IN THE heart of Brighton’s North Laine, the passionate team at Isaac At will be celebrating English Wine Week as it kicks off tomorrow, writes Nick Mosley.

When Isaac At first launched as a temporary weekend pop-up restaurant in 2015, their locally sourced concept went a lot further than their tasting menu, as they boldly built an all English wine list too designed to cater for all palates.

It was a challenge at first, but now three years on more of their customers understand the passion behind creating a wine menu that showcases exclusively English wines.

The restaurant’s head chef and owner, Isaac Bartlett-Copeland said: “It was really tough at first.

“But we have always been so passionate about English wine.

“We’ve worked hard to educate our guests about the quality of our local wines, and particularly so when it comes to Sussex.

“Our concept is based around showcasing Sussex and the South Coast through the amazing quality produce we have access to here on our doorstep at any given time.

“Our menu changes with the seasons.

“That is to reflect that and we didn’t want to compromise when it came to pairing wine with food.”

The only restaurant in the city to offer an exclusively English wine list, when Isaac At relaunched as a permanent restaurant opening five days a week, sommelier Alexander Preston joined the team.

His task is to push their passion further by developing a Sussex wine list that changes with the dishes.

To support English Wine Week, Isaac At have teamed up with award-winning Sussex sparkling wine producers Ridgeview.

They will create a unique tasting experience and encourage locals to explore more English wine and discover its delights.

“We want our guests to be able to see what we’re all about by visiting one of our producers before trying the various wines paired with our local tasting menu”, Alex said.

“Our event during English Wine Week is the perfect way to do that, as we’ll be taking guests down to the vineyard for a tour and tasting with Ridgeview’s Brendan.

“After that we will be heading back down to us for a five-course tasting menu with paired Ridgeview wines for the ultimate Sussex tasting experience.”

A spokesman from Ridgeview said: “We welcome tourists from around the world.

“But we always love teaming up with local businesses that are keen supporters of English wine.

“In restaurants across the United Kingdom consumers will now expect to see an English sparkling wine on any credible wine list and Isaac At are way ahead of the game with an exclusive English wine list.”

The wine bus goes from Brighton station at 4.15pm on Tuesday, May 29 for a 5pm tour and tasting at Ridgeview.

It will then head back to Brighton for 7.30pm to enjoy a five-course menu with Ridgeview pairings.

Tickets cost £98 and are available by visiting www.isaac-at.com