Graduation Brighton – Where To Eat

Located just minutes from the Corn Exchange Kooks is a great all rounder from speciality teas and coffees with fresh cakes to brunch and booze and big ol’ burgers. Outdoor seating is perfect for de-stressing and the menu is rich with gluten free and vegan options.

Just next door to the Royal Pavilion this is an iconic place to end a degree in Brighton, big enough to accommodate every one of the ever-so-proud relatives, with outdoor seating too. There’s even a graduation menu at a set price to keep the bill simple (in case maths wasn’t your subject).

Keeping it near the main event with The Chilli Pickle, another great one for indoors or outdoors. Fruity cocktails inspired by Indian flavours are a great way to celebrate, gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets are all well catered for. Whilst the food is all authentic there are some milder dishes for the delicate of stomach or less adventurous. Booking is a must, generally, large parties especially.

Move away from the crowds around the Corn Exchange and head toward the seafront via the Lanes. Hotel du Vin is offering graduation dining in their bistro or Champagne Afternoon Tea for a lighter, but equally dignified party. Weather providing, the vine covered court yard within the gothic walls provides a salubrious sanctuary for your celebration.

Perfect for the big family, NuPosto is very spacious and great for those graduating in the autumn as it’s very close to the Brighton Centre. Fresh, authentic pizza and pasta are the focus here, although other dishes do feature on the menu. Gluten free and vegan diets are well catered for and there’s sparkling wine on tap, so you can ‘saluti!’ non stop.

Deceptively large on the inside, you may have overlooked 32 Duke Street for big parties. A dark and sophisticated interior does not make this a stuffy venue, but with a Josper Grill at the heart of the cooking action it’s a pretty serious steak menu. Large parties can enjoy the casual day menu Sunday to Friday.

Want to make a statement to the fam about where you’re going? Why not book a flight up the i360 followed by the two course lunch at West Beach Bar & Kitchen. You’ll also be able to use your student discount before your NUS card runs out, and you really should milk that while you’ve got it.

Family of sea food lovers in tow? Bring your school to the Copper Clam, with a great spot in the Kings Road Arches, right on the seafront it’s perfect for fresh local seafood with outdoor and indoor seating. Sharing platters are a great way for everyone to tuck in to some communal dining, or crack into lobster and pop open some Champagne if your feeling really lavish.

Back to just a moment’s walk from the Corn Exchange, Polpo is a Venetian restaurant serving up small sharing plates, simple and stripped back food using quality ingredients. A wine menu of exclusively young Italian wines keeps this light and jolly. Large parties can book here.

The first authentic Indian restaurant in Brighton, award winning Indian Summer remains a cut above the rest with great style indoors and additional seating outdoors on the vibrant East Street. Gluten free, vegan and vegetarian are all catered for extremely well and a Graduation Lunch or Dinner offer gives you a lovely 20% off when you pre book.

The newly decorated Wardroom at the Old Ship Hotel is well equipped for large parties offering an eclectic mix of modern cuisine, a really great all rounder. Or if you’re after something more drinky than foody the Mess Deck is a great spot for sun, cocktails and a less formal bar menu.

Chinese food is so often the answer to a large group of diverse taste that it often gets forgotten for special occasions. Gars is family run and a firm favourite of locals, offering authentic Chinese food with a modern twist. Set over three floors and with party menu already in place, its a special occasion in a box. Contact Gars direct for booking of 6 or more.

Maybe you just want a good Brighton boozer to kick back in, you’re done with formalities, now you just want some good food, plenty of beer and wine and just let everyone have at it. There’s a wealth of great pubs to choose from but The Black Lion is a classic with a descent amount of space, a good outdoor area and can set you up with a buffet, for a simple care free celebration.