There’s something about Hove that does “effortlessly cool” so well, and few places capture it better than Tapestry. With plenty of covered outside seating, warm interiors, soft lighting, fab music, and a perfect balance of polished and relaxed, Tapestry is the kind of place where you pop in for “just one” and end up spending your whole evening chatting over lush cocktails and delicious food.
What You’ll Love
- Effortlessly cool interiors and covered outdoor seating
- Expertly mixed cocktails, including spot-on Margaritas
- MASA’s Argentinian sharing menu packed with tacos, empanadas and big-flavour plates
- The Fire Board – a seriously generous sharing feast
- Sunday roasts from Bartley Kitchens
- Stylish and welcoming
We arrived at dusk, and almost every table was full of revellers from all walks of life. A local lady sipping a martini with a book and her pugs, a group of colleagues celebrating, a couple of couples cosy in corners, and friends catching up with cocktails in hand. We instantly felt right at home, got comfy on our velvet settee, and ordered two cocktails while we took in the vibe.
Take a good look
Tapestry is not just a name – it really defines their space and sets a velvety, smooth tone from the moment you walk through the doors. There are no vibe-killing ‘big lights’ here, people, only warm lamps and tasteful uplighting, with eclectic sculptures and accent pieces in all the right places. The bar space is mid-century meets art deco: tasteful, grown-up, a place where martinis are often ordered, and adult conversation is welcome.
Mixed to perfection
If Margaritas are on the menu, I am always up for ordering. We started with a Classic and a Spicy Margarita and were not disappointed. Tequila is still having its moment in Brighton, and a great Marg is not as easy as it sounds, but luckily, the mixologists at Tapestry know a thing or two about balance and fresh flavours. A great Marg should have a citrus kick with a smooth finish and just a hint of sweetness, and these were right on the money. Another round, if you please!
Say ‘Hola’ to MASA!
When I was invited to come and try their new Argentinian menu, I knew we would be in for a real treat. Head Chef Phil Bartley, owner of Carne, has designed a sharing-style menu for Tapestry that ticks every box. Whether you are coming for a quick bite before heading out on the town or settling in for the evening, MASA has a plate (or board) that will hit the spot.
Tacos and empanadas to start
For starters, we ordered tacos and crisp, delicious empanadas. First off, let me just say that the corn tortillas are as authentic as they come, and my abuelita (Mexican grandmother) would absolutely approve. At MASA, you have six different options to choose from, and you get two tacos of your choice for just £12. Steak, chicken, chorizo, pork belly, aubergine and grilled swordfish tacos all come with their own salsa, balanced to perfection.
As we were about to order the meat feast, we decided that starting with veggie was the way forward. Delicious scorched smoked aubergine, topped with herbaceous coriander, a squeeze of lime and fresh red chilli. Creamy, spicy and smoky – top marks from the start.
Next up were their soon-to-be-famous empanadas. MASA has six golden options on the menu – beef, chorizo, provoleta, chicken, corn and pork – and you can get three for only £18, making them ideal for sharing.
If you are unfamiliar, empanadas are flavour-packed Argentinian pasties filled with meat, cheese and veg, often referred to as ‘delicious parcels of joy’. We were recommended the roast chicken with provolone, cooked in fresh tomato sauce with a squeeze of lemon. Warming, rich, and baked to a perfect golden brown. I have found my new favourite empanadería, and it’s in Hove – que rico!
The Fire Board moment
After our starters, we ordered another round of cocktails and continued chatting about a hundred things at once. When Mel and I get into a rhythm, the chat could last for hours as long as the drinks are flowing – that is until… the Fire Board moment.
When it arrived, we were at a loss for words. The offering set before us was nothing short of a feast for the fire gods, and if you consider yourself a carnivore, you need to book a table at Tapestry today.
On a seemingly endless chopping board were medium-rare slices of sizzling flank steak, blistered chorizo sausages, golden grilled provoleta cheese, and enormous chimichurri pork belly slices, all piled high and ready to be wrapped, dipped and devoured. This was served with all of their salsas and sauces, a steaming tower of fresh corn tortillas, elote corn ribs, arroz criolla rice, string potato fries with smoked paprika, and a zesty corn and apple salad. Pause for dramatic effect. Now let’s tuck in!
Building your own tacos is an art form that I have luckily mastered, but for any of you that are intimidated, don’t be. There is no wrong answer, just a thousand ways to mix and match flavours, textures and bites. When a sharing board is this good, you literally cannot go wrong. This is the kind of food that keeps you leaning across the table saying, “wait, try this one,” and it is my favourite way to dine.
Come hungry. Bring friends. And don’t skip the Fire Board… or the Margaritas!
To say we were satiated is the understatement of the century.
Every sip, bite and dip was exceptional, and I would recommend Tapestry and MASA to anyone who will listen.
Whether you want a light taco bite, a quiet cocktail, or a feast for the ages, Tapestry is serving up excellence in every way. Perfect for date nights, catch-ups, or those long, lazy evenings that turn into something a bit more lively as the cocktails start flowing.
Not forgetting Sundays…
We didn’t visit on a Sunday, but it’s already firmly on the list.
Because alongside all that fire-led Argentinian flavour, Tapestry is also offering up proper, comforting Sunday roasts from Bartley Kitchens (yes, the legends behind Hove Place). So whether you’re in the mood for smoky sharing boards or a classic roast with all the trimmings, they’ve got both sides of the weekend covered.
We will be back with bibs and bells on, and we cannot wait. Thank you for having us and showing us the true meaning of a Fire Board moment – delish!
