brighton-harbour-hotel.co.uk
Hotel du Vin Bistro 2 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AD,
01273 855221, www.hotelduvin.com
Las Iguanas Brighton Marina
Brighton, BN2 5WA, 01273 805516, www.iguanas.co.uk