Skyfall Brighton is nothing to do with James Bond, but everything to do with great cocktails, a great evening and great food…
A contemporary new restaurant in central Hove with affordable and impressive cuisine and a cocktail list you won’t be able to resist – we introduce you to Skyfall…
Set amongst an array of different restaurants and fierce competition on Church Road in Hove, Skyfall has intelligently positioned itself to stand out from the rest, with warm modern lighting, a modestly sized seating area and a well thought out menu.
We were invited to try out the brand new Autumn/Winter menu on a Friday evening. Upon arrival we were promptly welcomed and had an appetising menu waiting for us to choose from.
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Whilst making our decisions on what to eat, I had a rather sensational Popcorn Martini! Creamy and smooth and of course very sweet, it reminded me of melted marshmallows with a dash of alcohol and toffee, topped with a decorative piece of popcorn. If you have a sweet tooth this is definitely one to try, made with popcorn water, butterscotch schnapps, vodka and cream.
For starters we had Buckinghamshire Pork Scratching, Rosemary, Sea Salt – ordered as a starter but from the ‘nibbles’ section of the menu. A ramekin of deliciously seasoned crispy pork scratchings that were quite honestly far too moreish – despite the generous helping, I’d suggest ordering one each!
Pan seared scallops, potato purée, pancetta, crackling, apple caramel crispy sage. The combination of the smoky pancetta with the seared scallops and creamy potato puree was my favourite dish of the evening. After ordering starters we were given a complimentary teacup portion of beetroot soup, it was deliciously autumnal, vibrant full of flavour.
Just before the main was served the small raised area at the back of the restaurant was graced with a musician who added the final touch to the wintery evening vibe the restaurant had created.
Passers-by were checking out the menu in the window and looking on enviously at the buzzing restaurant through the glass front and rightly so – were enticed to come in, the popularity of the restaurant was evident when the restaurant manager had to continuously turn people away due to being fully booked. Always a good sign.
For our main course I chose 8 oz Rib eye with handcut chips, balsamic tomato, watercress and pickles shallot. Cooked to perfection, Skyfall are all about sustainable produce, and will use the best local suppliers that Sussex has to offer, so it’s not surprise this was a good piece of meat complemented with some chunky chips. Sometimes a simple steak and chips is all you need.
Breast of Chicken, crispy skin, roasted butternut squash, chestnuts, pancetta, kale, herb oil. Tender chicken cooked on the bone with crispy skin as promised. Placed on top of an array of winter vegetables and pancetta. Simple and lovely.
We didn’t have the room for pudding but we did replace it with another ridiculously good martini – The Crème Brulee Martini. Featuring vanilla vodka, Frangelico and Cointreau, this tasted just like a liquefied Kinder Bueno.
If the cool furniture, fashionable lighting and overall ‘boutiquey’ décor, good food and good service isn’t enough (weird if it isn’t!) – Skyfall have embraced the obsession 2015 has with poor phone battery and the need to be connected. USB and Plug charger points, next to near enough every single table. Perfect if you need to escape the office for lunch but still need to access your emails, use a laptop or if you are having a meal with the girls and have taken one too many selfies so need to give your phone some extra life. WE LOVE that the restaurant has this. So make sure when you’re there you tweet, facebook and Instagram about Skyfall to your hearts content.
It’s one of those places you could easily pop into for a starter and a couple of drinks either on your way home, or your way out. Or spend an entire evening with live music, a welcoming atmosphere, competent staff and lovely food!
Make sure you try the Martinis – Shaken, not stirred. (Sorry, it’s called Skyfall I couldn’t help myself!)
Skyfall
42 Church Rd
Hove
BN3 2FN
