ROUND OUR WAY
The Roundhill is so much more than just a nice pub. Situated on a corner of Ditchling Road, only ten minutes up from The Level, or a short stroll from London Road station, it not only attracts its fair share of locals but also a strong contingent of national and even international visitors. This is down to its multiple award-winning plant-based kitchen, with jaw-dropping dishes inspired by bold flavours from around the world.
PRETTY GREEN
The pub was founded in 2018 and quickly became one of the true gems in Brighton’s vegan food scene, placing as much emphasis on sustainability as it does on mouth-watering food. Their culinary creations will leave you plotting your next visit before you’ve even left the building.
IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE THAT COUNTS
There are big tables out front and smaller tables along the side of the pub for those wanting to dine al fresco, but what they’ve done with the interior is truly exquisite – from the neon green sign opposite the bar and mini library to the vines and fairy lights hanging from the ceiling. It’s the kind of place that strikes a perfect balance between upmarket and homely, and the wonderfully attentive staff only add to that sense of it being terrifically warm, inclusive and inviting. This is a very special place indeed.
WINTER IS COMING
With summer now well and truly over, owner Adam Smith joins us to explain what the team have in store for us over the autumn and winter months. We’re pleased to report that classics like the aubergine katsu curry and bao buns are here to stay and will be joined by new dishes like the cauli steak, the raw noodle teriyaki tofu bowl and the shawarma kebab. The famous Buddha bowl is being ‘rested’ until warmer days return.
ONLY FOR THE WEEK
Adam also tells us about their new Pie Mash Liquor Thursdays, where you get house-made pies, creamy mash with parsley liquor and a half pint or glass of wine for just £12. It will run adjacent to the highly popular Pasta Wednesdays, which feature a pasta dish and the same drink options for £10, as well as their legendary Sunday Roasts with main dishes like the Seitan Roast ‘Beef’, the Butternut Squash Nut Roast and the Mushroom Wellington.
In 2020, despite facing stiff competition from more conventional and non-vegan Sunday menus, The Roundhill won the BRAVOS Best Roast award, and they’ve also been a force to contend with in the Best Vegan, Most Sustainable and Plant Champions categories.
EXTRA HAPPY HOUR
As for drinks, it’s great to see a beverage list that reflects the ethos of the establishment itself – all of the wines are vegan and a lot of the beers are locally sourced from Sussex breweries like Lost Pier and Gun. You’ll also find some truly mesmerising cocktails like the Picante, Hemingway Daiquiri and Sorrento Sour, and even non-alcoholic options like the Salted Caramel Espresso Notini. So whatever your tipple of choice, from alcohol-free beer to orange wine, The Roundhill will definitely have you covered.
SMALL PLATES, BIG FLAVOURS
If you’re looking for some of the best plant-based small plates in Brighton, the Korean Cauliflower Wings with gochujang and Panko Oyster Mushroom Bao Buns with slaw may very well end up melting your heart. The Smoked Garlic Miso Aubergine is also a real showstopper, thanks to its heavenly mix of garlic tahini, cannellini bean puree and pomegranate. Alongside the sumptuous décor, it is dishes like this that transform The Roundhill from pub to high-end establishment.
ALL AROUND THE WORLD
With that said, The Roundhill has plenty to offer those who want a more classic pub experience. There are two types of burger here – the RH cheese burger with a Beyond Meat patty and the Korean Oyster Mushroom Burger, which comes with samurai sauce (red pepper mayo) and kimchi.
We went for the latter and it lived up to the explosion of flavours suggested by the menu, with a perfect storm of heat and umami tickling our taste buds in all the right places. We also ordered the new cauli steak as a small plate, which came with smoked paprika butter, smashed beans, chimichurri and toasted pine nuts. Every single bite was exceptional.
THE MAIN EVENT
It’s hard to pick a favourite dish at a place as good as The Roundhill, but – vegan or not – the katsu curry here is undoubtedly one of the best you’ll find in the UK. There’s a level of spice that’s perfectly complemented by a touch of sweetness and an abundance of Japanese-driven depth that will have you wishing you had enough space to order another three. You get large cuts of aubergine covered in breadcrumbs as well as rice with a garlic and ginger slaw. Honestly, it’s a conceptual masterpiece.
SWEET TREATS
Another great thing about The Roundhill is that the food is very satisfying and filling, but also still quite healthy, which means you can feel less guilty about ordering a dessert. We opted for the Sticky Toffee Pudding, which came with miso caramel and ice cream, and that was washed down with a delightful and highly inventive Pistachio Espresso Martini, which rounded off our visit in style. Other options include their Trillionaire’s Tart and Vanilla Cheesecake.
RUNNING UP THE HILL
Whatever your dietary requirements, The Roundhill is a gastro pub that will be sure to blow your mind. Some of the faux meat options are seriously close to the real thing, and there are also a fair few gluten-free options like the RH burger, beetroot hummus, padron peppers, smoked miso aubergine and grilled tofu/broccoli skewers. And then, of course, there are the themed menus for Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Over the last seven years, The Roundhill has quite rightly become a Brighton institution. Its legend looks set only to grow and grow.
