Sidewinder — Restaurant in England

Sorry to say my friends and I had a memorable experience here... for all the wrong reasons!

It all started twenty minutes or so before our allotted booking was due to end where we were told it was time for “last orders”. We surely ordered through the online portal, immediately, recognising the short time window we had for a pint. The drinks - which had arrived speedily through the booking system before - arrived seconds before our booking ended (taking 20mins approx). We asked staff twice in this time on where our drinks were - in part due to wanting said pint and in part due to knowing our table booking was ending. Our drinks arriving when they did might have been fine if delivered with an apology for the delay, maybe a “just leave when you’re done, thanks” but instead they arrived with an berserk barrage of demands from several staff and one security guard (who advised I should let “the Internet” know what I felt, so here I am) to leave our table immediately. There were several other tables appearing to be free and only one waiting party.

Sidewinder’s pub garden is okay, but not the kind of place I’d go out my way to extend my stay at tbh (don’t get me started on an earlier episode of two dogs running amok and barking loudly for a solid ten/fifteen minutes that made it hard to have a conversation; it really brought back that tinny in the park vibe we’re all now used to since places like this had to be closed, but they can open now and if I want dogs with my beer I’d go to the park, not a pub beer garden). We literally just wanted to finish our drinks ordered when we were told it was “last orders”.

I get COVID stuff’s making things difficult, but there are ways to be nice to your understanding customers - but Sidewinder weren’t. On speaking to management we were asked if we didn’t “expect slow service” - maybe if we’d ordered a round of espresso martinis, but obviously not hence us asking where our drinks were twice. I mean, you literally need people pulling pints when they show up on a screen and people ferrying them out. If they were understaffed, as the manager seemed to assert, then just apologise and hold your hands up. We were then brandished “entitled” by the manager for reasons I’m not entirely sure even the guy saying it understood. “Entitled” for wanting to drink the drinks we’d bought off his pub in the pub, presumably. Strange geezer.

UPDATE (& RECOMMENDATION): All it would've taken would've been a polite ask whether we wanted drinks in plastic cups to go or a refund for the slow service, and this whole sorry episode could've...

I love the openness and welcoming vibe of this pub/restaurant. However, my visit was soured from the moment I arrived. Basically, I was an hour late rushing to meet friends for dinner. My partner already ordered my dinner and a drink and I was so anxious and felt guilty about being late.

When I arrived, there was a queue. However all my friends were waiting. I initially waited, but the process was taking long due to the covid policy (which I understand) and limited staff. But when I stepped to the side and asked the host if I could make my way to my table, I was told there are others also waiting and that I should just wait. This was true and one lady was shown to where her guests were waiting, but I knew exactly where I was going. I tried to explain that I knew where they were, but was made out to be pretentious and rude. In my opinion the host could have been more understanding. I was rushing from work in London to join my friends and all together we dropped over £200 pounds. In my opinion, the waiters and hosts need to take a few lessons on hospitality and being more understanding.

Now, to make matters worse, every drink order was coming back incorrect. Who puts gin in coke? And, pints of lager were coming out when it should have been a half pint of ale. In my view, the hosts and waiting staff dropped the ball. Sensitivity and understanding goes a long way and unfortunately I'll not be rushing back. The only redeeming quality was the food. My lambshank slid off the bone and melted in my mouth so well done. With this said, I do hope my comments are heeded and customer service...

We visited The Sidewinder for Sunday lunch ahead of '20 Years of Bloc Party' on Brighton Beach, and it was the perfect pre-gig choice. Just a short stroll from the seafront, this gem of a pub combines Brighton charm with eclectic interiors, a cosy atmosphere, and two great outdoor spaces for catching the sun.

There were four of us, and the welcome was warm from the moment we walked in. A big shoutout to Sarah, who helpfully moved us to a table where I could charge my tired old iPhone. Excellent, thoughtful service.

We ordered from the Sunday Thyme Roast menu. Two of us had the roasts, which were devoured down to the last bite. I had the Gai Tod Satay Fried Chicken, which was crisp, juicy, and full of flavour. The Tom Yum Fries were punchy and delicious, and the Tempura Prawns were light, crunchy, and perfectly cooked.

The only reason for four stars on service is that our mains didn’t come out together. The roasts arrived first, and we waited around 45 minutes for the remaining dishes. After a polite reminder at the bar, everything came promptly. The friendly team and great atmosphere made up for the delay.

We enjoyed it so much that we returned after the gig for one last drink before heading home. The evening vibe was just as lovely, with a warm and welcoming feel that made it hard to leave.

It’s no surprise that The Sidewinder was voted one of the Top 10 pubs in Brighton & Hove for 2024 and 2025.

Highly recommended for food, atmosphere, service, and its brilliant Brighton...