Sam's launching a new place

Sam Metcalfe, who runs Sevendials, is opening Sam's Place on the site of the recently closed One Paston Place in Kemp Town at the end of January.

The chef said his new venture would be less formal than Sevendials and cheaper, with an average three-course meal costing between £20 and £25 per head.

Under the stewardship of chef-patron Francesco Furriello, One Paston Place had a reputation as one of Brighton's finest restaurants.

Food lovers will be delighted the site has been taken over by a restaurateur with a similair reputation, even if Sam's Place promises to be less fine dining and more bistro.

Mr Metcalfe said: " I am really looking forward to expanding in to the Kemp Town area of Brighton.

"Our aim is to create a family-friendly bistro-style restaurant, bringing some elements from Sevendials, including our use of many seasonal and locally sourced produce and a continually changing menu.

"However, Sam's will be less formal, featuring a daily specials blackboard and comfortable seating. People can pop in just for a locally roasted coffee."

One Paston Place closed in October after Mr Furriello was headhunted by stylish Mayfair eatery Mosaico.

Mosaico discovered Furriello after he led One Paston Place to success with a string of awards and accolades. In 2007 the restaurant was voted Best Sussex Eating Experience at the Sussex Food & Drink Awards and it was named Highest Rated Italian Restaurant in Britain by Italia Magazine in 2006.

Ultimately, however, the chef and his co-owner partner Rachel Turner decided they would be spreading themselves too thinly if they ran both restaurants.

At the time Ms Turner said: "It's a shame we have to close One Paston Place but the opportunity Francesco has been offered at is one which cannot be missed.

We have always upheld the highest of standards at One Paston Place and we would not want to jeopardise those by continuing in Francesco's absence."