Local chefs, restaurateurs, bartenders and distillers dived into Brighton’s Sea Life aquarium on Thursday, June 25.
As part of the Bite Brighton Oyster Festival, ‘Cocktails and Canapés Under The Sea’ saw six collaborative snack and cocktail stations positioned throughout the venue, allowing guests to explore this unique venue – the world’s oldest operating aquarium – at their own pace.
"I knew this was going to be special, but it was incredible," said guest Lyndsey Clay of Connected Brighton.
"Fab food, amazing local brands and suppliers all with the backdrop of the aquarium in all its Victorian splendour.
"I loved it! My only complaint is that I have to wait a whole year for the next one."
Participating businesses included Aluna Rum, Blossoms, Bohemia, Boho Gelato, Brighton Gin, Burger and Lobster, Cecconi’s at Brighton Beach House, Clementine & Co, DedBest Distillery, Devil’s Dyke Distillery, Easy Tiger, English’s of Brighton, Gin 1689, Lost in the Lanes, Nostos, Pearly Cow and Ramsbury Distillery.
Each gave their time and resources for free, raising £742.52 plus additional donations for the Sea Life Trust charity.
"We’ve hosted well over a dozen food and drink events at Sea Life over the years," said Nathalie Gomez de Vera, co-director of Bite Sussex.
"It never fails to impress visitors and the team here are always a pleasure to work alongside."
"Once again it’s fantastic to be part of a BITE Sussex event and support both our colleagues in the Brighton tourism sector and charity partner the Sea Life Trust," said Steve Sharp, general manager of Sea Life Brighton.
"It's also always great to showcase our historic and iconic venue in a different light and engage with our guests over an evening cocktail or two."
Bite Sussex is planning its next food and drink events for the end of the year, including a Seafood Festival, chef competition and the return of FoodLab featuring leading Sussex chefs, producers and winemakers at Tern in Worthing.
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