Sora at Malmaison

SORA Pop-Up at Malmaison Brighton Marina | Summer 2026

A new chapter in Brighton’s dining scene is arriving this summer as SORA, Malmaison’s contemporary Japanese dining concept, takes over Malmaison Brighton Marina for a limited seasonal residency from 20 May to 31 August 2026.

Why you’ll like Sora

SORA delivers a modern Japanese dining experience to the shores of Brighton – bringing together sushi, robata grill cooking, and a vibrant cocktail-led atmosphere, transforming one of Brighton’s waterfront hotels into a bold, social dining destination where guests can choose relaxed daytime meals through to energetic late-night evenings.

Set against the backdrop of Brighton Marina, this is a location that offers something slightly different from the city centre. Expect open skies, harbour views, and a more relaxed coastal pace, making it ideal for long summer evenings, sunset drinks, and alfresco dining by the water. It’s a setting that naturally encourages you to stay longer – whether you’re popping in for dinner or settling in for a full evening out.

The menu is packed with choice from light bites, tapas, SORA Signature Sushi and a Premium Tasting Menu. Highlights include dishes such as sticky pork belly with burnt apple purée and sesame, miso-glazed black cod, Loch Duart salmon teriyaki, and king oyster mushrooms with coriander mayo and crispy onion. Sushi lovers can expect tuna nigiri, kingfish sashimi, and signature rolls like the Green Dragon and Firecracker Maki, alongside lighter bites such as Korean cauliflower, crispy rice, and Asian slaw. For daytime dining, Bento Boxes offer a balanced mix of sushi, robata and lighter plates – perfect for a relaxed Asian lunch at the marina.

Robata Grill – Japanese BBQ on the coast

The Robata Grill, a style of Japanese barbecue, will be firing up classics like chicken yakitori, charred octopus and sticky pork belly. It’s barbecue but so much more refined – and on those sunny days these flame cooked favourites are perfect to be enjoyed on the restaurants balcony overlooking the bustle of the Marina.

A taste of the Orient Afternoon Tea

To add to an already impressive lineup, SORA’s Japanese-inspired Brighton afternoon tea is standout. Delivered on a towering decorative crane, layers of pan-Asian savouries, sweet treats and sashimi will elevate your senses – and look great for those special day pics.

The sweet treats don’t just belong on the afternoon tea, the main menu has a stunning black cherry, honeycomb and matcha chocolate cremeux, stem ginger marshmallows and mochi ice cream.

Cocktails, Highballs & Late-Night Energy

SORA is as much about drinks and atmosphere as it is about food. The signature cocktails take inspiration and ingredients straight from Japan. Matcha Colada, Cherry Blossom Negroni Shisho Old Fashioned and the Club SORA are just some of the incredible cocktails on offer. And no Japanese restaurant could be without a Highball. There is a full wine list, a menu of Japanese whiskey, and one of the three beers on tap is crisp Asahi. Kanpai!

Sora for All Occasions

SORA offers a different kind of experience, one that blends destination dining with a relaxed, coastal setting. It’s the place to be as the sun sets over the marina as the energy builds. Weekends will feature DJs and live music, turning SORA into a lively evening destination that moves from dining into late-night socialising. It’s a destination designed for date nights, group gatherings, after-work drinks, and everything in between. Everyone is welcome here – whether you’re staying at the hotel, visiting the marina, or making a dedicated trip for dinner and drinks.

RB LOVES

We’re a team who love Japanese food, so the fact we can be sitting on the sunny balcony, staring at an outstanding view with Chicken Yakitori in one hand and a Peach Mizuwari in the other, is a sign that SORA is the place to be this summer.

The Essentials

• Pan-Asian Menu: Fresh sushi, sashimi, and robata grill specialities including miso-glazed black cod and yakitori.
• Asian Afternoon Tea: A unique “Taste of the Orient” featuring savouries and sweets served on a decorative crane.
• Waterfront Views: Stunning alfresco dining on the balcony with uninterrupted views of Brighton Marina.
• DJs & Cocktails: Japanese-inspired signature cocktails with live music and DJs performing every weekend.
• Summer Pop-up: Exclusive seasonal residency running from 20 May until 31 August 2026.
• Easy Access: Simple bookings via SevenRooms and free parking at the Marina multi-storey car park.