My Italian grandparents came from Abruzzo to England in 1946, just after the war. As you can imagine, it was not very popular being Italian at that time however, they settled eventually in Polegate near Eastbourne and just over the hill from Poco in Alfriston.I used to leave school everyday at 3pm and walk to my Nonna's house and stay there until my Mum finished work. My Nonna never spoke English all the 38 years she lived in Polegate but she had her Ragu going on the stove all that time. The left overs would go back in and the sugo was the same stock for at least 20 years. As a little boy I would not be allowed to eat the Tiramisu but Nonna would let me lick the bowl of mascarpone. She taught me to cook from the age of 6. I remember she gave me, what I thought at the time was a machete (normal kithcen knife) to cut tomatoes. She had her own little veg garden and showed me the importance of cooking dishes seasonally to reflect what was growing at the time.
Red Elephant Siam is an authentic Thai restaurant located in the charming village of East Dean, East Sussex, perfectly placed between Eastbourne and Seaford along the scenic A259. Surrounded by the stunning South Downs National Park and close to popular landmarks like Beachy Head, Birling Gap, Belle Tout Lighthouse, and Seven Sisters, it's an ideal spot to unwind with Thai food after exploring the coast. We offer dine-in and takeaway options, with a relaxed atmosphere and menus full of traditional Thai flavours. Enjoy our popular set lunch menu or indulge in a wide selection of dishes from our à la carte menu. Conveniently, there is a large free public car park near the Tiger Inn on Gilberts Drive—just a short walk across the village green to the restaurant. Limited on-street parking is also available on Upper Street. Whether you're passing through or planning a visit, Red Elephant Siam is a must-visit for lovers of quality Thai cuisine.
Beautifully arranged over three floors, Bohemia delivers a full lunch and dinner menu that includes both large main dishes as well as small tapas-style plates and sharing boards. We are proud to say that all of our dishes, sauces and recipes are freshly produced in-house by our team.There are many seated areas within Bohemia’s quirky interior, including The Library and The Snug. For the warmer months, guests may be seated at the front of the venue, where they can take in Brighton in the heart of The Lanes where tables and chairs sit on the historic cobbled streets. Heaters and blankets are provided in cooler times.Families are always welcome at Bohemia…in fact, children are our VIP’s. We have a ground-floor baby change room & toilet, and children’s menu…and they may enjoy playing on our Pac Man machine (or the adults might!)We serve our A La Carte menu, which includes a roast menu only available on Sundays. All food is prepared fresh and in house, with quality ingredients.
At Kindling we believe that great steak should be for everyone. We’re an award-winning, independent restaurant in the heart of Brighton Lanes. We're known for fire-cooked flavour, great value steak plus the kind of relaxed, friendly vibe that keeps locals coming back. We were voted Best Lunch in Brighton and named the #2 restaurant in the city in the 2026 Brighton Restaurant Awards.Our open kitchen lets you see all the action up close. Witness the skill and passion of our team as they cook your steak to perfection. Kindling is perfect for casual business lunches, family get-togethers and catch-ups with friends. Our menu is simple but spot-on. It features grass-fed British beef and delicious cocktails, wines, and beers that perfectly complement your meal. On Sundays we serve our Sharing Roast for two alongside our regular menu.We're just a short stroll from the seafront, Brighton Pavilion, Palace Pier and Brighton Centre.
Food for Friends is nestled in the beautiful and historic South Lanes, just 2 minutes from the sea. The restaurant specialises in tasty, simple vegetarian dishes using fresh and local produce. The restaurant has secured a place in The Good Food Guide 2016 and also won the Brighton and Hove Foodie Awards 2012. The restaurant caters for people with special dietary needs, there are vegan and gluten-free options for many dishes on the menu, as well as freshly baked vegan and gluten-free breads, cakes and scones every day.
In showing this building some love, local businesswoman Shoes Simes has said that she hopes to help make her pub more food-led and family-friendly. In doing so she hopes to turn this local building of historical importance into an establishment for local families and friends to enjoy together. It all started 13 years ago when she first saw the building and she knew straight away that this was the pub for her and finally her dreams have come true, with a full refurbishment, this pub is now ready to be revealed to Eastbourne in all its glory. Once functioning as an old Moot Court, eventually turning into a restaurant in the 1970s, before it boomed as a pub trading as The Rainbow. It eventually changed to The Counting House and saw a new lease of life as the garden grew to be a popular haunt of all in old town. Returning with a change of name to the older style of The Rainbow, and with it a focus on food again. For outdoor reservations, please contact the restaurant directly.
The Union is a contemporary restaurant and bar set in a beautiful 15th century building in the heart of Rye. Our menu is made up of small and large plates which we recommend sharing across the table. Our team will be on hand to guide you through your visit.Our food is guided by the seasons and our menu is ingredient led so changes based on what we have available to us. We primarily use British produce and work with local suppliers to ensure we always source the very best ingredients we can get our hands on.
Dine in the AA 2 Rosette Linen Fold Panelled Restaurant, where you can enjoy the ambience of the large restaurant, the cosiness of The Dr Syn Dining Room or the privacy of the Boardroom for your evening meal, lunch and breakfast.Head Chef Drew King is focused on using quality, seasonal, local ingredients and cooking them perfectly. He has a broad range of experience having worked in Michelin Star restaurants. and is able to adapt to the requirements of the guest and the occasion.Please note dogs are not allowed in the Restaurant. Bookings are for the Restaurant only. We do not reserve for The Bar and outside seating areas.Please advise us in advance of any allergies.
At The Pink Cabbage Co, all local staff are passionate about creating delicious brunch dishes and serving high-quality coffee. Our aim is to provide a welcoming and cozy atmosphere where you can savour the flavours, connect with others, and enjoy a relaxed dining experience in our country village of Heathfield in East Sussex.
The Winkle, nestled into one of Brighton's iconic sea front arches, offers a laid back fine dining experience that stands out in the bustling seafront area. Co-owned by PJ and Owen, who left their corporate careers behind to open The Winkle, the venue quickly became a favourite for locals and visitors.Specialising in crab-inspired dishes, The Winkle serves crowd-pleasers like Crab Mac and Cheese Bites and Crab Crumpets, alongside classic dishes such as Seafood Linguine. The changing specials highlight the best seasonal seafood, fish, and sumptuous cuts of meat.The atmosphere is relaxed yet polished, offering a balance between casual and formal dining. Enjoy the sunny outdoor terrace with spectacular views of the West and Palace Piers or settle inside with quirky décor.With a curated drinks menu and exceptional service, The Winkle is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy Brighton’s vibrant seafront.
