Restaurant review
at British Airways i360, Brighton
Brighton’s skyline was transformed four years ago by the futuristic addition of the world’s tallest moving observation tower – which just happens to also be the world’s first vertical cable car – to its iconic seafront. Situated where the famous old West Pier used to stand, the British Airways i360 is just a 15 minute walk down from Brighton’s main railway station, itself only an hour’s ride from London Victoria.
Up to 195 guests plus crew, including champagne-serving bar staff, are transported up the 162 meters tall tower at 0.4 meters per second in a space-age glass pod affording a 360° panorama of Brighton, the South Downs national park and surrounding countryside, not to mention far-reaching views across the English Channel, officially the busiest seaway in the world.
All that skyscraping and seagazing can work up an appetite, though, so visitors to this world-class attraction can now finish off their ‘flight’ with brunch, lunch or dinner at the newly-completed West Beach Bar and Kitchen at the foot of the i360. This family-friendly restaurant offers all-day dining, including menus for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets as well as several child-friendly options.
I tried the plump and tasty pork pies from Brighton Sausage Company, served with lashings of chunky piccalilli, followed by good old fish ‘n’ chips made from sustainably sourced cod served on a bed of rich tartar sauce and a comforting dollop of mushy peas. They also do an excellent value afternoon cream tea and a range of roasts on Sunday with all the usual meats available plus a highly exotic-sounding veggie option of aubergine stuffed with Iman Bayildi, topped with toasted pine nuts and vegan feta.
There are plenty of inside and outside tables just a pebble’s throw from the beach, and the interior is decorated with local art from all around this vibrant seaside city, including an eye-catching installation from Brighton neon artist Andy Doig.
To book a table at the West Beach Bar and Kitchen (Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN), visit westbeachbarandkitchen.com or call 0330 800 1360. For details or to book a flight on the British Airways i360, visit BritishAirwaysi360.com or call 0333 77 20 360.
FLY WITH SANTA
A magical family experience this Christmas and escape to the skies by flying with Santa at British Airways i360.
As you glide slowly up to 450ft, search for Rudolph and his reindeer friends flying past, before capturing the magic and posing for a photo* with Father Christmas seated in his giant armchair, with the backdrop of Brighton and the coastline below.
If you’re good, Santa’s Elf Experience Hosts will hand you an early Christmas present from Santa before you leave.
After your flight why not take a seat in our beachside restaurant or café bar for a hot chocolate or tuck into a freshly prepared and locally sourced dish from our kid’s pick & mix menu.
Also:
FLIGHT & CHRISTMAS TWO COURSE LUNCH
AFTERNOON TEA + FLY WITH SANTA
BREAKFAST + FLY WITH SANTA
