Stem is exactly the kind of neighbourhood wine bar Hove thrives on. Located on Church Road, this design-conscious bistro and wine bar comes from the team behind Michelin-recommended Dilsk and brings seasonal British cooking to a laid-back, sociable setting.
Inside it's cosy and full of life, with close-together tables packed with happy wine drinkers, and local DJs scheduled for evening weekend live slots. Outside, a tiled, south-facing large terrace provides ample space for summer eating and drinking with guests sat along wooden benches and low tables.
The menu highlights produce-led cooking through a mix of small and larger plates that change with the seasons. Snacks might include native oysters with gherkin, forced rhubarb and dill, or focaccia with wild garlic and cheddar. Little plates are ideal for sharing, such as deer tartare with lovage, egg yolk and crispy cabbage, or duck liver parfait with English apple on brioche.
Larger dishes continue the thoughtful approach. Stem pasta arrives with celeriac, hazelnut and Sussex camembert, while pork chop is served with wild garlic capers, preserved lemon, hen’s egg, anchovy and cauliflower. Butter-poached cod with warm tartare and kelp sounds particularly tempting. Sides include baby gem with anchovy and hard cheese, purple sprouting broccoli with garlic and almond, or hassleback potato with cultured cream and elderflower.
Desserts are inventive but comforting - think squash custard tart with blood orange, or Spent Coffee ice cream with dark chocolate, nori and miso. Alongside food and wine, Stem champions local art, displaying original works for sale and further rooting itself in the community.