Stem

Why You’ll Like Stem

If DILSK is the polished older sibling, Stem Brighton is the cool younger one with excellent taste in music and a brilliant wine collection. Brought to you by the team behind Hove’s Michelin-recommended culinary destination, this vibrant neighbourhood spot beautifully combines seasonal British cooking, natural and classic wines, vinyl culture, and local art. This is not fine dining in disguise; it is a relaxed, social space made for people who love to eat and drink exceptionally well without any of the stuffiness.

As a true British bistro and wine bar in Hove, Stem serves up incredible seasonal produce, curated wines, craft beer, and cocktails inside a beautifully relaxed, design-led space. With a rotating programme of contemporary art, vinyl, and intimate events, it has quickly established itself as the ultimate neighbourhood go-to for great food, great wine, and good culture. While bookings are always welcome, there is always plenty of space kept open at the bar for walk-ins.

British Bistro, Wine and Vinyl Bar in Hove

• The Atmosphere: A serious vinyl collection paired with a rotating programme of vinyl DJs sets an effortless, music-led soundtrack for intimate events.
• The Creative Identity: The design-led space doubles as a gallery, featuring a rotating programme of contemporary art and exhibitions from local artists, with artwork available to purchase.
• The Drinks Credentials: Co-owner Maddy Riches brings her esteemed wine expertise to a playful, natural, and low-intervention wine list, backed by a stellar lineup of destination cocktails.
• Elevated Yet Approachable Dining: A flexible, sustainably conscious British bistro menu designed for sharing, grazing, or celebrating, using the finest local Sussex producers.

The Food

The menu at Stem Brighton follows an unpretentious philosophy: thoughtful, seasonal, and produce-led cooking designed around sharing and ordering across the board. The culinary structure allows your table to control the pace of the meal, flowing seamlessly from snacks to small plates, larger plates, and desserts.

You might start with pristine native oysters, house pickles, and warm focaccia before diving into vibrant small plates like Nutbourne tomatoes paired with fresh ricotta, delicate chalk stream trout, or an expertly balanced deer tartare.

The larger plates shift with the seasons, ensuring sustainability is built into every dish. Expect robust vegetarian creations alongside local lamb rump, Cornish mackerel, and regular large format specials; such as whole fish or premium joint, perfect for group dining. On the side, do not miss the tempura gherkins or perfectly seasoned new potatoes.

For the final act, the short dessert menu features nostalgic yet unexpected standouts like a decadent sticky toffee ice cream sandwich, a sharp lemon tart with sorrel sorbet, and a curated selection of fine Sussex cheeses.

The Drinks at Stem

Drinks are an absolute powerhouse at Stem. The wine list, curated by co-owner Maddy Riches, celebrates organic, natural, and low-intervention bottles. Crucially, these wines are selected because they drink beautifully rather than to fit a passing trend, resulting in a list that is both exciting and entirely accessible. Expect a playful selection of chilled reds, skin-contact orange wines, and sparkling discoveries alongside classic varietals, all boosted by an exciting collaboration with a neighbouring independent wine shop.

Cocktails receive an equally serious spotlight. The bar treats mixology with creative flair, boasting a dedicated menu layout featuring six styles of martinis, four margaritas, three variations of negronis, two Bloody Marys (including a punchy house kimchi version), and four distinct whisky cocktails. Those opting for low-and-no options aren’t left as an afterthought either; a sophisticated range of non-alcoholic cocktails directly mirrors the flavour profiles of the main menu, alongside top-tier local craft beers and ciders on tap and in bottle.

RB Loves: Pulling up a stool at the bar and ordering your way through the menu in stages; martini, oysters, a few small plates, something bigger to share and then letting the evening decide what happens next.

The Essentials at Stem

• Vibe: Relaxed luxury, design-led, and culture-focused
• Booking Policy: Bookings welcome, always space at the bar for walk-ins
• What to expect: Rotating vinyl DJs, contemporary art exhibitions, intimate events, group sharing plates
• Diet: Vegetarian, vegan, and allergen options accommodated across the flexible menu
• Drinks Specialities: Low-intervention/natural wines, curated Martini and Margarita menus, craft beer and cocktails