One of their many food ventures, surprisingly lacking their signature ginger-inspired names—a tribute to Ben’s once ginger head of hair—The Flint House is Chef Ben and wife Pamela McKellar’s modern bar and restaurant situated within the twisting wonders of the Brighton Lanes.
Red brick and white pebble walls stare out at you, windows inviting you to discover the food and wine hidden within. The turquoise tiles, scaled pattern of the counter, and wooden floors create an atmosphere reminiscent of the sea, which, if you try hard enough, you might just be able to see from the upstairs, umbrella-bedecked terrace.
Downstairs, the counter-level bar offers a front-row view as plate upon small plate of tastebud tantalising dishes are prepped, made, and walked from kitchen to table, only to disappear as bite by bite they are gobbled down with gusto. Not to be overlooked, wine glasses hang above, ready to be filled with one of the many choice wines on offer.
Upstairs a fully stocked bar is tended by friendly mixologists who know a thing, two, three or four about making that perfect cocktail. Dripping down from the ceiling above the bar, verdure of varying greens adds a tropical beach feel which, alongside Comfy chairs with palm frond prints—livens up the mood.
Their menus range from snacks and small plates to the five-course Chef’s menu and wine pairing, as well as a prearranged group menu. Fresh house-made focaccia, treacle-cured salmon, Wild Mushroom & Sweetcorn Doppio drizzled with Truffle Oil, Slowly roasted belly pork with Nduja, Red Onion Mostarda and Pickles—regardless of whether you’ve popped in for a light bite, and a few drinks or a feast of sharing, each dish is artfully plated up and will leave you salivating for more.
The famous Flint house doughnut speaks the loudest, though. Not only is it delicious, but lifesaving too, as for every doughnut sold, £1 goes to the Action Medical Research charity, funding research into childhood diseases and treatments.
Though the food speaks for itself, the recent addition of its Michelin-awarded Bib Gourmand adds extra credit to this high-quality dining experience.