Finding Coppa Club in The Lanes
A big space squeezed into The Lanes, Coppa Club is easy to miss, but once you’ve found it, you’ll be glad you did. As the evenings get colder, it’s almost certain most of us are stuck for ways to spend time outside, but with their winter-proof igloos, Coppa Club is ready to take it on. Get comfy and watch the cold pass you by from this picturesque indoor-outdoor seating.
Cosy Comforts in the Igloos
The igloos are fully equipped for anywhere from 4–6 people, so gather your friends and family and get yourself booked in for a cosy meal in their magical courtyard. I was truly surprised at the level of comfort in there: heaters, blankets, and a lovely view – what more could you ask for?
“Come As You Are” – Coppa’s Relaxed Vibe
Coppa Club is known around Brighton for its relaxed vibe, and this is a constant throughout the entire space. With a soft and inviting atmosphere both inside and out, if you’re not a regular here, you should become one ASAP.
Spoilt for Choice: The Menu
The menu will definitely leave you feeling spoilt for choice (it certainly did us!) Whether you’re in for brunch, dinner, drinks, or a cheeky spot of dessert, there’s something for everyone.
The menu takes a European focus, so if you’re after anything from pizza to salad, small plates for sharing, or something to appease the little ones, you won’t have an issue finding it here. We went for a few different things just to get a good feel for the impressive range of dishes on offer.
A Festive Start: The Cocktails
We started off strong with a couple of cocktails – a Margarita and Coppa Club’s very own Gingerbread Rum Sour, both well-balanced and generous. The latter makes a wonderful choice if you’re in full Christmas swing or looking to get into a festive mood.
The gingerbread flavour was warming, with a touch of bitterness and a lick of lemon which cut the sweetness nicely. Honestly, this made me feel like I was holidaying somewhere snowy – exactly the kind of mindset I want to be in. The Margarita was fragrant, tart, and punchy – a classic Marg, just the way it should be.
Seasonal Delights: From Carpaccio to Croquettes
We started by tucking into a beautiful salmon carpaccio – an unexpectedly good choice considering the weather. One should take full advantage of outdoor seating as snug as these igloos, and I think a summery dish like this is a brilliant way to celebrate the luxury of being comfortable in the cold. The avocado mayo and capers worked together superbly, keeping the dish refreshing yet satisfying.
Our next dish was the Winter Salad with butternut squash and a bright pink pomegranate & beetroot dressing. This was bright and fresh while keeping us close to winter with spices and softly cooked squash.
We took a break between plates to have a quick nibble on Parmesan Croquettes (a supreme choice if you’re popping by for an aperitivo in the evening). They came dusted with lashings of Parmesan cheese which we shamelessly emptied onto our spoons, and the crunch from the coating was a big wow. Salty and indulgent, I could have eaten twenty of these. Perfectly portioned for two bites, they were a fun way to incorporate the beloved concept of ‘picky bits’ into our meal.
Rich and Warming Mains
A Tuscan Sausage and Fennel Ragu made for a perfectly weather-appropriate option: a rich ragu stirred through pappardelle with a slight bite to it, a comforting dish after a long day. The fennel gave it a welcome lightness and brought the whole dish together in an unexpected way.
An abundant Goat’s Cheese, Lardo & Walnut Pizzetta brought our meal to a close, and I have to say that the Calabrian Chilli Honey really did it for me. All those classic components put together made for quite the sublime combination, and there was a hint of each of them in every mouthful.
A Magical Winter Atmosphere
In a slight food coma, I had to take a few minutes to absorb the incredibly curated courtyard. The snow coating the garden made for an impressive illusion, especially when we were tucked up inside.
I must say, this is the first taste of a true festive atmosphere I’ve had this winter, and Coppa Club did a fantastic job of making sure it was as special as it could be. From the service to the setting and even the playlist, this igloo was a little slice of paradise.
I strongly suggest you waste no time nabbing yourself an igloo booking because this would be a more-than-perfect backdrop for a family gathering or a festive get-together this winter.
Make your booking here, Coppa Club’s igloos are a hot commodity for the next few months!