In Vino Veritas

The name may suggest a dyed-in-the-wool wine bar, & there’s certainly much for oenpohiles to enjoy here – whether serious drinking or a quick & easy tipple is required. In Vino Veritas also cuts it as an animated neighbourhood bistro dealing in French-accented dishes overlaid with a fair smattering of British seasonal ingredients. The regular menu (plus a slate of blackboard specials) moves from gravlax & salmon tartare or rabbit & pistachio terrine with green apple chutney to chocolate & orange pot or caramelised pear tarte Tatin, via rib-eye with frites, free-range chicken Gaston Gerard with creamy mash & caramelised baby onions or pan-fried duck breast with parsnips, garlic & oyster mushroom purée, finished with a carrot & apricot sauce. A tapas menu is also on hand for those who simply want something to nibble with their chosen glass.

Wine List Of The Year

This buzzy Brighton eatery is not exactly innovative, but it’s a brilliant example of how to put together a good brasserie list. Thirty wines by the glass, more than 25 Champagne houses, and a terrific selection of wines from £25-£40. The list focuses (as you might expect) on France, but every country is sub-divided by region.