Bibi - Food Writer

Single Dining Series - @theflinthouse , Brighton

It’s a busy Friday in The Lanes, so no terrace for me. I have to sit in the window which is actually fine as it’s nice and cool here and I’m people watching after a welcome rest from that crazy two hour bus ride from Tunbridge Wells. Every time Bibi! There’s regulars, actors, all sorts in here. It’s a ten year old, much loved respite for many. The town is already covered in rainbows for Pride. Brighton just comes alive over this weekend, sadly I don’t do crowds so just hear about it from afar.

I’m starting with a refreshingly pleasant homemade peach and banana soda before choosing the lunch set. Their à la carte is always good, but at two courses for £17 and three for £24, along with sides for £6-9 you can’t go wrong, especially with some great choices and signatures in there.

Today I’m having their famous sweetcorn fritters with jalapeño aioli. They are extremely moreish you’ll want more, but I refrain. Tempted by the tempura shitake with parsley mayo too, no, stop it. Oh god they’re good, there’d be a riot if they took them off the menu. Whilst munching I note the team are all stripey t’s and grey aprons. Chefs are singing. They refuse to tell me the secret ingredients in the fritters, damn.

Pork schnitzel. brown butter, crispy sage and potato salad is a real crowd pleaser. It’s nutty, just right with a squeeze of lemon n sea salt and deceptively filling. Everything is designed to make you smile and I do, frequently when I visit. I’m actually not bothered the outside terrace is full, I’ll wander down to the beach later, it’s wasp season anyway, they’re vicious when food is around.

Strawberry panna cotta, arrives with almond crumb and basil, all the elements are delicious. I add their signature blue cheese crumpet drizzled with honey to it. Can’t visit without eating one, they’ve been there since day one. It’s salty and still bubbling, lurve. Had I the strength, one of their famous doughnuts would have been on a plate too, but three desserts Bibi I am not today.

This place wins my heart everytime. They never seem to get anything wrong. I hope they never change.