Sam's of Sevendials

The redbrick former bank building is only a few minutes from Brighton station, on one side of the busy intersection after which it is named. As well as an expansive dining room with plenty of daylight, there is also a sun terrace for outdoor dining, so you can make a start on your tan before you even get to the beach. The modern European brasserie cooking scores many hits in dishes that can be quite substantial, as witness a starter of potted local smoked salmon with creamed horseradish and beetroot, pickled carrot and toast. Mains deliver big, confident flavours too, in the form of confit pork belly with black pudding mash, caramelised apple and a cider jus, while desserts include dark chocolate tart with morello cherry compôte and mascarpone, as well as raspberry crème brûlée.