Friends set to to open new restaurant in Brighton's Lanes

Brighton chefs Dave Marrow and Isaac Bartlett-Copeland have partnered to open Embers, which will be in the city's historic Lanes.

Dave and Isaac, who pride themselves on celebrating Sussex produce, met 15 years ago in the kitchen at The Grand hotel in Brighton.

Isaac said: "It's always been our dream to open a restaurant together, and I'm so excited that this dream has finally been realised.

"We want Embers to be about big, bold flavours and the sort of restaurant we'd want to go to on our days off."

Sticky aubergine with red pepper ketchup, caponata dressing and tahni (Image: Gill Copeland)

Isaac founded Isaac At in Gloucester Street, Brighton, at the age of 21, and received double rosette status from the AA.

Dave became head chef at vegetarian restaurant Terre a Terre in East Street in 2018.

A spokesman said: "With (Dave) Marrow heading up the kitchen, guests can expect a range of playful yet thoughtfully crafted snacks, small plates, and centrepiece dishes that will sit alongside a concise selection of unique desserts."

The venue in Meeting House Lane will have capacity for 42 diners when it opens on Monday, April 3.

Each dish will have elements cooked entirely on a wood-fire cage in the centre of the restaurant, doing away with gas and electric methods of heating food.

Dry Aged Pork Tomahawk, Burnt Leek and Pickled Mustard Seed (Image: Gill Copeland)

They will be served in a style which promotes sharing, contributing to the relaxed atmosphere.

The menu will include:

Glazed Lamb Ribs, Candied Ginger, Kimchi, Furikake
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Smokey Chicken Leg, Crispy Skin, N’duja Aioli, Honey Butter
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Wagyu Denver Steak, Roscoff Onion, Coffee Hollandaise
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Shiitake & Cashew Larb, Bitter Herbs, Charred Hispi Cabbage
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Dry Aged Pork Tomahawk, Burnt Leek, Pickled Mustard Seed, Juices
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Miso Celeriac, Koji Soaked Engiri, Fresh Spring Truffle, Pickled Sea Vegetables, Mushroom XO
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Banana Split, Parsnip and Rosemary Ice Cream, Toffee Sauce, Praline
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Cheese on Toast, Truffle, Parmesan

Alongside the food, cocktails will take a spotlight at the restaurant, with an extensive drinks menu.

It aims to be a thriving late-night drinking and dining spot.

The restaurant has been designed by Dave, Isaac and his wife Hannah along with carpenter Paul Bethell.

Left to right - Dave and Isaac (Image: Embers)

A spokesman said they have created a "warm yet pared-back space with the blazing fire cage at the centre, ensuring guests can experience the
theatrical cooking style from every seat in the restaurant.

"Heat from the fire cage will warm the main dining room and tableware in an effort to maximise energy efficiency.

"In keeping with the restaurant’s simple aesthetic, large discs of burnt wood will adorn the walls in place of artwork, while food will be presented on beautiful rustic ‘plates’ made from sliced slabs of grey rock."