Why you’ll like English’s of Brighton:
English’s of Brighton is a true Brighton institution and for good reason. Open since the 1890s, it’s easily the longest standing seafood restaurant in the city and has been owned by the Leigh-Jones family since 1945. Located in the heart of the historic Lanes, English’s is steeped in local lore and offers an irresistible, and totally reliable, combination of faultless service and delicious food. Over the years, this has made it a popular celebrity haunt and pictures of glamourous patrons – from Charlie Chaplin to Judi Dench – adorn the walls. In the main dining room, there is comfortable banquette seating, starched linen and English’s iconic painted frieze depicting happy diners. Ask the team to point out the face of the original owner amongst the throng. In the kitchen, a gentleman ghost is said to appear from time to time sporting a jaunty top hat. Some guests just can’t stop coming back – it’s that fabulous!
Known for the freshness and quality of the produce, you can expect traditional plates of seafood and classic dishes, cleverly elevated to suit the contemporary palate. There’s an extensive a la carte menu including your choice of oysters served on sparkling ice with mignonette, tabasco or sriracha. There’s lobster thermidor, grilled fish, seafood pie or a very special plate of Sussex ale-battered fish and chips plus many more delicious options on the menu. There are also a few meat or plant-based dishes to choose from, generous sharing platters and seasonal set menus. The friendly, experienced staff are alway on hand to discuss your options.
Wine enthusiasts will be delighted by the hand-picked menu boasting more than 120 fine wines and a great selection by the glass or carafe. Staff will be happy to help you select a wonderful wine from the impressive list to match your order to perfection.
RB loves sitting at the marble-topped oyster bar with a glass of Sussex Sparkling. Summer nights should be spent on the heated terrace where diners are often treated to live jazz or opera with a view of the bustling square while they enjoy their meal.
The Essentials
- Accessibility
There is clearly signed ramp access. Designated parking for disabled diners is available within 50 metres of the restaurant entrance.
- Family Friendly
The whole family is welcome at English’s. There’s a dedicated menu for children under 12 with delicious, seasonal options to please their tiny taste buds.
- Dog Friendly
Guide dogs are welcome. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the terrace.
- Private Hire
English’s of Brighton can accommodate parties of many sizes in its well appointed dining rooms and there is a choice of seasonal menus to suit your requirements.
- Weddings
Historic venue available for city centre wedding receptions.
- Fully Licenced
Extensive wine list with wines by the glass or carafe, digestive and non-alcoholic options.
Community and Sustainability
English’s of Brighton works closely with its suppliers, many of whom are local, to source the finest, seasonal ingredients. Read more here.
The first restaurant to recycle, English’s has been on a sustainability journey focused on reducing waste and, supported by Paper Round Brighton, is proud to be Zero to Landfill.
Reviews
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I went to Englishes yesterday with a friend. As usual the food was superb and service impeccable. No wonder it is our favourite restaurant !!!
This place is amazing, food is superb both in Fish and Steaks. This place is part of Brighton’s heritage, not many places last 150 years without knowing what they are doing. Really friendly staff and manager. I missed out last night on Lobster, but the manager managed to get me half a lobster as another guest only wanted half……he thought of me and it was superb with my fillet steak. Cannot fault the way it looks and the service we received. Don’t mind paying for excellence, which we received. Guys keep up the great work!!
I went to this restaurant yesterday, as a treat with an old friend. I was the youngest in our party of three, at 76. Though polite and welcoming, as the staff were, I felt slightly patronised. Our plates were whisked away as soon as we laid down our forks, and all of it was disappointing. I still do not think my Coquilles St Jaques were as described on the menu, and were quite dry. My dessert described as Eaton( isn’t it Eton?) Mess was almost entirely cream, the passion fruit used was minimal as was the meringue, and I left half of it. The americano, however to end with was fine. I was really very disappointed, and as I was a guest, of my friend, in such a restaurant, I did not like to complain.
I won a prize at work for £100 (use it or lose it). We chose English’s for lunch one cold, grey December afternoon as we both love fish dishes. The selection of fishes, wines and sides are more than ample for you to try something new or have your favourite fish dish again and again. We started with oysters and champagne (had to really) followed by two mains which were cooked to perfection along with a really well matched bottle of wine. The staff were attentive and personal so you feel looked after while dining there. It’s not cheap but I can see why this restaurant is still one of the best in town because the dining experience is first class.
On a separate note, the table next to us had two ladies on it one being Julie Walters (the wife had no clue who she was!)
One of Brighton’s oldest seafood restaurants and delivered in quite an old school/ classic kind of way. Fresh food, classic dishes – wonderful alfresco dining. Keep up the good work English’s.