MANY new restaurants and bars claim to be adding something new to Brighton and Hove’s food and drink scene. But The View, in Western Esplanade, Hove is a genuine original – combining a daytime family-friendly café space, an evening a la carte menu, bar area and the tremendous seafront setting which gives the venue its name. Formerly the Babylon Lounge, The View is the result of six months of renovations by the venue’s original owners.
The bar is the only part of the Babylon Lounge which remains following the extensive refit. With its wooden cladding on the outside and the driftwood-style features complemented by deliberately mismatched furniture on the inside, The View has a feel of an informal seaside bar. But its ambitious menu of modern European cuisine is designed to attract curious local foodies along the coast from Brighton city centre. “We could see a big gap in the market in this particular area,“ says part-owner Ali Kosari, who ran the Babylon Lounge for ten years. “We wanted to provide somewhere that I could invite my family and four-year-old son to eat together, but at the same time could invite business colleagues for a meeting, or a special guest for an evening out.“ He regards the concept behind the venue as unique in Brighton.
The gorgeous seafront location is underlined by the fact the lapping waves can be seen from throughout the restaurant. There are an additional 180 covers outside on picnic tables to supplement the 150 inside. The Venue is designed to be welcoming, with no attitude, as exemplified by the friendy and attentive staff at Monday’s special Valentine’s event.
Although the floor space is large, the seating has been arranged so guests don’t feel like they’re rattling around, creating an intimate atmosphere. Ali freely admits the venue is
spending a fortune on candles to create the right night-time feel. “I genuinely think there is nowhere like this in Brighton,“ he says. “We’re the only licensed venue that can serve alcohol on the beach from Shoreham to the West Pier.“ “We are not in a tourist area, so we are looking to attract Brightonians and local residents all year round.“ Ingredients on the menu, which was created with venue’s new Spanish executive chef Alvaro Monter, are sourced locally wherever possible, with all the fresh fish coming from the Hove fishmonger’s hut only a few yards down the esplanade.
Among the new concepts being launched by The View are a range of gourmet pizzas, with unusual options including eggplant, featuring a topping of courgettes, aubergine and sun-dried tomatoes; Wild Boar; and the Strawberries pizza, eschewing cheese in favour of strawberries, kiwi fruit, pineapple, peach and cream. There is also a pub classics menu – with old favourites such as bangers and mash and burgers – a range of all-day breakfasts,
a children’s menu, Sunday roasts, and an extensive wine list.
Those bemoaning the loss of the Babylon Lounge will be happy to hear that the downstairs function room will be hosting the regular Friday salsa night and monthly African night and retains its late license to 5am. “Now people can come upstairs and enjoy a drink away from the music,“ says Ali. “We are redecorating the function room as we speak. We can cater for private functions, including weddings and civil partnerships. The floor below even has its own separate entrance.“ The View is also launching its own yearround seafront kiosk in four weeks’ time, which will be selling the luxury Loseley ice cream range.
words: Duncan Hall
the Argus pictures: Liz Finlayson
the View picture: Patrick Gireth
published: The Argus, February 18, 2011
download: Original Article (100kB)
TASTE OF PERSIA NOW IN BRIGHTON!
The View Restaurant is delighted to offer this classic & delicious Persian Menu to our customers.
You can either try Persian Mezze dishes to share or wonderful main courses.
Come and visit The View Restaurant to try Taste of Persia…
We prepare our food only from the finest fresh ingredients. We endeavor to use locally sourced produce where possible.
Our extensive new menu offers something for everyone. From vegetarian food to excellent Italian cuisine, from traditional breakfast to Sunday roast, starters, sharing plates and salads, gourmet burgers, steaks & chicken dishes, seafood, delicious Italian Risottos, Pastas & Pizzas and much more…
To treat your taste buds we offer wide range of appetizing wines & champagnes too, ask your barstaff for recommendations.
We treat our customers like family, so we have something special for everyone, even for the youngest in the family. Our new Ice-cream parlour offers a wide range of Ice-cream all year round, with milkshakes and a new dessert’s menu, we are sure everyone will find their secret delight.
Choose from our extensive Italian menu plus traditional fish and chips, yummy Sunday Roast, alcoholic drinks and lots more!
Mon-Sat: 17:00 – 22:00
Sun: 12:00 – 22:00
Call: 01273 207 037
Free delivery over £15.00, we accept cards. Terms and conditions apply. Download our Delivery Menu.
Celebrate the St.Valentine’s with The View | Bar & Dine Please see our excellent 3 Course menu. Book your table in advance. Call 01273 207 100, email us at: info@viewhove.com
Brighton Based Band with The View | Bar & Dine is inviting you to a regular concert of CORCOVADO DUO (Acoustic Guitar and Sax) to enjoy your dinner with Bossa Nova Jazzy Style. At the View, every Tuesday starting 21st August 2012 in The View and following by every Tuesday. Entry: FREE Start: 8:00 PM
Your favourite Salsa is back in The View. Starts EVERY FIRST FRIDAY of the month after. Top teachers + DJ Jimmy Lobe Classes: 9pm – 10:30pm (Ł8) Club: till 2am (Ł6) main bar Roots and culture not to be missed, for all info visit www.srrnbdancenights.com or call 07766624680
We are delighted to welcome you to our new Ice-cream parlour – Shake and Scoop. To satisfy customers requests we are proud to be able to offer a wide range of ice-cream in a lot of different flavours including the most favourite British ice-cream, Mr.Whippy. You can also create your own special and original Milkshake. We have a new dessert and
Enjoy The View MANY new restaurants and bars claim to be adding something new to Brighton and Hove’s food and drink scene. But The View, in Western Esplanade, Hove is a genuine original – combining a daytime family-friendly café space, an evening a la carte menu, bar area and the tremendous seafront setting which gives
If you would like to join our professional team, please feel free either send us your CV and cover letter to info@viewhove.com or drop it into the restaurant in person. Interesting positions might be available: Bartender, Barista (Barstaff) Waiter / Waitress Restaurant supervisor Ice-cream parlour staff
This is a listing of events held regularly at The View
Every Tuesday at 8:00 pm.
- Free entry
- Special promotions for dinner
Reservations: 01273 207 100
Every First Friday of a Month.
- From 2pm till late £6 entry
- For more details call 07766624680 or visit www.srrnbdancenights.com
The View is available for private hire, please feel free to contact us.
We have 2 fantastic function rooms on Hove’s seafront. Two floors of function rooms with direct views and access to the beach and Hove lawns. We can fully cater for all types private functions including weddings, birthday’s, anniversaries, business lunches, kids parties and much more…
The View is the ideal venue for all types of private functions and events from 20 up to 500 guests. The View can provide the following services for your special event:
You can choose one of our great Buffet Menu’s (Gold Menu , Silver Menu, Bronze Menu) Contact our highly professional team for a friendly and informal chat. Discuss your requirements with people as enthusiastic about your day as you are.
The View | Bar & Dine
Western Esplanade
Kingsway, Hove,
BN3 4FA
(Opposite Walsingam Road)