A Truly Modern Dining Experience
The facade at Furna Brighton is quite likely to stop you in your tracks. At once discreet and enigmatic, seductive and alluring, a large curved glass window allows you to glimpse the breathtaking contemporary-classic interior beyond.
Furna opened in November 2022 and forms part of the pretty parade on New Road in the North Laine which flanks the Theatre Royal. Born from the imagination, knowledge and passion of chef and restaurateur Dave Mothersill, the restaurant offers a unique nine-course tasting menu showcasing the very finest seasonal ingredients. With the level of commitment and expertise behind Furna, it should come as no surprise that it is quickly establishing itself as one of the best restaurants in Brighton.
A Labour of Love
While Furna Brighton is chef-patron Dave Mothersill’s first solo venture, he is a well-known figure in the Brighton restaurant scene. He’s worked in many of the most lauded kitchens in the city including Terre à Terre and The Salt Room. While working for Blackrock Group, he set up The Coal Shed London and then came back to Brighton to run the kitchen at The Gingerman. But in the back of his mind, dreams of his own establishment had materialised.
Dave has designed the restaurant with meticulous attention to detail, creating a space that supports and enhances, but does not detract from, the dining experience he provides. Imagine studded, leather banquets, an elegant colour palette, polished metals, and aged mirrors. The hand-carved wood furniture has been made by local artisan Design Woodcraft. The result is sophisticated, sensual and at the same time, ultimately very comfortable.
The renovation of the historic Grade II central Brighton venue took many months, architects, designers, archaeologists, blood, sweat and tears to achieve. But the result is uncompromised and highly sympathetic. It has been built to last.
The Kitchen Is Open
The kitchen itself is open to view with counter seating overlooking the calm yet spectacular proceedings. This offers a rare level of transparency and authenticity with diners really able to see the magic of how dishes of this calibre are put together. For those who enjoy the ‘theatre’ and ‘art’ of cooking this must be one of the city’s hottest seats.
An Inspired Menu at Furna Brighton
The nine-course tasting menu showcases the very finest seasonal ingredients, with Dave Mothersill’s classical French technique bringing to life the best flavours from the British Isles and beyond. Dave finds daily inspiration from his childhood memories, family and world travels. So while the culinary language is largely European, the depth and complexity of the dishes are intensified using ingredients from further afield as well as ferments from the Furna kitchen.
The menu will always include the best catch, the finest cuts and the freshest produce and it is constantly evolving. The menu may even change mid-service depending on the availability of ingredients.
This is partly possible because of the small, confident team at Furna. Each one of them is handpicked for their talent and attitude, they work together seamlessly to produce a menu they are all rightly proud of while maintaining remarkable calm and civility in the kitchen. At the same time, Dave and his team never compromise on quality for the sake of an easy life!
The service style is friendly and approachable and it is common for a chef to leave the kitchen and serve dishes to customers on the floor. A pescetarian and vegetarian menu is available upon request with 24 hours notice.
More Than Fine Wine
The excellent cellar is stocked by neighbouring business Brunswick Fine Wines and Spirits but in-house expertise is managed by Ross Trueman, the general manager. Ross began his training in Bordeaux where he worked for Gordon Ramsey. With qualifications from WSET (The Wine and Spirit Education Trust), he is on-hand to offer ideas and advice on request. He and the team are constantly working on building the knowledge base and dictionary of flavour profiles.
The nine-course menu is offered with an optional wine pairing for each course. These pairings have been thoughtfully considered, change along with the menu and propose exciting, rare and unusual wines. The wine list itself is outstanding and, due to the relationship with Brunswick, Furna has access to some very special bottles indeed.
Furna regularly hosts tasting events for fine wines in collaboration with Brunswick and holds showcase evenings where they pair a special menu with vintage bottles from a specific region.
House Cocktails at Furna Brighton
The ‘hard-to-resist’ menu of craft house cocktails has been created using premium spirits and fresh, seasonal ingredients which combine to produce flavour profiles destined to delight.
Furna Outside
During the summer months, Furna will be opening a space for drinks, cocktails and snacks in front of the restaurant adding a more casual experience to the Furna experience.
Private Dining at Furna Brighton
Furna boasts a simply beautiful private dining space with seating for 4-8 people and a private open kitchen replicating the Furna experience for an intimate crowd. Diners will have a private chef and waiter for the duration of the event.
Opening Times :
Wednesday: 18:30 – 23:00
Thursday: 18:30 – 23:00
Friday: 12:30 – 16:00 | 18:30 – 23:00
Saturday: 12:30 – 16:00 | 18:30 – 23:00
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With a notable birthday on the horizon, I decided the best thing to do would be to treat my sister to dinner at Furna. And what a treat for both of us!
From the moment I arrived, the pace was perfect. We enjoyed the space and the ambiance—though we weren’t alone, we were oblivious to the conversations of other guests. The service was excellent, striking just the right balance between professional and informal. The food was outstanding. So much work and creativity were on display with delicious results. ‘Delicious’ doesn’t even seem enough to describe it The layers of flavours made each bite a conversation stopper as we both got lost in the moment.
In the words of my sister: “I can’t stop thinking about that food!”
I shall be looking for excuses for my next visit.