Indian Summer Brighton

Why You’ll Like Indian Summer:

There are restaurants that follow trends, and then there are institutions that set them. As Indian Summer Brighton prepares to celebrate its landmark 25th anniversary this year, it stands firmly in the latter camp. Since opening its doors in 2001, this award-winning destination has redefined what Indian cuisine looks like in a city that prides itself on being different.

A Quarter-Century of Culinary Creativity in the Lanes

Located in the heart of the historic Lanes, Indian Summer is the antithesis of the standard curry house. It is a vibrant, owner-led independent that manages to be both a seasoned veteran of the Brighton food scene and one of its most consistently forward-thinking players. This is where regional Indian depth meets Brighton’s artistic soul.

The Heart of the House: Owner-Led Hospitality

What sets Indian Summer Brighton apart in an increasingly corporate world is the presence of its founder. Owner Robert Heasman is a constant on the restaurant floor, often found five to six days a week ensuring that the Indian Summer Experience remains as personal as it was on day one. This hands-on approach filters through to every level of service, led by Restaurant Manager Mate Horvath.

The service here is warm, detail-driven, and focused on storytelling. You aren’t just served a dish; you are guided through the regional inspirations and techniques that brought it to your table. The atmosphere is further elevated by a distinctive soundtrack of carefully curated reggae; a subtle, rhythmic nod to the restaurant’s relaxed yet refined personality.

Culinary Heritage and Renewed Creativity

The kitchen is currently a powerhouse of both stability and innovation. Head Chef Subarta Neupane leads a talented brigade, including Rabin Sherchan and Sanjay Kumbalathuparambil Biju, focusing on the bold, authentic flavours of regional India.

In a poetic turn for the 25th anniversary, original founder Byron Swales has returned to the kitchen. His presence brings a renewed energy and a deep understanding of the restaurant’s DNA, blending twenty plus years of evolution with a fresh perspective on menu development. Together, the team prioritises premium produce and elegant presentation, ensuring the food is as visually stunning as it is flavourful.

An Artistic Interior

The dining space at Indian Summer Brighton is a reflection of the city itself: creative, independent, and confidently unique. The restaurant is famous for its graffiti-art tables, most notably the iconic Tiger Table, which has become a local legend in its own right. The décor strikes a perfect balance; vibrant enough for a celebratory birthday, yet intimate and low-lit enough for a romantic date in the Lanes.

The Menus: From Thalis to Tasting Journeys

Whether you are looking for a generous dinner date with friends or a multi-course evening exploration, the menus at Indian Summer are designed to be immersive.

Indian Summer Brighton: The Famous Thalis

A signature of Indian Summer, the Thali offers a balanced journey through various flavours and textures. Served on a traditional platter, it includes a variety of regional dishes, providing a complete tasting experience in a single course. It remains one of the most popular ways to enjoy the kitchen’s breadth of skill.

Curated Tasting Menus at Indian Summer Brighton

For those looking to celebrate, the Tasting Menus are the crown jewel of the offering. These multi-course journeys allow the chefs to showcase seasonal Sussex produce through an Indian lens, pairing complex spices with modern techniques.

The Bar Programme

No visit is complete without exploring the cocktail list. Driven by Scott Haeger, the bar programme is specifically designed to complement the vibrancy of the food. Expect inventive concoctions that use botanical and spicy notes to bridge the gap between the glass and the plate.

A Brighton Institution

As Indian Summer Brighton hits the 25-year mark in June 2026, it remains a destination Brighton restaurant in the truest sense. It has survived and thrived by staying true to its identity: modern, artistic, and fiercely independent. It isn’t just a place for a great curry; it is a place where authentic spice meets contemporary design, where the service is as memorable as the saffron, and where every guest becomes part of a long-standing Brighton story.

Whether you are a long-time regular or a first-time visitor, there has never been a better time to pull up a chair at a graffiti table and experience why Indian Summer remains at the very top of its game.

The Essentials – Indian Summer Brighton

• Bold Regional Flavours: Enjoy authentic Indian cooking elevated by modern techniques, seasonal Sussex produce, and a passion for creative refinement.
• Immersive Dining: Choose a generous signature Thali for a complete taste of India or explore a multi-course tasting menu for a special occasion.
• Artistic Atmosphere: Dine at famous graffiti-art tables, including the iconic Tiger Table, in a vibrant space set to a curated reggae soundtrack.
• Crafted Cocktails: Sip on bespoke drinks specifically designed to balance the vibrant spices and aromatics of your meal.
• Venue Hire & Private Dining: The creative and intimate space is available for private hire, making it the perfect backdrop for unique celebrations or corporate events.
• Enjoy at Home: Experience the full flavour of Indian Summer Brighton from your own sofa with their premium takeaway and delivery service.