Your Argus
TEXT your pictures, videos and messages to 80360. Start your message with SUPIC or email your tip-offs »
George Street, Hove. 01273 776776
Open Tue to Thur 9am-11pm, Fri and Sat 9am-1.30pm and Mon 9am-6pm
Review: April 20, 2007
If you thought you had seen that spiffing quiff before, you are not mistaken. Oblong’s charismatic owner Mark Stollar was the general manager of the Dorset in North Laine for 12 years before leaving to open his own restaurant in Hove. He is also the lead singer in Rockabilly outfit Jailbait.
While George Street is a far quieter prospect than Gardner Street, Mark reckons he has brought a bit of the North Laine buzz with him to Hove.
“When I started at the Dorset, North Laine was something that happened on a Saturday. We can do that to Hove. People don’t really know how to use us yet but they can use us how they want. Come in for cocktails, a coffee, wine or a beer. We do brunch, lunch and dinner as well as tapas if you’d like a lighter bite to eat.”
Along with the adventurous menu which boasts everything from roasted vegetable rarebit for brunch to a pot-roasted Sussex free range chicken braised in cider and garlic for dinner, the restaurant’s biggest draw is its vast terrace on the first floor.
As the weather warms up, Oblong deserves to become a favourite destination among those looking to soak up some sun in a laidback, friendly environment.
“We had an impromptu gig out on the terrace last night,” says Mark. “There were lots of people out here, drinking wine. It was lovely.”
Described by Mark as a cross between Hotel Du Vin and the Dorset, Oblong aims to be upmarket without being posh – “just good quality food at affordable prices in a comfortable setting”.
Set across two oblong-shaped floors – hence the name – the restaurant is a combination of shabby chic and relaxed glamour, with sparkly chandeliers, marble table tops and bronze gilded mirrors. Upstairs, Mark’s sister has decorated the back wall with a stunning, Scandinavian-style leaf design which looks like wallpaper but isn’t – it’s all hand painted.
French doors open to the roof terrace, which has plenty of garden tables and chairs to accommodate customers on long summer days.
In charge of the kitchen is chef Neil Parker, who has worked at the Tin Drum, Brighton Rocks and the Dorset. Keen to build relationships with local suppliers and farmers, Neil uses organic and seasonal produce as much as possible, and changes the menu monthly.
Like most of the staff, Neil is someone Mark has known for some time. “There is a family feel to the place,” says Mark. “We are not all blood related but we are all close friends who care about each other.”
Review by Xenia Gregoriadis
- If you are interested in restaurants in Brighton, Hove and Sussex, visit www.theargusfoodguide.co.uk
Local Advertisers
Local Information
Enter your postcode, town or place name
