Predominantly a wine bar showcasing wines from across the globe, Plateau also uses local Sussex produce to create small plates to enjoy alongside a tipple. Pitching itself as a spot for wine, beats and bites, this is an ultra relaxed space with parred-back decor, including wooden interiors, exposed brick walls and large blackboard to show the day's specials. A glimpse of colour is presented through the stain glass that runs across the top of the windows.
The food menu sees a mixture of seasonal produce, so expect dishes like pork and duck liver terrine, wild venison pierogi with fermented chilli, and smoked cod's roe with zhoug and pickles. As well as more veggie friendly dishes like charred hispi with tahini and porcini, tempura broccoli with miso and gnudi with wild garlic, fresh peas. For those with a sweeter tooth, think walnut financier with creme fraiche and butterscotch, or sourdough and praline parfait.
As expected, there’s plenty of selection when it comes to a glass of the good stuff. Offering everything from bubbles, to whites, reds, roses and orange wines, you can expect a range of bottles from a ‘crazy crazy pet nat’ fizz from Germany to a grinton blanc orange (or ‘skin contact wine’) from Italy. Besides wines, there are also beers from local breweries, like the ‘super pale’ from East Sussex, and ‘The Brighton Bier’, a pilsner from Brighton. The cocktails on offer are quirky, and go beyond the standard classics. Think ‘wake n bacon’ with bacon washed vodka, espresso and coffee liquor or a princess peach with gin, peach liquor, citrus and egg white.
With tables at the front of the shop, Plateau lends itself to both a lunchtime spot to soak up the sun and a cosy hideaway for late night bites and a glass of wine.