Bringing a vinyl-only, music-driven bar/restaurant to Brighton’s seafront is one of those ideas that makes you wonder why it hasn’t been done before. It sounds like a perfect fit, but it could turn out to be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, there’s no shortage of food-loving music nerds in this city. On the other… your vinyl selection better be just as crispy as your fried polenta.

Oh yes, being cloaked in an abundance of restaurants, gig venues and music shops has elevated our standards. But, as Homer said to the bag of donuts, there’s always room for one more.

This one’s called Drifter — a name that, to us, evokes hazy summer sunsets on the beach; silhouetted skateboarders floating by; cockapoos frolicking on the stones; a whiff of charred sausage, sizzling illicitly on a Co-op disposable BBQ. And this ambience is reflected in the genre examples they’ve provided on their press release: “low-key jazz, 90s boom bap, soul, and African disco.”

“Would you like a some natural wine with your Snoop Doggy Dogg, madam?”

If so, you’re in luck, because Drifter also specialises in low-intervention, local natural wines, as well as salty-, fishy-, pickly-sounding, wood-fired small plates. Whether the fruits of Snoop’s vineyard will be on the menu is to be confirmed… yet unlikely.

The venue, which opened 11 April 2024, has a good pedigree, with the owners of Riddle and Finn’s and Hickstead Estate on board. We also like the idea of their “rotating creative directors”, who will get to curate the playlist for a couple of months each to keep things fresh.

The restaurant is located at Kings Road arches, where Due South used to be. We’re aiming to head down there soon, so will let you know if their tunes are as tasty as their tuna.

See you at the bar…

139 Kings Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 2FN
www.drifterbrighton.com
Instagram: @drifterbrighton
Open Thursday to Monday, 12.00 to 23.00