Coal Shed, Brighton

Strongers . left this review about Coal Shed

I’ve actually eaten at the Coal Shed a number of years ago when it was in its previous location on Boyces Street a couple of doors down from the Fiddlers Elbow. The food was excellent and we planned to return for the next special family occasion, but we never did. They’ve obviously done very well for themselves moving from a back street to a much larger venue on North Street, and they were busy during a recent Saturday afternoon visit. The entrance opens into a tile floored bar with a curved stool lined serving counter to the right where Guinness, Estrella Galicia and Greene King’s Hazy Day where the three draught options. I went for half an Estrella that was delivered to me at one of the tables opposite the counter where banquettes run up the left-hand wall. At the rear of the bar area steps ascend to the restaurant and large open kitchen that allows people to see their steaks being cooked, this place follows the Guacho Grill model. During my stay it became evident that the bar area is more of a holding area for walk-ins to be seated with a drink while waiting for a table to become free. I decided that it was a nice venue, but not somewhere that many would go just for a beer, before walking to the bar to pay for my half lager. I was somewhat shocked to be presented with a bill for £4.94, which ladies and gentlemen is the most I’ve ever paid for a lager in the UK. Examining my receipt I discovered that service at 12.5% had been added, as had a £1 donation to ‘Love Food Share Food’, I didn’t eat. I can only think that this pricing is to deter people from walking in for just a beer, and as such I’ll not be returning for food or drink again.

On 8^th June 2025 - rating: 1
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