POP Bar & Restaurant at Royal York Hotel

The latest addition to the boutique Royal York Hotel – just a stroll from the famous Palace Pier – is POP, an equally snazzy restaurant/bar that mixes city chic with ‘bohemian seaside charisma’. The kitchen takes it cue from the location & taps into the local supply network, serving up plenty of fish as well as some tricksy ideas from further afield: you might notice crab risotto partnered by avocado ice cream, pan-seared wild sea bass embellished with a stuffed courgette flower, fennel cream, asparagus & caper dressing, or even spiced duck breast in company with a vanilla & lime-tinged potato purée. After that, try POP’s take on ‘rhubarb & custard’ or bitter chocolate tart with parsnip ice cream. The drinks list is well endowed with wines, beers & cocktails – & if you fancy a spot of private dining in a karaoke pod, that’s on the agenda, too.