FOOD + DRINK
The Salt Room
IN THE FAST CHANGING CRAZINESS THAT IS THE BRIGHTON RESTAURANT SCENE, THE AWARD-WINNING THE SALT ROOM CONTINUES TO RAISE THE BAR FOR FINE SEAFOOD DINING. BY SAMANTHA READY
It seemed like only the blink of eye since my guest and I first made our entrance through the sleek glass doors of The Salt Room restaurant, with its floor-to-ceiling windows and uninterrupted views of Brighton’ s iconic seafront, during its opening month.
Fast forward three years and the amazing accolade of Seafish UK Restaurant of the Year 2017, and we found ourselves returning in time for its third birthday and, coincidently, the launch of the new seasonal menu.
My guest and I were reassured to see that everything we admired first time around – the ethos of sustainability and local produce, the dark wood industrial-accented dining room, sleek fixtures, unrivalled views, impressive bar( and cocktail menu!) and exemplary service were as evident and inspiring as the first visit.
Taking a seafront window seat, and too easily working our way through the bread basket served with caper mayonnaise, smoked mackerel and seaweed butter, we were equally inspired by The Salt Room’ s latest menu. The now renowned seafood platters remain, as do their classic fish and steak staples, but the added additions of refined and taste-budtempting treats such as the tempura oyster( incredibly presented and packing a fresh punch of flavour), as well as a host of daily specials ensure that this restaurant gem continues to push boundaries and raise the bar for seafood elegance.
The great thing is that for seafood lovers especially, this restaurant always exceeds expectations – full surfboard platters grace the menu, as do crustaceans galore, classic and now tempura oysters, and a host of intricate fish dishes that include flavours from tandoori to sea fennel. My guest opted for the cod, beautifully coal seared and served with mushroom, hazelnuts, broccoli and shrimp with a red wine sauce. There are also some interesting meat alternatives that shouldn’ t be overlooked, however. The new duck starter with bbq onion, wild garlic and black vinegar was a triumph of rich duck meat and sharp acidity, and the classic steaks cooked over coals are sublime, especially when paired with The Salt Room chips.
There was only ever one dessert choice for us – the Taste of the Pier, a sharing smorgasboard of classic seaside favourites with a Salt Room twist: mini 99s with homemade ice cream, fruit pops, pebbles, yum yums, clotted cream and strawberry fudge and peach raspberry mallow all displayed on an actual piece of the Brighton Pier – it’ s nothing short of epic!
With an alfresco terrace for summer dining, Sunday lunch platters, afternoon tea and private dining now added to its ever impressive repertoire, I might just move in.
The Salt Room 106 King’ s Road Brighton BN1 2FU 01273 929488 info @ saltroom-restaurant. co. uk www. saltroom-restaurant. co. uk
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