Brighton is known for its art scene and strong sense of community so it seems fitting that The West Hill Tavern, a neighbourhood pub just two minutes from the station, should be passionate about both. Here, the vibe is local to its core with its combination of affectionate regulars (who call the pub The Westie, for short), local suppliers and coffee sourced from the town’s own Black Rock coffee. Brighton-based artists' works line the walls as part of the ‘gallery to buy’ and have contributed to the pub’s exterior with colourful wall murals.
On the menu throughout the week, you’ll find sourdough pizzas from the Great British Charcuterie Co. who are masters of imaginative toppings. The Grape British Tandoori Pizza, for example, layers mozzarella, tandoori paneer, grapes and chilli, while The Morning After brings together bacon, black pudding, mozzarella, baked beans and egg, for an Italian spin on an English fry up. Desserts include the Nut-Hella-Good which is formed of Nutella pizza dough covered in marshmallows and white chocolate gelato; and baked chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla gelato and chocolate sauce. Come the end of the week, and the menu does a quick-change to honour the old British tradition of Sunday lunch.
Roasts are served up by Phil Bartley with mains spanning pressed rare breed pork belly with crackling through to rolled South Downs lamb shoulder or squash, mushroom, spinach and cheddar Wellington. The sides are rather outrageous, too, with options such as pork, apricot and sage stuffing and truffled cauliflower cheese.
It’s not all about the food here, though, as cocktails have a large part to play at The West Hill Tavern. The drinks menu is set around the Negroni, offering unique twists on a classic with the likes of marmalade and pineapple gin swapped in for a fruity punch.