Landmark Brighton restaurant to close

One of Brighton’s most prominent restaurants is to close.

Sam’s, at the Seven Dials, will shut on Sunday 24 March leaving owner Sam Metcalfe to focus on his Kemp Town restaurant Sam’s of Brighton in Paston Place.

The restaurant will close less than three weeks after nine months of roadworks begin outside as the Seven Dials roundabout is reconfigured.

In a statement this evening, a colleague said: “It is with sadness that Sam’s of Sevendials will close on 24 March where Sam Metcalfe and his team will serve up their last Sunday lunch.

“Renowned local chef Sam originally purchased the impressive building in 2001 and his restaurants have been key players in the Brighton restaurant scene for over a decade.

“He has now decided to focus his attention on Sam’s of Brighton restaurant, located in Kemp Town.

“As a thank you for the loyal support Sevendials customers have shown, Sam and Lara will be extending a complimentary glass of wine to Sam’s members who dine at the restaurant in its last month of trading.”

Mr Metcalfe said: “These are tough times and after a decade of great trading the recession is beginning to bite.

“While I am proud Sevendials has maintained two AA rosettes, inclusion in the Good Food and Michelin Guides, it is now time to concentrate on my expanding family, Sam’s of Brighton and our outside catering business.

“I see this as an opportunity to focus my energies on one restaurant and make the offering better than ever.

“I am also looking forward to taking on more outside catering challenges.”