Just up from Hove seafront, The Connaught Pub & Kitchen is a classic neighbourhood pub. Part of the Brakspear Brewery family, it combines the ease of a proper local with a menu that's happilly more ambitious than standard pub fare. The atmosphere is welcoming and unfussy, with a 'the more, the merrier' vibe. Families are welcome in the restaurant until early evening, while dogs can join in the bar and garden, making it a useful option for groups with different needs. Its popularity isn't surprisingly, especially considering its location, near the seaside and nicely within the buzz of Hove.
The menu is broken up into small and large plates, with some fun weekly specials, too. From the 'meat in the middle' menu on Wednesday, to 'pie Thursdays', there's always something different on to try. If you want to get a feel for that day-in-day-out menu, though, check out the sample selection online.
The small plates are ideal for sharing and, quite cleverly, make a strong case for ordering more than one. Korean pork belly skewers come with chilli jam, lime and herb mayonnaise, while salt and pepper squid is paired with ’nduja, smoked lemon aioli and pickled chilli. There are plenty of vegetarian options too, from patatas bravas with smoked tomato sauce to sweetcorn and tofu fritters with mango and lime chutney. Charred green beans with grilled peach and stracciatella, or whipped feta with hot-honey beetroot and hazelnut crumb, add a lighter note.
Larger plates show off a variety of flavours with inspiration taken from all over the globe. There's the bavette steak which is served with potato galette, roasted shallots and chimichurri, while lemon and Parmesan half chicken comes with Caesar salad and garlic croutons. Seafood fans can choose baked cod with Jersey Royals, green beans and bacon slaw, or stick with ale-battered fish and chips. For something with a Mediterranean vibe, the de-boned Cypriot-style chicken leg comes with oregano fries, sumac onions and minty tzatziki, while garlic and soy-smoked tofu with sticky rice provides a thoughtful vegan option.