SOCIALITE

East Street, Brighton

WHAT IS IT? A new venue in the heart of The Lanes, once home to a Cath Kidston home furnishing shop, created by restaurateur duo Barry Vera and Adam Elliott, the team behind the Mayfair lounge and grill at The Cavendish hotel in London. They describe the venue as a “hidden gem,” and a “Tardis” due to its deceptively large interior, while promising a “dining-led environment which just happens to have some pretty good entertainment”.

WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT? For Barry and Adam, they believe there is nowhere quite like it. They said they bring “a touch of class but at an affordable price” as well as their venue being focused on bringing people together and enjoying the experience.

They pride themselves on having live music as an essential and that the various areas, including a roof terrace and a private dining area, mean guests can naturally drift from the restaurant experience to the bar environment. Adam said: “The idea is that you come early and have a few drinks and then you go downstairs for your dinner, and you think you’re going to be doing the two-hour stint and then you’ll be going off to wherever you’re going - but actually, people don’t end up leaving. You can stay downstairs or move back upstairs to the roof terrace.”

The Argus: The roof terrace at Socialite in East Street, BrightonThe roof terrace at Socialite in East Street, Brighton

GOOD ATMOSPHERE? Without question. Socialite manages to get the balance between the vibe of a bar and the dining experience just right. Diners on surrounding tables were in a jovial mood as a live DJ played a range of funk and motown hits but you were still able to hear yourself and your company over the music. Staff were constantly on hand to attend to your needs and gave us plenty of time to savour every bit of our meal and enjoy the experience. The roof terrace also provided an intimate environment to enjoy our drinks.

The Argus: Socialite in East Street, BrightonSocialite in East Street, Brighton

WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE? Despite having only a small kitchen, in contrast to the vast space of the restaurant and bar, Socialite offers an extensive menu with something for everyone, with the vast majority of produce sourced locally. In particular, the steak menu boasts wagyu, tomahawk and a cauliflower steak, alongside the classic fillet, sirloin and ribeye.

We loved their classic French onion soup and sirloin steak, cooked to perfection and complemented with their own "Spicy Social" sauce. Choosing a dessert was difficult from the range of tantalising options - we opted for the banana Eton Mess, a delightful twist on an English classic. Everything was incredibly tasty and perfectly presented, with a fine dining experience that wouldn’t be out of place in the chicest parts of London.

The Argus: Cocktails at Socialite in East Street, BrightonCocktails at Socialite in East Street, Brighton

WHAT ABOUT DRINKS? Socialite has an extensive selection, from beer and cider,to wine, tequila and gin. However, the cocktails here are a must-try. We loved the Cosmopolitan Twist, with heavy water vodka, Saint Germain, yuzu and cranberry (£14). For non-alcoholic drinkers, there is also tea, coffee and soft drinks.

ANYTHING WE NEED TO KNOW? The venue’s roof terrace boasts its own menu of small bites and even a range of cigars. We were told the dress code was smart casual but we saw others who were in a range of formal and less formal attire and no one looked out of place.

FINAL BILL: About £150 for two, including dessert and drinks. Not the cheapest meal out, but the quality of the food and the atmosphere is worth every penny.

DO THEY DO TAKEAWAY? No. Socialite is a venue with a vibe that cannot be replicated from your dining room, with its vast space and lively atmosphere.

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