insideSUSSEX Magazine Issue 07 - September 2015 | Page 26

FOOD+DRINK

KEMPTOWN’S BEST KEPT SECRET:

BRIGHTON ROCKS

WORDS AND IMAGES
BY MAZ OGDEN

As we opened the doors to Brighton Rocks on a Friday evening, we were greeted with
happy, smiley people with cocktails in their hands, getting ready to kick of the weekend in
style. Tempted as we were to join in the fun, we stuck with our plans to enjoy dinner first.

Brighton Rocks has quite rightly gained a name
as the ‘place to be’ for cocktails in Kemptown.
It was a tough decision between the Fruity
Porn Star Martini and the Expresso Martini, but
the Expresso Martini won. On ordering, I was
told the bar makes their own chocolate liquor,
and asked if I would like chilli, orange or plain.
Having my cake and eating it, I decided on a
chilli orange expresso martini. Warning: this
will blow your mind and help clear up any sore
throats or stuffy noses you may have!
One of my guests had a Berry Fluffy. We all
enjoyed the foamy egg white that had been
blended on the top and once again Brighton
Rocks had made their own berry mix, making
it very berry and fluffy indeed. My other guest
had a simple glass of Prosecco, which was a
good quality for the price. Brighton Rocks also
runs Sunday to Thursday cocktail promotions,
surprising for a bar of its calibre, but I'm
guessing that could be one of the reasons it
never has the quiet nights that some bars do.
The menu at Brighton Rocks has everything
from tasty bar snacks to various platters to
more traditional starters, mains and desserts.
We ordered straight away and for starters,
one of my guests decided on the French
onion soup on the specials board. When I

tasted it, I had to agree it radically altered my
idea of French onion soup; I even enjoyed it!
Personally, I opted for the Thai fishcakes with
peanut dipping sauce. If you like a spicy sauce
with real peanuts, I'd definitely recommend
this.Between the platters, the mains and
the specials, my guests and I were spoilt for
choice. I chose the fish platter, which has been
designed for one hungry person or as a sharing
platter. It consisted of ample amounts of
smoked salmon, fresh crusty bread, haddock
fish cakes, creamed mussels, capers and
Paoli. I think they overheard me saying how
much I enjoyed the spicy peanut dipping sauce
as they added some in. One of my guests
had the sirloin steak served with poached
hen's eggs, grilled tomatoes and a portobello
mushroom. Most places have steak, but this
was an impressive one! Luckily my guest
shared some, especially when she realised
she couldn't eat it all.Last but not least, my
other dining companion had the chicken kiev
with passionfruit, prosciutto salad and a goats’
cheese mousse. The chicken was tender but
it was the little touches like the passionfruit
and the creamy goats’ cheese mousse which
made this dish something I'd definitely like
to order next time. We were all pleasantly
full, so another round of drinks were in order

26

before our dessert. If craft beers are your thing,
Brighton Rocks has an impressive selection
between £4.50-£5. If like me, you’re more of
a rosé wine kind of person, their rose wines
choices are incredibly drinkable, especially if
you’re sitting on their terrace in the sun!
For dessert we all tucked into the banana
baked Alaska and banana mess. Think
Eton mess, gone bananas! If you’re eating at
Brighton Rocks, make sure you save some
space for this. After dessert, we retired to
the outdoor terrace. I would have to say that
Brighton Rocks is the ideal place to enjoy
a cocktail or two in the sun, and after our
impressive dining experience, it’s now on my
list of top places in Brighton for a delicious
meal.
Brighton Rocks
6 Rock Place
Brighton
BN2 1PF
01273 600550
www.brightonrocksbar.co.uk