International DJ and producer Tim Healey now spins plates as well as decks after setting up this ‘kooky’ all-day bistro with his wife Rebecca.
Venture beyond the stylish zinc bar to find a pleasant, light-filled dining room with wood-clad walls and contemporary murals designed by a local artist. The restaurant – open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – has a relaxed vibe. Diners linger over coffee or an espresso Martini as an eclectic mix of music plays on the stereo.
Healey has created different playlists from his gargantuan record collection to suit various times of the day, so a breakfast of apricot, berries, coconut, nuts, granola, Greek yoghurt, and berry compote could be matched with mellow tunes from Nick Drake, while a lunchtime sandwich comes with a dash of Lana Del Rey. Queens of the Stone Age and a burger with red onion marmalade makes a winning combination at dinner, when the lights are dimmed to foster conviviality.
While there’s really no bad time to visit Kooks in Brighton, the bottomless brunch is a firm fan favourite. Here you’ll find a range of brunch staples accompanied by your choice of unlimited Kooks Craft Larger or Prosecco. Think Eggs Benedict made with maple glazed ham hock and homemade hollandaise or a BLT with its distinct layers and a good slick of mayo. Veggies and vegans are also well taken care of (this is Brighton, after all) with plenty of options on offer. Highlights include an avocado smash, where the classic has been pepped up with feta, mint, and chilli; and a HLT which swaps out bacon for halloumi in this traditional breakfast sarnie.
Completing its all-day dining vibe, Kooks also offers a selection of sweets to enjoy with a hot drink or have after your meal. These change daily but you can expect bakes such as cinnamon and apricot scones or rich chocolate brownies.