Fresh Plates: Brighton's Newest Restaurant and Pub Openings

Brighton's food scene never sleeps, and right now, we're seeing a fresh wave of openings that are shaking things up, from a major seafront revamp to a brand-new gastropub taking over a historic spot. If you’re looking for somewhere new to eat this week, you’ve got plenty of options.

First up is the big one: Shelter Hall. This vibrant food hall on the seafront has been closed for a month-long refresh, shutting its doors on January 7th and reopening tomorrow, Monday, February 9th. The team has used the time wisely, giving the whole place a major upgrade, including new seating, better lighting, and a streamlined app-based ordering system. It’s already a popular spot, having been named among the best places for lunch in the 2025 BRAVOS awards, but the revamp should make the experience even smoother.

Crucially, the reopening brings a new kitchen concept to the hall: Churrasco. This is the latest venture from the team behind The Salt Shed, Laurence Stevens and Frank Sweeney, who are focusing on Portuguese barbecue. Churrasco, which simply means barbecue in Portuguese, is all about simple, fire-cooked food done right. Expect grilled meat and fish, including whole piri-piri chickens and 'steak pregos' (steak sandwiches). They join a strong lineup of returning favourites, including VIP Pizza, Saltio Mexican, 3Bros Burgers with their Sussex wagyu, Lost Boys Chicken, Temaki Bros sushi, ThaiAngle, and White Cloud Coffee. It’s a great way for local independent traders to grow their brand awareness, and it means you can grab high-quality food from seven different kitchens all in one place.

Moving inland, the Black Rock Restaurants group, known for places like The Coal Shed and The Salt Room, has just launched a new gastropub called The Crazy Goose. This new spot is located at 8 Boyce Street, which is a significant location as it was the original home of The Coal Shed before it moved to North Street. The owners wanted to bring the warmth and buzz of a neighbourhood pub back to the site. The venue features a bar downstairs and a dining room upstairs, aiming for a stylish yet cosy atmosphere.

The food at The Crazy Goose is described as proper British pub fare with a contemporary twist. You can expect hearty mains like beef cheek and bone marrow pie, wagyu steak, rotisserie chicken, and fish dishes, alongside comforting puddings and, of course, Sunday Roasts. The pub opened in January 2026, and early impressions suggest the team has put a lot of thought into the menu and the drinks offering, which includes a good range of beers and well-priced wines.

Finally, if you’re looking for a new spot for a quality steak and fish dinner, check out Pearly Cow Brighton on Kings Road. This restaurant is part of an independent collection of grill restaurants and focuses on sourcing the best ingredients from nearby, such as Sussex beef and Whitstable oysters. The cooking is simple, often done over an open flame, or served raw on ice. They offer indulgent cuts of meat and fresh fish in a gorgeous setting, complete with a terrace for warmer months. Their menu features signature dishes like 45-day salt-aged fillet and 36oz côte de boeuf for sharing, alongside seafood options. They also run a "Clever Cow" set menu during the week, offering two courses for £28 or three for £32, which is a good way to try it out. Whether you’re after a casual bite at the revamped Shelter Hall or a more refined meal at one of the city’s newest dining rooms, Brighton has certainly started 2026 with a bang.