Preston Park Tavern

A short walk from the lovely park that it is named after, this grown up gastro-pub goes far beyond the generic bangers & mash served up in most Brighton boozers. The industrious staff who whirl away in the open kitchen are capable of some genuinely accomplished cooking using the best of Sussex's produce. The seasons dictate the menu, so expect a punchy salad of marinated anchovy, cured fennel & beetroot to start in the winter, followed by flaky roasted cod served with a classic beurre blanc. Skip the sticky toffee pudding for dessert & head straight to the excellent cheese board of Dunsyre Blue, Sussex Crumble & Tunworth. The only minor let-down is the gaudy textured wallpaper, which feels 10 years behind the times, although it adds to the pub's cosy charms when the nights draw in. Harveys is the pick of the pumps & every option on the international wine list is available by the glass.