April’s lockdown restriction lifting can’t come soon enough for us foodies. And luckily, Brighton’s bustling food scene has got even more good news for those looking for outdoor dining options in the city. Shelter Hall will become a permanent seafront residence, from Monday 26th April.
Positioned in the centre of Brighton beach, Shelter Hall is a cultural destination, part of a £19m renovation of the seafront at West Street. It will combine an eclectic mix of esteemed local chefs, musicians and artists in the landmark Victorian building dating back to the 1880s. With Brighton’s beautiful seafront in full view, Shelter Hall will launch with seven kitchens, bar and entertainment space.
In the Shelter Hall line-up, you’ll find new concepts from Lost Boys Chicken, Hanoi Kitchen, Crabshack, Sugardough bakery, VIP Pizza and 2018 MasterChef Winner Kenny Tutt (pictured below). With a focus on supporting real founders from the Brighton area, Shelter Hall offers a platform for the city’s ‘foodpreneurs’ to grow and flourish, particularly following the disruption brought on by COVID-19.
Photo Credit George Gunn for 365 Magazine
Great news for aspiring start-ups in the food scene. The Incubator Kitchen at Shelter Hall is providing an opportunity for local chefs and start-ups to open their first physical space and gain access to up to 100,000 customers at the venue. The rotating platform will allow budding businesses a 4-month residency. Not only that, but they’ll also receive invaluable mentorship and training from the Sessions Market team on everything from branding through to operations.
With the local community at its heart, the venue will work closely with Sussex vineyards, craft brewers and artisan spirits suppliers, including Brighton Gin and Fitz Sparkling Wine, raising the bar for beachfront drinking and dining. The all-day destination has a weekly events programme that will include live performances from Brighton’s talented musicians and DJs, along with workshops from the city’s thriving creative art scene.
Shelter Hall’s 15,000 sq ft space welcomes all ages (and four-legged friends) for a slice of Brighton culture under one roof. With extensive indoor and outdoor seating, the hall seats 240 on the outdoor terrace overlooking the seafront, and an additional 200 indoors alongside the chef-led kitchens and craft beer, wine and cocktail bar. Guests can choose to dine in, have food delivered or collect meals to enjoy on the beach, all ordered through the Shelter Hall app.
After the success of its pop-up, “Shelter Hall Raw” in 2020, Shelter Hall is the first permanent fixture from Sessions Market, a business set up by ex-Managing Director of Deliveroo Dan Warne. Dan has worked hand-in-hand with Brighton & Hove City Council over the last few years to restore Brighton’s architectural Shelter Hall building into a celebration of the city’s food, arts, entertainment and culture under one roof.
