In recent months, I’ve decided to find the best place to eat in Sussex, and although you might think it would be an easy quest, the truth is that it’s far more difficult than I originally thought. I had a vision that I would soon stop having nights out in Sussex because I had found what I was looking for, but that certainly hasn’t been the case. When it comes to fine dining Brighton has far more top of the range eateries that I had imagined.

 

At first, my mission was simply a case of sampling various offerings of fish and chips in the local establishments. I’ve always loved this classic dish, and I’m a big fan of the way it’s been gentrified in the better eateries in recent times. I like to see a small ramekin of freshly made tartare sauce, for example, and perhaps some pea puree, with of course a generous wedge of lemon to add to the subtle flavours. When I am in the mood for some fine dining Sussex is without doubt the place to be.

 

The evening dining Brighton craves is all around us, so what’s not to love?

 

I’ve probably always been a foodie, but I can honestly say I’ve never been a foodie snob. For me, I’m just as likely to fall in love with a small café with a wonderful atmosphere as I am with a famous name restaurant which charges an arm and a leg for a dish that wouldn’t fit in a normal-sized sandwich. Great food is great food, and I’m so happy to know there are so many supremely good restaurants in Brighton and all along the south coast towns of Kent, Sussex and Hampshire.

 

The best place to eat in Brighton will always be open to debate, of course, and it’s good that we live in a world in which arguments can be constructive. In my opinion, the finest place of all will probably be a rural pub in an outlying village, with good beer, stunning food and views to sigh for. To the north of Brighton you’ll find the South Downs National Park, and this is a countryside idyll that is always worth exploring. It would seem these days that for many of us the south-east of England sits at the very top of the must-visit list.