Sunday in The Lanes
Sunday roasts are a ritual for many, whether that means cooking one up at home or a leisurely meal out shared with friends and family. Brighton is absolutely jam-packed with roasts, from indulgent, innovative affairs to nostalgic and homely. Coppa Club, slipped into the heart of the Lanes, somehow manages to strike the sweet spot between high-end and warming with their menu of classics.
First Impressions: Cosy Yet Refined
Coppa Club sits in secluded Brighton Square, its beautiful outdoor terrace circling the picturesque Dolphin Fountain. Step inside and you’re met with a bright and inviting space – a mix of large tables ideal for bigger groups as well as cosy corners for more intimate occasions. It’s luxurious without feeling pretentious, a place where you could easily linger for after-dinner drinks.
Arriving right after the Sunday lunch rush, we were greeted by the friendly team and given an introduction to both the roast and à la carte menus – a great touch for those who aren’t interested in the traditional trimmings but still want to feel the Sunday spirit.
Drinks to Set the Scene
The drinks list deserves some appreciation – we were so impressed by the number of tempting options. A glass of red wine felt somewhat mandatory, so we took our server’s advice and went for a light Pinot Noir – a stellar suggestion, as it was smooth, oaky, and fruity with just the right amount of depth without being overpowering. The wine list is extensive, so pick carefully!
If you look closely, each main on the Sunday Roast Menu is noted with a wine pairing, including the plant-based option. This is a thoughtful addition for wine lovers, or those who want a delicious drink without the hassle of choosing.
If you’re not in the market for wine, the seasonal cocktail list is definitely worth exploring – I chose the beautifully hot pink Pomegranate & Pear Hugo Spritz. Bubbles and notes of fruit perfectly bridged the gap between summer and winter, making the colder months feel less intimidating. There’s a huge range of soft drinks and coffees available too.
All the Trimmings (And Then Some)
Going for a roast after lunch can often mean missing out on your favourite cut – still, I suppose selling out is a sign of a good roast! We were lucky enough to get our hands on exactly what we were after: the Pork Loin with Crackling and the Mushroom, Kale & Truffle Wellington. And how can you have a roast without the sides? A portion of Pigs in Blankets and the Truffle Cauliflower Cheese were impossible to leave behind.
All the roasts are served with a Yorkshire pudding, Wagyu beef dripping roast potatoes, maple-glazed carrots and parsnips, seasonal greens, and rich gravy. Talk about all the trimmings! The vegetarian Wellington swaps in plant-based roast potatoes and no Yorkshire pudding by default, but if you’re vegetarian, I’m certain your server will be happy to add that Yorkie back on.
We were taken aback when everything was set on our table; it looked marvellous. Elegantly plated roasts, the main event resting on golden potatoes, glossy carrots and parsnips, and a bed of vibrant greens. The Yorkshire puddings were giant – they had the desired crispy edges and a soft centre just dying to be doused in gravy. A light aroma of truffle drew us to a sizzling dish of Cauliflower Cheese and a ramekin of plump-looking Pigs in Blankets sitting right beside it.
A Roast to Remember
I immediately got stuck into the pork, each slice of which came with a strip of crunchy crackling, not to mention the super-sized piece garnishing it. It was expertly cooked, hanging on to all its juices while absorbing the smooth gravy. The Wellington came wrapped in a crisp, latticed pastry which held together the earthy, rich filling. There was a meatiness in the mushrooms which made for one of the most satisfying plant-based roasts we’ve tried. Both plates came with potatoes that were fluffy as ever on the inside with an irresistibly roasty outer shell, and those sticky parsnips were a show-stopper.
Sides That Steal the Show
Anything with truffle is a win for me, so Truffle Cauliflower Cheese is a match made in heaven. It wasn’t overwhelming, as truffle can sometimes be, and the sauce was indulgent, coating all the nooks in the florets of cauliflower. The Pigs in Blankets here are a must – they added a lovely smokiness between bites.
Making Room for Dessert (and a cocktail!)
As you can imagine, we were positively stuffed after trying our best to get through everything, but one glance at the dessert menu and I was sold. The Baked Black Sesame Cheesecake, topped with caramelised almonds and a generous drizzle of rosemary honey, caught my eye even though I was still digesting (mentally and physically) my main meal.
We were kindly offered a fantastic one-of-a-kind cocktail to go with it: a creamy Gingerbread Crème Brûlée Martini which was so delicious it could have been a dessert in itself. It was sweet and delicately spiced, seamlessly complementing the cheesecake. A nutty base dotted with black sesame seeds brought a biscuity texture to the cheesecake which was balanced and not overly sweet, enhanced only by shards of toasty almonds. The gooey rosemary honey brought with it an incredible fragrance and complexity to the already amazing dessert.
The Verdict
After all that, we couldn’t possibly manage any more! Coppa Club offers a roast that feels refined yet comforting, which is a hard mark to hit. The charming energy and atmosphere make it feel like a space accessible to anyone for any occasion, and a versatile menu accommodates all diets, likes and dislikes. This has to be one of the tastiest roasts in town and a dreamy culmination to a long, busy week, making it a Sunday spot worth returning to again and again.
