FOOD + DRINK
The Salt Room
IN THE FAST CHANGING CRAZINESS THAT IS THE BRIGHTON RESTAURANT SCENE , THE AWARD-WINNING THE SALT ROOM CONTINUES TO RAISE THE BAR FOR FINE SEAFOOD DINING . BY SAMANTHA READY
It seemed like only the blink of eye since my guest and I first made our entrance through the sleek glass doors of The Salt Room restaurant , with its floor-to-ceiling windows and uninterrupted views of Brighton ’ s iconic seafront , during its opening month .
Fast forward three years and the amazing accolade of Seafish UK Restaurant of the Year 2017 , and we found ourselves returning in time for its third birthday and , coincidently , the launch of the new seasonal menu .
My guest and I were reassured to see that everything we admired first time around – the ethos of sustainability and local produce , the dark wood industrial-accented dining room , sleek fixtures , unrivalled views , impressive bar ( and cocktail menu !) and exemplary service were as evident and inspiring as the first visit .
Taking a seafront window seat , and too easily working our way through the bread basket served with caper mayonnaise , smoked mackerel and seaweed butter , we were equally inspired by The Salt Room ’ s latest menu . The now renowned seafood platters remain , as do their classic fish and steak staples , but the added additions of refined and taste-budtempting treats such as the tempura oyster ( incredibly presented and packing a fresh punch of flavour ), as well as a host of daily specials ensure that this restaurant gem continues to push boundaries and raise the bar for seafood elegance .
The great thing is that for seafood lovers especially , this restaurant always exceeds expectations – full surfboard platters grace the menu , as do crustaceans galore , classic and now tempura oysters , and a host of intricate fish dishes that include flavours from tandoori to sea fennel . My guest opted for the cod , beautifully coal seared and served with mushroom , hazelnuts , broccoli and shrimp with a red wine sauce . There are also some interesting meat alternatives that shouldn ’ t be overlooked , however . The new duck starter with bbq onion , wild garlic and black vinegar was a triumph of rich duck meat and sharp acidity , and the classic steaks cooked over coals are sublime , especially when paired with The Salt Room chips .
There was only ever one dessert choice for us – the Taste of the Pier , a sharing smorgasboard of classic seaside favourites with a Salt Room twist : mini 99s with homemade ice cream , fruit pops , pebbles , yum yums , clotted cream and strawberry fudge and peach raspberry mallow all displayed on an actual piece of the Brighton Pier – it ’ s nothing short of epic !
With an alfresco terrace for summer dining , Sunday lunch platters , afternoon tea and private dining now added to its ever impressive repertoire , I might just move in .
The Salt Room 106 King ’ s Road Brighton BN1 2FU 01273 929488 info @ saltroom-restaurant . co . uk www . saltroom-restaurant . co . uk
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