MASTERCHEF winner Kenny Tutt and DJ Fatboy Slim were among the guests at an evening of food and entertainment ahead of The Ivy’s official launch in Brighton.

The Ivy In The Lanes welcomed people to two preview events on Monday and Tuesday this week.

Fatboy, aka Hove’s own Norman Cook, played a set at the new brasserie, which is in the old post office building in Ship street.

More than 250 guests from the city’s music, arts, food and business scene attended the events over both evenings.

Barry Watson, general manager of The Ivy In The Lanes, said: “It was wonderful to welcome members of the local community to the brasserie for the first time this week.

“Brighton is an incredibly vibrant city full of unique character and inspiring people, with so much going on around every corner.

“The old post office building captures the blend of history and contemporary character that fits with our ethos and we were very excited to open our doors to diners on Wednesday.”

Other guests included journalist and broadcaster Sali Hughes, Mayor of Brighton and Hove Mo Marsh and Brighton-based indie rock band British Sea Power.

Figures from Brighton’s food scene were also invited to enjoy the event, including this year’s Masterchef champion Kenny Tutt, from Worthing, and Masterchef: The Professionals 2013 winner Steven Edwards.

Andrew Comben, chief executive of Brighton Dome, was also in attendance ahead of the various Brighton Festival events opening this week across the city.

The Ivy, which opened its first restaurant in London’s West Street in 1917, was famed for attracting rich and famous guests.

See more pictures of the event in our business pages next week.