32 Egremont Place, Brighton,
01273 674456

Open 9am-10pm, closed Mon

Review: May 12, 2006

Having a loyal following already in place because of your breakfasts can't be bad grounding when you're opening your own traditional English restaurant.

For the past five years, chef Simon West has been rustling up fry-ups at Graham's in Brunswick Street West, Hove.

When developers decided to turn the block into flats, it was the push he needed to try something new.

So he, along with partner Keren Bevis, set about finding the perfect premises for their first restaurant - and eventually found it near Queen's Park.

"Simon's ready to move on and start showing what else he can do," says Keren, who'll be running the restaurant with him.

"People found the cafe very homely and said we created a nice atmosphere. We've always thought of our customers as friends. "We hope to do the same kind of thing here - but serve more than breakfasts."

So as well as the brekkies, the menu includes starters and light meals like soup, quiche and burgers, wholesome, home-cooked fare like steak and Guinness pie and sausages and mash, as well as roasts and cream teas.

"It's typically English, like your mum used to make," says Keren. "A lot of people have said it's nice to see real English food which is unfussy.

"We like to source all of our products locally, like Springs for our smoked salmon and other fish ingredients."

Despite moving from Hove right to the other side of Brighton - Thirty Two is on a site formerly occupied by Sucasa Mediterranean restaurant - Keren is confident their customers will follow.

"A lot of people used to come out of their way to see us when we were in Hove.

"People are quite happy to travel for our breakfasts, so we don't think we'll lose too many customers."

Keren and Simon have opted for a cafe-bar style, contemporary interior, with wooden floors, wood panelling, lots of plants and artwork, created by Keren, who is an artist.

Downstairs, there is a comfy lounge area, complete with sofas, a toy box and books, where customers can sit and relax before or after dining.

Sample the menu

Breakfast:
Large Breakfast, £4.95
Hangover cure (poached eggs, grilled tomatos, bacon and toast, with a Bloody Mary – no vodka before 10am), £4.95
Smoked haddock with poached eggs and homemade bubble and squeak, £5.50
Eggs benedict, £5

Starters and light bites:
Smoking haddock (haddock and smoked salmon, in a creamy cheese sauce, served with cheese straws), £5.50
Terrine of prawns in tomato mayo, £4.95
Roasted veg 32-style (bowl of fresh roasted veg, with garlic bread and dips), £5.95

Main meals:
Chicken and ham pie, £7.95
Honey and mustard glazed chicken, £7.95
Cheesy topped vegetable pie, £6.95
Steak and Guinness pie, £8.45
Sausage and mash, £6.95

Review by Leilah Nicola

• If you are interested in restaurants in Brighton, Hove and Sussex, visit www.theargusfoodguide.co.uk