Oeuf Brighton A Review For Absolute Sussex
“One Oeuf is never en-Oeuf”
Owner and director of Absolute Magazine, David Camici has been raving about Oeuf for months, he regularly takes his family for a leisurely brunch and every time he calls me and says I must go in and try them out. So last week my wife and I took his advice, skipped breakfast, and booked ourselves in for a late morning treat. Oh my what a treat it was!
Before we even get to the food I am simply blown away from the moment we step in the building. Greeted on arrival at the beautiful mint green door with a stunning pop up flower stand by our hostess Phoebe with the warmest of smiles. Once inside you are surrounded by lovely soothing pastel colours, soft furnishings, lots of fauna scattered about and a really welcoming ambience. Grandiose marble pillars, high ceilings, and huge bay windows give a the place a rather stately feel, striking the perfect balance between opulence and a friendly ‘home away from home’ atmosphere. This unique space oozes opulence No expense nor attention detail has been spared in creating this wonderful setting that has to be experienced to be believed.
Our friendly waiter Toma is quick to attend our table once we have settled into our seats. Giving us ample time to peruse the menu before returning to take our order. The menu is filled with a mix of unique and classic brunch dishes, including stacks of “Frumpets” an d pancakes with a variety of toppings, with eggs (or Oeufs) taking centre stage of course. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and the staff are totally on the ball when it comes to asking about allergies when we order.
The drinks menu is made up of a tantalising selection of bespoke and classic cocktails, hot and cold softies, and a fine selection of gins and wines. As tempting as the cocktails sounded it was a little early for us to get on the booze, though our mocktails, beautifully presented as a work of art decorated with vibrantly coloured flowers, were so refreshing and exhilarating to taste it made us forget entirely about the lack of alcohol content.
We plump to share cheesy onion Frumpets, a seasonal special hot honey chicken waffles, and some Oeuf nugs, it was all absolutely delicious and incredibly filling to boot. We honestly did not feel the need to eat anything else for the rest of the day! The Frumpets, stacked high and generously topped with oozing cheese dripping down the tower, caramelised onion, chilli jam and crispy bacon, were a delight! The crumpets themselves were obviously cooked fresh on site. Light and fluffy and fun to eat. With a mix bold flavours and textures making each mouthful and adventure in itself. The chicken waffles were equally as good. The thigh fillets so juicy and flavoursome with a crisp tasty buttermilk coating topped home-made waffles and were drizzled with a sublimely sweet and hot honey sriracha, with a runny egg on the side, all creating an incomparable dose of pure satisfaction in every bite.
For me what really stole the show however, was the Oeuf nugs, croquettes fillled with sausage, blue cheese and potato, perfectly crisp on the outside, whilst the inside is melting and bursting with flavour. They are just superb, further enhanced by dunking in the accompanying home-made perfectly piquant brown sauce.
I have been well and truly won over by Oeuf. Everything here from the food, to the colours and design of the décor is done with such love and attention to detail. They have a secret garden that I have not yet mentioned that boasts a lovely serene space. They cater for every dietary requirement and the vegan and gluten free offerings on the menu looked out of this world delicious. I was seriously eyeing up “The Mighty Cauli” battered breakfast cauliflower patty with vegan garlic mayo and a brioche bun, but decided to save it for my next visit. Oeuf is a heavenly calming oasis that I could waste hours in. With an incredibly well thought out innovative and varied brunch menu, and a wonderful team who provide a warm, welcoming, personal service that really makes Oeuf stand out from the crowd.
Tony Shattell
Oeuf
8 Third Avenue, Hove, BN3 2PX
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 9am – 4pm
01273 945 885
bookings@oeuf.cafe