EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH THE GREAT ESCAPE

By Noor Sheika

Brighton’s Great Escape Festival is once again upon us, and hundreds of acts are preparing to perform at this year’s many venues. If you’re visiting Brighton for the festival, or are a local looking to get involved in the festivities, you’ll most definitely work up an appetite going from place to place. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of spots to grab a bite and a drink along the way, and we’ve gathered our favourites. Brighton has long been known as a hub for vegans and seafood-lovers alike, so there’s something in the area for everyone, whether you’re plant-based or not. If you’re in between shows and need a drink to perk you up, there are cocktail and wine bars amidst the classic pubs in the heart of the city.

Starting all the way up by the Brighton Railway Station on Queens Road, is Sunoso. For those coming to the city via train, any spot along Queens Road is a convenient stop-off on the way to your final destination. A tiny café style location, Sunoso offers seating or takeaway, whatever works for you. Pick up one of their Donburi bowls that come with a number of toppings and fresh vegetables; the perfect light bite. Walk a little further up and you’ll find yourself at The Hope and Ruin, which is actually one of the venues hosting acts at The Great Escape. Take a seat in the eclectic interior for a pint or two before heading upstairs, where shows and club nights are held. The Hope and Ruin also houses Beelzebab, an entirely vegan kitchen serving seitan-based kebabs and hot dogs seven days a week.

Komedia is another venue and is situated on Gardner Street. They’ll have Great Escape events on in their basement for a total of four nights, and the attendees are encouraged to grab a snack from their menu or browse the many, many drinks they serve at the bar. Since they’re known best as a cinema, they’ve got some cinema classics like nachos and hot dogs, but their burgers and sides are worth a try too.

Just a couple of minutes around the corner is Ten Green Bottles, a picturesque wine bar with an expansive selection of wines by the glass or by the bottle. Don’t shy away from trying a glass or two as a pre or post show treat. The ambient lounge area makes a lovely destination for an evening outing.

Of course, The Brighton Dome is hosting the headline acts of The Great Escape, so there’s no doubt you’ll be wanting some time to recharge if you’re getting involved in the festival. Opposite the Dome on Church Street is Pompoko, a small Japanese restaurant with fantastic food at modest prices. The menu is simply huge, but the experience at Pompoko is always a good one, whether its lunch, dinner or just a couple of snacks. If you’re heading in the direction of The Lanes, pop into Bar Valentino on the way for a unique cocktail overlooking the Pavilion Gardens. Described as ‘a sanctuary of distinction’, it is exactly that. Watch people and buskers from the balcony as you enjoy some separation from the chaos below.

Let’s venture into The Lanes, which will you believe it, have even more bars, pubs and restaurants for you to try out. Starting with a hidden gem on Prince Albert Street, Shogun Ramen is easy to miss. Take a peek in the window and if you’re drawn into the intimate atmosphere, choose from meat or vegetable-based ramen dishes, curries and traditional Japanese side dishes. Nearby is Black Lion Street, incidentally home to The Black Lion, a pub which frequently puts on club nights with DJs and other live music. Pop in for a drink in their snug beer garden or get a few plates to share between friends. The area is full of TGE venues, so you’ll be within walking distance of wherever you’re off to afterwards.

Our last destination is East Street, which is a hub for great music, food and entertainment. Known as one of ‘Brighton’s oldest boozers’, dating from 1568, East Street Tap is a popular starting point for most nights out. It’s no surprise that patrons often end up staying for the stellar vegan menu and constantly changing array of craft beers. The menu shows off several burgers and sides made by The Mad Robot, who specialise in vegan junk food. This is the ideal place to visit before or after a gig, either for a meal, a pint, or both.

East Street also has loads of options when it comes to food, and most of them make for the perfect takeaway meal to nosh on while walking from point A to B. There’s What The Pitta, which has been the subject of many a positive review over the years. They concentrate on keeping their carbon footprint low and their quality high. If you have some gigs lined up in the area, pay a visit to What The Pitta for an on-thego lunch. Last, but most certainly not least, The Bok Shop. Always reliable and always flavourful, their chicken (and vegan chicken) never disappoints. Another apt choice for a day walking around Brighton, go pick up one of their flavourful choices and get yourself out on the town.

Moving on from the quaintness of the North Laines to North Road, the location of Bison Beer and the Fountainhead, both pubs which are well loved by residents of the area. Bison Beer focuses on their very own small batch brews and signature burgers, which they make in collaboration with SLAM BBQ. Check out the full menu if you’re interested in a craft beer or cocktail along with your meal. If you’re bar hopping to pass time between gigs, Fountainhead is right next door and their 100% plant-based kitchen is great, whether you’re wanting a small plate or a full pizza. Made in-house by Flower Power Pizza, their snacks are great for a mid- pub crawl bite.