Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Dine and stay
Our top picks
Stay and dine in Brighton, Hove and Sussex
Stay and Dine is the new mini-break and with all the prime locations for a local staycation, we really have no need to venture further than Brighton, Hove or Sussex. Pubs with accommodation and boutique hotels with cocktail bars and star-studded restaurants are primed and ready to host you this season.
Here are our tops picks of local and destination spots that offer a spectacular stay and dine service, including our new Sussex vineyards round up with accommodation.
Dine and stay in Brighton
To lift a quote from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t go looking further than my own backyard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it in the first place… Oh Auntie Em, there’s no place like Brighton!”
Even if you live here, a treat away from home can be a decadent delight. Whether you’re on the hunt for a pub with accommodation or a five star suite in a sea facing hotel, it will of course be best coupled with some top quality food. Here are just a few venues that we think offer the full package if you just want to spend a special night somewhere local.
Love good Indian food? Love Brighton? Combine the two with Curry Leaf Cafe’s rental apartment in the heart of the Lanes. This 17th century fishing cottage has three bedrooms and is fully modernised. You’re just a minute’s walk from the sea and directly above one of Brighton’s most loved Indian restaurants. You’ll also get 15% off your food bill while staying there. The apartment sleeps six in total, perfect for parties looking to bed and bhaji by the sea.
Located within the elegant Drakes Hotel on Brighton’s seafront, Dilsk is an intimate restaurant offering impeccable tasting menus for lunch and dinner. Chef Tom Stephens’s astonishing attention to detail, and exceptional culinary innovation, elevate each dish to the realm of excellence. Indulge in a night at Drakes, and give yourself time to enjoy an unforgettable fine dining and tasting menu experience at Dilsk.
The Gather Inn in Hove combines a friendly neighbourhood pub with a palatial dining room and 20 guest rooms. There are sea views and a patio beer garden looking out to Hove Lagoon. The spacious and brightly lit venue is available for private hire and is a great spot for celebrating special occasions with room upstairs for out of towners so your party can go on into the night.
Rooms at the Gather Inn received a full makeover during the 20/21 lockdowns with the addition of seafront balconies for some. Take a virtual tour here.
There are a great deal of Brighton seafront hotels, with a great deal of food offerings. But there is only one Grand Hotel, Brighton. This seafront icon still radiates Victorian grandeur with its sweeping staircase and sea view lounges. There are two in-house dining experiences. The Victoria Terrace Grill serves a classic grill menu that has been expertly created sourcing premium quality local produce. Cyan is an all-day bar and eatery of a more modern and relaxed style, which nonetheless has a quality menu that is to be expected from this bastion of the golden age of opulence.
Choosing a stay and dine option at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole is a fantastic idea for a memorable experience. Situated on the vibrant seafront, the hotel offers breathtaking views and convenient access to nearby amenities. Indulge in the delicious menu at the Metropole bar, which includes a variety of tasty dishes and a wide selection of drinks. Afterwards, retreat to one of the hotel’s incredible bedrooms for a restful night’s sleep. With parking available, you can easily explore all that Brighton has to offer. Enjoy the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and culinary delights with a stay and dine experience at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole.
Experience the heart of the Hove community with a stay at The Stirling Arms. This local pub is a community hub just off the main thoroughfare of Church Road. It has four modern bedrooms all with en suite. The pub itself is light, airy and welcoming. It serves a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes and serves a quality selection of drinks ranging from a good selection of wines, premium spirits and Cask Marque ales. The Stirling Arms is child friendly until 8pm and dog friendly all the time. Sundays are popular for classic roasts and live jazz sessions.
If you’re after a real luxurious treat for romance or retreat, then look no further than the Hotel Du Vin for a splendid stay and dine experience. Positioned moments from the seaside, nestled in the historic Lanes, Hotel Du Vin know how to make you feel special. They have 47 timelessly styled rooms to choose from with an escalating scale of indulgence – including rooms with the signature roll top bath – bliss. Through every season the hotel will be the very best base to retreat to post exploring. Their bar is comfortable, cosy and has an amazing wine list. Bistro Du Vin will cater for all your culinary needs breakfast through supper. Go on, treat yourself.
Dine and stay in Sussex
There’s never been a better time to adventure close to home. Sussex has a perennial beauty that’s well worth exploring. Combine that with a harvest that is as bountiful as it is diverse and you’ve got the perfect mini break or staycation, right on your doorstep.
And at this time of year, what can be more appealing than a country walk, followed by a lovely meal in a picturesque venue. Then not having to worry about travelling home.
Here’s our choice of where offers accommodation so you can to dine and stay this season.
Located near the charming town of Lewes, The Jolly Sportsman offers a stylish and inviting retreat amidst the serene beauty of the South Downs National Park. Experience the tranquility of the countryside as you indulge in cosy evenings by the fireplace, accompanied by great food and drink. Located just under an hour from London and less than 30 minutes from the vibrant city of Brighton, this Sussex pub provides the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. Explore the picturesque surroundings and discover a wealth of attractions, including Glyndebourne, Gatwick, Charlston, Plumpton Racecourse, Lewes, and the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs.
Hurstpierpoint is just a short skip away from Brighton but presents an entirely different pace of life. The beautiful highstreet is filled with independent boutique shops. There are plenty of nearby walks and quaint country pubs. Morley’s Bistro offers seasonally led modern bistro cuisine, right on the charming high street. Accommodation wise, they have one triple room, three double rooms and a twin room. And after your lovely night’s sleep in their luxurious rooms, you’ll be able to enjoy a classic full English breakfast, including veggie and vegan options, before heading on your way.
The ultimate Sussex stay and dine location, Woodfire Camping is the UK’s first gastro campsite. The site itself, nested amongst the rolling hills of the South Downs, is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Pitch your own, or hire a pre-pitched tent for ease, then settle down for some real relaxation. There are lovely hot showers and comfortable eco facilities. However, what makes Woodfire Camping so very special is the delicious live fire cooking provided by owners Griff and Stella. Book into one of the amazing Woodfire Feasts – with fabulous Guest Chefs – and camping is included. Stay and dine here and you may never want to leave.
A countryside pub offering supreme staycation opportunities is the Crown Inn Dial Post. The family-owned pub close to the famous Knepp Estate rewilding project.
For nature lovers, this really is a spot to visit and see how this once intensely farmed estate has bloomed into a haven for wildlife. After your trek pull up a seat at The Crown Inn for some homemade, locally and seasonally sourced classic pub fare and local ales. Once you’ve had your fill, retire to one of the 16th-century inn’s deluxe rooms which have been tastefully and sympathetically refurbished.
Dine and stay in a Sussex vineyard
Experience a truly immersive retreat at Mannings Heath, offering a seamless fusion of golf, wine exploration, and luxurious accommodations. Delight in their captivating Sussex wine tours, tantalising tastings, and the chance to savour the scenic beauty of Sussex. Enhance your stay with a round of golf, and then indulge in their on-site restaurant’s exquisite offerings, where delectable flavours meet the finest wines. This exceptional blend of relaxation, recreation, and gastronomy ensures that your visit to Mannings Heath becomes an unforgettable journey of indulgence and pleasure.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Sussex, The Secret Vineyard has three choices of accommodation. From the stylish ÖÖD House on the lake, the country cottage or the cosy eco shepherd’s hut. Reconnect with nature and stay at The Secret Vineyard situated on ancient woodland in Herstmonceux. Taste their delicious wines and explore the vineyard during your visit for the perfect staycation.
Nestled amidst the captivating expanse of Leonardslee House and Gardens, the Michelin starred Restaurant Interlude beckons. This extraordinary setting offers refined accommodations that seamlessly blend luxury with the beauty of nature. Culinary excellence is exemplified through exquisite tasting menus that showcase the finest seasonal ingredients. Explore the estate’s captivating Sussex vineyard, where every sip is a connection to the essence of the region. Restaurant Interlude within Leonardslee Gardens promises a harmonious fusion of flavours and experiences, a captivating journey of taste, tranquility and Sussex wine.
Ever wanted to staycation in a vineyard? At Rathfinny Flint Barns you can. The Flint Barns is located at the western end of the Rathfinny Wine Estate. The historic building has been lovingly transformed into a luxurious ten-room bed and breakfast and dining room. Expect breathtaking views of the Cradle Valley year-in-year-out, Sussex vineyard tours and wine tasting on your doorstep. You can also take advantage of the exquisite seasonal cuisine that’s served in the Flint Barns dining room.
