Poynings, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

“Everything looks and tastes wonderful” at this rural pub with views of the South Downs, where “the menu is a little bit different” and “friendly service with a smile just adds to the enjoyment”. The country cousin in Brighton’s Gingerman group, it focuses on “high-quality” ingredients from within Sussex, including local ales and wine from the Ridgeview estate a couple of miles away.

“Definitely worth the trip to the seaside for this cool place” – Stephen Edwards “seems to have thought through the all-round experience” at this converted former bank in Hove, which he opened in 2017: “from the wait staff, to the feeling in the room and of course the food and drink” it is “hard to put your finger on exactly why, but it all just felt effortless and satisfying” and it’s one of the most commented-on destinations in our annual diners’ poll. The food offering revolves around a five-course menu for £55 per person: “refined dishes with a number of options to play with” and “with clear (and justifiable) pride in the food coming out of the kitchen”. There’s also “a comprehensive and far-flung wine list”. Top Menu Tip – “The Marmite bread is worth the hype”.

“There is no better place in Hove to have a lovely long lunch” than this elevated boozer, with a “changing and appealing menu” of supercharged British pub classics. If you want more ginger, its three local siblings are equally fun places to be (and if you want to overnight in one of their quirky rooms or self-catering mews houses, you can do that too).

“Creative but delicious unfussy food and excellent wines” set the tone at this wine bar/restaurant opposite Hove Town Hall from industry veterans Paul Morgan and Sam Pryor, which has developed steadily over the past decade. About 30 bottles (including sparkling wines and sherries) usually available by the glass, along with a wide range produced nearby in Sussex. Top Tip – “Sunday sessions, set menus with wine tasting, are a particularly good way to spend an afternoon here”.

The founder/owners “never put a foot wrong” at this British bistro in Hove, providing “outstanding food and service in attractive and comfortable surroundings”. Local hospitality trio Faye & James Thompson and Rob Maynard launched the venue in 2019 and it “has gone from strength to strength”, with innovations like the monthly ‘Sunday Lunch Club’, showcasing ingredients at their peak. Last summer American actor Kyle MacLachlan – Dale Cooper in cult classic ‘Twin Peaks’ – was a surprise visitor, as a thank-you to James for putting his Pursued by Bear wine on Wild Flor’s list!