Swim then dine in absolute style at Deco Restaurant and Cafe at the iconic Saltdean Lido.
Why You’ll Like Deco at Saltdean Lido
As a word, ‘iconic’ is rather overused, but when it comes to this art deco masterpiece there isn’t a better option. Gracing the seafront to the east of Brighton since the 1930s, Grade II listed Saltdean Lido was designed by visionary modernist R.W.H Jones and has attracted the attention of architectural enthusiasts ever since.
Deco Restaurant and Cafe is the cherry on the cake, bringing seriously good food to this gorgeous destination, and making it very unlikely that you will ever want to leave.
DECO RESTAURANT AT SALTDEAN LIDO
After much anticipation, Deco Restaurant opened in the spring 2024. Occupying the rotunda on the first floor of the building, the large dining area has generous tables carefully arranged to maximise the light and views from the huge Crittal windows overlooking the pool. The modern decor, which extends to the bespoke private bar, has been chosen to harmonise with its historic surroundings and is at once subtle and glamorous.
The team behind Deco is highly experienced and its chef founder has enviable relationships with local farmers and producers, meaning that the ever-changing, compact menu is seriously well-considered. Think modern bistro dishes, with just a sprinkling of Hollywood magic, all using the best seasonal produce available.
Live the dream with a plate of oysters with mignonette, a glass of champagne or Nocellara olives and a martini to start then follow with terrine and fresh bread, plates of charcuterie or a fresh salad. There’s a short but extremely good selection of burgers and then mouth-watering mains like wild sea bass with pea and broad bean risotto, truffled mushroom pasta or smoked lamb flatbreads.
Sundays are Special at Saltdean Lido
Sunday roasts at Deco are already a wildly popular weekly highlight. Showcasing the best local meat including Trenchmore Farm Wagyu beef, South Down’s lamb and free-range Sussex pork and chicken, the Deco roast comes served with crunchy garlic and thyme potatoes, seasonal vegetables, herby Yorkshire puddings and homemade gravy. There is always a delicious veggie option too.
There is also a selection of small plates which can be ordered as starters or lighter bites if you’re not in the mood for a roast.
The dessert menu offers a delightful choice of all-time favourites like sticky toffee pudding, cheesecake or chocolate brownies with ice cream.
What’s not to love?!?
RB LOVES
Emerging like wings from each side of the main, first-floor dining space are the two sun-drenched terraces of the Deco restaurant. Alfresco dining at its apex, offers an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in glamorous deco-era dining and drinking exactly as it was intended. Dress for dinner!
EVENTS AT DECO
The first-floor dining room is the perfect space for a grand private event; from a gala dinner to a picture-perfect wedding. With its private bar and south-facing and poolside views, this is a truly unique venue.
There is also a schedule of wonderful events at Deco including afternoon teas, cabaret evenings, tea dances and more.
Don’t miss out on Saltdean Lido’s special events too, we love Cinestock and Dogtember but remember to book Deco in advance during these busy times.
DECO CAFE AT SALTDEAN LIDO
Enjoy the bustling charm of Deco cafe situated on the ground floor of the building, adjacent to the glittering pool.
The all-day breakfast and brunch menu touches all the bases with Breakfast Skillets, Granola Bowls, Weald Smokery Salmon with Poached Eggs, Shakshuka, French Toast and more including many delicious vegetarian and vegan options.
There is great coffee and freshly brewed tea on offer plus a selection of cakes and pastries to choose from.
When the cafe is open in the evening, the menu includes dishes similar to those from the restaurant but chosen to match the cafe’s relaxed, informal vibe.
The Essentials
- Family Friendly
What could be more family-friendly than a restaurant and cafe next to a wonderful outdoor swimming and paddling pool? Nothing really! Here are dreamy summer memories in the making. Both restaurant and cafe are family friendly with half portions available for little ones and plenty of dishes to suit their tastes. Depending on your kids, the vibe of the restaurant may be better suited to younger kids during the daytime.
- Allergy Friendly
Contact the Deco team to discuss your requirements.
- Dogtember
Dogs are not allowed at Deco or Saltdean Lido except during Dogtember. See here for details.
- Community and Sustainability
Saltdean Lido CIC (a not for profit community interest company) holds a 60-year lease for the site. With the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, the local community, Brighton & Hove City Council and others, Saltdean Lido CIC has brought new life and a sustainable future to this important and previously neglected building.
Having fallen into disrepair, the entire complex has undergone an extraordinary renovation, bringing the building up to modern standards while staying true to the original vision. The result is an unmitigated success. Once again, the beating heart of the community and an enormous source of local pride, the multifaceted venue boasts the wonderful Deco restaurant and cafe as well as leisure facilities, a library, work and community spaces all centred around the sparkling blue swimming and paddling pools of the Lido.
OPENING HOURS
Restaurant
Friday & Saturday
5pm – 10pm
Sunday Roasts 12pm – 8pm
Cafe
Monday & Tuesday
8:30am – 5pm
Wednesday – Friday
8:30am – 9pm
Saturday 9am – 9pm
Sunday 9am – 5pm
Reviews
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Getting There
Excellent table service fantastic food and absolutely stunning location, definitely be going again it was lovely
I Ate here for the first time on Thursday with friends. It was extremely busy at lunch time but extremely well managed , we had a fantastic lunch. They offer an all day brunch menu with the usual range of eggy dishes but also some unique choice. I opted for the hash which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Great location , food was fantastic, service from the manager and his team faultless and fun. I’ll certainly be visiting again .
Couple of points of note. They do not take bookings and not sure why there is no drinks menu which made choosing a drink a drawn out task having to ask what was on offer.