First it was recycling, then it was growing your own vegetables and now going green has filtered down to the food we eat out of the house. This year has seen the rise of the flexitarian; adopting a plant-based diet with occasional meat. There's nothing like being able to eat a delicious meal in a superb restaurant and with locally sourced ingredients, waste management and huge campaigns, more and more restaurants are taking positive approaches to environmentally-friendly eating. From swanky seafront spots, to laid back settings, we've rounded up Brighton's best sustainable restaurants.
Silo
Situated in a historic warehouse, this forward-thinking restaurant provides a stripped back setting for some truly creative dishes. Silo’s mission is simple: to use food born from clean farming and locally sourced ingredients in order to reduce waste. Go for a refined brunch at the weekend, a sharing plate Sunday lunch, or experience the full force of Silo with its signature tasting menu of either plant or omni (fish and plant) dishes. Think mackerel with Tokyo turnip and pickled rose, to the more experimental chewy beetroot served with potato skin and hispi. Silo has been so well received that chef Douglas McMaster has gone on to head up London’s award-winning Cub, with bartender Mr Lyan (of Dandelyan) in which he adopts a similar zero-waste approach to the menu.
It's all about style, substance and sustainability at Silo.
The Salt Room
Located in a prime position on Brighton’s seafront, this award-winning bar and restaurant gives you stunning views and a menu which champions sustainability. High ceilings, neutral tones and modern accents create a relaxing, yet classy interior. The Salt Room's head chef Dave Mothersill ensures that only the finest ingredients are selected from local producers in Sussex, with daily changing specials showcasing the catch of the day. The ethos of sister restaurant The Coal Shed is echoed, with a focus on sharing plates. On Monday’s it’s BYOB and you’ll even find a special Brighton Pride menu throughout August. Drinks are just as impressive, with a spotlight on summer tipples and classic cocktails. If you like the look of this, then its latest sister restaurant in London – also named The Coal Shed – is well worth a visit if you're in the capital.
Environmentally-friendly eating at this stunning restaurant.
MOSHIMO
You may have heard of MOSHIMO’s Fishlove campaign; the movement to end overfishing in Europe by 2020, using a series of images featuring celebrities from Judi Dench to Helena Bonham Carter and Lenny Henry, as well as chefs like Tom Aikins, to raise crucial awareness for organisations like Deep Sea Coalition, Marine Conservation Society and Blue Marine Foundation. Of course, the menu is just as important and you’ll find some of Brighton’s best sushi alongside vegan and vegetarian menus which have received an award from PETA. Grab some friends and book a bento booth at this lively restaurant. Just be sure sign up for membership, so you can make the most of 50% off from Mondays to Wednesdays, discounted masterclasses and events and birthday gifts.
Go omakase-style with an iconic bento booth sushi boat.
Food For Friends
This award-winning vegetarian restaurant supports local suppliers to bring you mouth-watering, affordable and honest food. At Food for Friends, you can expect a relaxed atmosphere, attentive service and simple, yet charming interiors. Highlights on the menu include mirin crispy tofu with homemade sweet chilli, through to baby artichoke heart served with goat's curd and preserved lemon gel. Cocktails are equally as eye-catching, with a vivid turmeric-infused Royal Roots which mixes carrot juice, lime and ginger beer for a fiery kick. With vegan and gluten-free options available in addition to the plant-based offerings, there is truly something for everyone here… as long as it’s not meat! Our top tip? Get a loyalty card and you can enjoy some fabulous perks – from discounts, to exclusive offers and invitations to events.
Affordable, honest cooking in the South Lanes.
The Chilli Pickle
Unique to Brighton, The Chilli Pickle does what no other Indian restaurant can. While a carb-loaded takeaway from Bhindis is guaranteed to hit the spot, this north Lanes restaurant goes one step further in its commitment to greener living. From the ingredients sourced, to waste management and compostable packaging, this award-winning spot has created an environmentally-conscious system for eating. By employing traditional methods of cooking and sourcing authentic ingredients, chefs are able to respect the ayurvedic principles behind Indian cuisine while bringing some inventive dishes to the table. Inspired by India’s food and culture, standout dishes include lunchtime Thalis; personal size trays which let you feast on a variety of dishes. Flavours are as bold as the vibrant interior design and striking cocktails.
Guilt-free feasting on a signature Thali.
