THE CITY of Brighton and Hove is quickly becoming a hotspot for foodies.

Some of the biggest brands in hospitality will be setting up shop in the city this year.

And the range is pretty extreme – from Taco Bell to The Ivy and from a new Burger King to an exclusive members’ only club.

Whatever tickles your tastebuds, it seems Brighton is the place to be. 

“It’s welcome news,” said Councillor Alan Robins, chairman of the tourism, development and culture committee.

“It reflects a confidence in Brighton and Hove. Such investors would be mindful of our strong visitor economy.

“Latest figures from Tourism South East show visitor numbers increased by 6.4 per cent last year – that’s better than the national increase of four per cent and a regional decrease of two per cent.”

Star spotters will be well aware of The Ivy, which started out in Covent Garden. In the past you’ll have found A-listers such as Jack Nicholson and Johnny Depp tucking into the delights on the menu.

Well, guess what? The Ivy is opening up right here in Brighton. In Ship Street to be exact.

But if super chic isn’t your thing, fear not.

Lovers of Mexican fast food are in for a treat as well with Taco Bell planning to opening its doors in Western Road next week.

And that’s not all. London burger chain Patty and Bun opens its first regional restaurant outside the capital next month, again in Ship Street. 

Local restaurateurs are also celebrating as Brighton’s own Italian restaurant Cin Cin opens its second site in Hove.
It is hoped the openings will have a knock-on effect on the city’s economy, as food tourists will be drawn to spending more.

Here's a bit more on the restaurants coming to town in 2018:

The Ivy

The Argus:

THE long-time hangout of A-listers and thespians in London’s West End, The Ivy has been a firm fixture on London’s social and dining scene for more than 100 years.

Offering an elegant backdrop and a decadent yet affordable menu, The Ivy is the second new opening to be coming to Ship Street in Brighton this year but the owners have kept fairly quiet about the specifics so far.

What diners can expect is The Ivy’s signature menu based on modern British cuisine with Asian influences, set against a backdrop of marble and onyx, with colourful artworks and plush textures and materials.

The Ivy will open at 51a Ship Street, Brighton this spring.

Patty and Bun

The Argus: LONDON’S finest burger joint Patty and Bun is set to open its first restaurant outside the capital next month, bringing all the classics from its menu along with a new vegan burger.

The spot will have 40 covers with additional outdoor seating in summer as well as an in-built takeaway hatch so customers will be able to take their burgers away or have them delivered.

Patty and Bun will open at 56 Ship Street, Brighton, on Tuesday, February 13.

Coppa Club

The Argus:

A “MEMBERS’ club without the snobbishness or the fees” is set to come to The Lanes in Brighton – and wants to bring a revolutionary dining concept with it.

Coppa Club has already made a name for itself in London with its relaxed atmosphere and interesting approach to al fresco eating.

But now the brand, which is due to open in Brighton Square, wants to convert the fountain into a bespoke dining space with the dolphin as its centrepiece, to allow customers to enjoy al fresco eating all year round.

There is no date for its opening yet, but this restaurant is worth the wait.

Soho House

The Argus:

MEMBERS’ club Soho House ruffled a few feathers when it announced it would open in Brighton late last year, but its new home on the city’s famous seafront is more than welcome.

Soho House draws A-list celebrities to its sites across the world and the new addition will be the most exclusive spot in town.

Offering guests a vintage bar alongside a sleek roof terrace (complete with its own swimming pool), anyone who manages to get in might be so lucky as to find themselves rubbing shoulders with the Brighton elite.

The first phase of Soho House is due to come to Madeira Drive in autumn this year.

Cin Cin

The Argus:

AWARD-WINNING Italian bar and kitchen Cin Cin is opening in Hove on Thursday.

The new site, at 60 Western Road, will be its second in the city run by David Toscano, who wanted to bring authentic hand-prepared Italian food and drink to Brighton.

Following a number of successful pop-ups as a dining club, Cin Cin opened its first restaurant in Vine Street, Brighton in 2016, and has since gained a reputation as one of the best restaurants in the city.

The Argus’s Gourmand critic awarded Cin Cin five stars.

Cin Cin specialises in small plates and pasta dishes and runs a popular £10 Tuesday menu.

Taco Bell

The Argus:

Sussex’s second Taco Bell – can you believe Chichester got there first? – opens next week, bringing the Mexican-style American fast food chain to Brighton.

Expect tacos, burritos, nachos and more guacamole than you can shake a stick at – and churros to finish.

Taco Bell, Western Road, will seat more than 100 people across two floors, while free wi-fi and charging stations for portable devices will be freely available for use by diners.

Taco Bell opens at 95-99 Western Road, Brighton next Tuesday (January 23).

Burger King

The Argus:

THE American hamburger chain opens its second outlet in Brighton this year, run by the same franchisee as the site in North Street.

The restaurant will be open late, meaning 24-hour diner Buddies next door could face some stiff competition.

Burger King is due to come to 43-45 King’s Road in April.

Are you looking forward to these new additions to Brighton's food scene? Let us know in the comments below.