Housed on the corner of North Road in the North Laines, The Dorset seems to be a hive of activity from noon til night. In the mornings and early afternoons, its usually occupied by locals and tourists catching a bit of sunshine over coffee and the papers. In the late afternoons and early evenings, its the same but with the tea-cups and mugs replaced by glasses of wine and pints of beer. I've heard good reviews of the locally sourced food but must admit, I only ever pop in here to meet friends or have a cheeky drink on the way to somewhere else. The staff are warm and friendly, the atmosphere is inviting and homely and they usually have cool tunes playing too. Tuesday evenings, there's live jazz, Wednesdays its 'gypsy jazz', Thursdays its soul and funk deejays and Sundays its acoustic music with local guitarists and singer-songwriters. If any of them can play a Miles Davis or Art Blakey tune, I'll be reserving a table at the front! read more

The Dorset - Seafood Near Me - Brighton, BNH

The Dorset could be mistaken for an Italian bistro from the exterior but inside you'll find a modern British pub with fantastic food and a charming atmosphere. A selection of modern art can be found through out in keeping with Brighton's bohemian reputation. The large open windows and tables along the pavement outside give the place a continental feel. Its situation in the bustle of the North Laines means it's fantastic for people watching & it gets the sunshine for most of the day. The menu involves a lot of fabulous salads, burgers & steak all freshly made and beautifully seasoned. The house speciality of moules and frites is to die for. read more

The Dorset - Taken from www.thedorset.co.uk - Seafood Near Me - Brighton, BNH

Had the fish and chips. Was good and a generous portion. Wine was good too. But beware. They charge a service fee. For the £16 I paid, they added on about £1.45. Maybe for the wine. Atmosphere was very nice. A real social place. Good secure, friendly atmosphere. Not the cheapest. Would have done better at the fish and chips place in North st read more

The Dorset - Seafood Near Me - Brighton, BNH

Just a quick food update on this place: Having had only the roasts in here previously, I have now also tried their Mexican burger and their warm brownie with ice cream (for a bargain £3.50) and both were delicious!! read more

The Dorset - Mexican burger and chips! Very tasty!! :) - Seafood Near Me - Brighton, BNH

See all

Having walked into a steak and lobster place, eagerly salivating over the patrons who actually got to eat their dishes, we left after being told we couldn't even be put on a wait list? Odd. Anyways, this being a first date and both of us, me being American and him from London, wander the streets wondering what could compare to what we had been just turned away from. Convinced we weren't going to find any better we settled on the Dorset, me thinking it looked quite sweet and I could enjoy a less crowded dinner. Never in my life have I had pork cracklings or bubble n squeak but now I have the love of my life and we both knew it during this meal. I'll let you figure out if it was the pork cracklings or my date. read more

The Dorset - Seafood Near Me - Brighton, BNH

Cannot help to eat there EVERYTIME I go to Brighton! The food is so delicious - Sitting under the sun with some good food :) waiters are ok but food makes up for it. Woden chairs, wonky tables but who cares? :) I had a roast last Sunday but recommend the mussles :) read more

The Dorset - That Roast!! Pork Belly! :) yum - Seafood Near Me - Brighton, BNH

The location was great, and we enjoyed our fish and chips. The pub environment was excellent. read more

The Dorset - Great fish'n'chips! - Seafood Near Me - Brighton, BNH

I'm honestly surprised this place has such great ratings, but maybe I was there on a bad day. This is a nice bar that was buzzing with people when we got there. The waitress handled me asking for table that wasn't next to the door and the toilet fairly well but ultimately wasn't hugely helpful. We ended up just taking the one next to the door and getting drafted every other minute. All in all the service was very friendly. But the food was hugely disappointing. I ordered the southern fried chicken, which sounded great on the menu. In reality, it was terrible. The menu said it came with a breast, thigh and drumstick and is served with sweet potato fries, corn on the cob and kohlrabi slaw. I actually received a pile of overly breadcrumbed chicken wings, no breast or anything, all crumb no meat. It came with regular chips and no corn on the cob. So it was utterly nothing like the description. To make myself feel better I ordered a creme brûlée. It arrived in two minutes. Basically it came from the fridge, was stone cold, just wet pudding with almost no caramel crust. It actually seemed like one you could get in Tescos, but it cost £5. I would've complained but it was a long day. I can recommend you order the fish and chips, very very good fish. read more

The Dorset is one of my favoured places to go for a drink. I like the whole hub of the place, it's usually always ranging from fairly busy to absolutely rammed. Being smack bang in the middle of the North Laines it's a handy spot to rendezvous with pals of an evening. It's got a jazz/bluesy type feel to it with the restaurant to your left as you enter. I don't at all dig the food here though. I find it extremely over-priced for what it is - don't even bother getting the humous and pitta for a nibble! Not great at all. They have a good selection of drinks and I can honestly and whole heartedly say that they do THE best bloody Mary's here, complete with the full 'phwoar' and 'oomph' factor. Ask for it to be extra spicy and punchy. Gets me every time WOW. For warmer days they place a load of tables and chairs outside so you can really get the full Laines experience, I love people watching in this spot. Good vibes all round. read more

Over rated and inconsistent. From experiences the bar staff have been rude... They look as if they are too cool for school and come across as arrogant. The food is okay but on two occasions it felt like I've waited three years for them to come and take the order and bring the food over. I waited 20mins for someone to take my order and then 25mins for the food to come... Then it was cold. Alright for a quick drink. But not worth it really! read more

A hive of activity, especially in the summer when the outdoor seating is of such an extent that they take up the whole street and it's constantly busy-The Dorset is a great place to grab a drink and bask in the sun. Throughout the winter it can be equally as inviting, offering a sensuous setting to enjoy a beverage of an evening. It has such a great location that more often than not, whether it be having a meal or just a quick drink, I'll be outside. read more

I always take my Mum here for lunch. Its got a great menu that has never disappointed me and in the summer there's plenty of tables outside to sit at - especially on a Saturday when the road is pedestrianised. The moules and frites are really nice and also the lasagne. They do a great brunch too. Try the eggs Bennedict with a large bloody Mary. I've never stayed there for a few beers in the evening but might well do sometime as the staff are really relaxed and friendly and you seem to get a good crowd in there. read more

With its continental green awning and low bar serving presse lager by the glass, The Dorset offers something subtly different from Brighton's abundant pub culture. Right amid the throng of the North Laines, visitors can watch the town drift by al fresco, pull up a stool at the bustling bar, or explore the mouth-watering seafood menu from the dining room. Boasting a rare line in easy class, The Dorset's moules mariniere are as good as any in town, their specials board bursting with simple, well-priced treats. By day a fine exemplar of cafe bar culture in Brighton's most vibrant area; by night a haven for sociable quaffing and roots music. read more

The Dorset is a friendly pub in the heart of the north laines. It's got a vibrant atmosphere and is pretty busy during the day as well as in the evening. It's great to go to for a pub lunch during the summer days as you can sit outside and take in the bustle of Brighton. It has a good selection of lunches and snacks, dishes to share and all day breakfasts. It has a pleasant interior with a decent amount of tables to sit at. I once went here for lunch, I had a toasted BLT and chips and was not disappointed, the portion sizes are adequate and the food was satisfying. I also came here in the evening when there was some live music playing. The vibe in the evening was a lot more than during the day, but in a good way. Overall it's a fine pub to go to for alfresco food in the summer and a chilled pub to go to for a few relaxing drinks in the evening. read more

Another of Brighton's North Laine pubs, the Dorset is also a very nice restaurant... and kind of stuck somewhere between the two. It's a perfectly nice pub, if a little hard to find a table at, and a perfectly nice restaurant, if a bit loud and raucous: they've either taken the whole pub grub thing too far, or tried to separate them too much. Either way, it's a mess, although it's not that awful: just a bit divided. The pub side of things is very nice, just a little crowded: there is far too little space to stand, let alone sit at one of the maybe four tables. The drink selection is great, the prices seem fine enough, although it's the North Laine: everything's a bit pricey. The look and feel is very nice too: if you could see anything beyond people's backs, that is. The restaurant is also very nice, specialising in some classic seafood dishes. All are cooked very well and taste great, again on the pricey side but I grow tired of complaining about it. The main problem here is that the pub and restaurant bits are both in the same room, yet are separated by an indefinable line where tables with proper cutlery start. It's awkward and strange, and pub and restaurant customers seem to be constantly looking at each other angrily: "Be quieter" and "Why have you got all the chairs?" seem to be bouncing back and forth the room repeatedly. However, if you can look past that, a great place for a bite and/or a drink. Maybe even both! read more

We waited a long time because it was lunch time on Saturday, probably the busiest time of the week. However my trio of fish pie was excellent and the chicken my friend had also looked amazing! It worth definitely more than 3 stars, I'm giving 4! read more

The Dorset - Seafood Near Me - Brighton, BNH

We visited The Dorset after some rainy Christmas shopping for Sunday lunch and some mulled ciders. The interior is large and spacious, although you need to wind through a crowded bar area to get to the dining area. I ordered the moules mariniere, while my husband ordered the nut roast. My moules were delicious- the mussels were of a nice quality, and the broth was tasty and not oily. They were served with a side of bread, which was okay. My husband's nut roast was also very good- not mushy and tasted fresh. Our mulled ciders were also very good, and really hit the spot. The prices are typical of pubs in this area. read more

I popped into The Dorset on Friday on my way to a show at Komedia. I found the staff to very friendly and the well-chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to be immensely drinkable. To be honest, I'm not really too fussed about much else when it comes to stopping off somewhere for a drink. The inside is very Brightonesque, relying far more on the good atmosphere created by the clientele rather than pleasant (or particularly clean) decor. Although having not eaten here (yet) the menu looked like good, honest pub fare and I hear that their mussels are divine. For dog-lovers in the city, you might like to know that this place is dog-friendly too. There were the most gorgeous pair of little husky-types wandering around when I was in there, which was a great ice-breaker between people on neighbouring tables. I'm sure I'd go back here again, as I've been told I've got to try at least one of their seafood dishes. read more

Yes, great place this - good atmosphere, decent food, good location. I sometimes start here when going onward to other parts of Brighton. (Small correction to BigSuze's contribution: the area this place is in is called the North Laine, not the Lanes.) In the summer it's great for people-watching if you sit at the tables outside in Gardner Street. It was once the Dorset Arms pub and then changed to a cafe-bar sometime in the early 1990s (I think). This was a big improvement as the pub before was rather tired and empty. I boycotted the Dorset for some time after it became a cafe-bar. On my first visit I was returning from work and in standard office wear of the time - sad white shirt, bad tie etc. The staff seemed reluctant to serve me (I could sense them thinking you are so uncool, you are SO uncool) and I didn't revisit for many years. I do not like precious people who are up themselves. However, today's staff are laid back and accommodating - sometimes haphazard, sometimes laddish, but friendly. The food is good and reasonably priced (around £7 for a main meal). Drinks are perhaps expensive (not sure - I can't remember when I last drank alcohol here). They don't do real ales but have got some good bottled and draught continental beers. Often I just stop here for a drive-by shooting-up of espresso at the bar as if I were in Paris. Can't remember what the toilets are like so that must mean they're neither dreadful nor wonderful. The floor could do with a bit more sweeping at times. Can't remember what the piped music is like so it can't be too loud. A big plus for me is the free wi-fi provided by the excellent Loose Connection people which means hassle-free fast Internet connection. read more

Like many others I popped in for a drink before going to Komedia. Didn't really like the place if I'm honest, but it is a perfectly adequate cafe. Unfortunately I cannot give details on the food. If you are drinking pints I would look for another place as this is not the best holding spot. Staff and people are friendly here though so I'd be happy to return. read more

This is a wonderful place to get a good, quick meal in and either head out for more nightlife or stay in and have a few drinks at the pub with an easier, more peaceful night out. This place gets five stars because of the service provided by Sam and Larissa. Make sure to stop in and say hi! ALSO, open mic nights here led by singer, songwriter, Keira take the cake! Amazing to listen to her perform. Thank you folks:)! read more

The Dorset is an landmark within the North Laines, situated in the heart of the most bohemian corner of the city. Any bar and pubs inthe area attract a lot of custom due to their location, but the Dorset has an amazing menu, friendly atmosphere and on street seating making it a must of you're in the n.laines. The pub specialises in seafood, their moules mariniere are amazing, but they also do posh burgars and other such pub grub. There's always an eclectic mix of clientele everyone from students and local foodies to the odd celeb spot like Kate Nash. This is deffo one of my fave places in B-town. read more

We went here for breakfast, place is nice and quirky. Servers are lovely and pleasant. But.... We waited ages for food to be prepared, then every single order was wrong :( read more

The Dorset - Front view - Seafood Near Me - Brighton, BNH

See all

Awful service, bad breakfast, unclean and smelt of bad toilets. We stumbled on this restaurant while looking for Sunday breakfast during a weekend away. My friend asked for scrambled eggs instead of fried and was told chef wouldn't like it, the waitress said she was too scared to ask so it was fried or nothing. Items were missing from our set breakfast. When we pointed it out instead of apologising and bringing them the waitress said 'well chefs obviously just forgotten ok' Bread was so stale we couldn't cut it with a knife, in fact it made a dull thud when we tapped it against the plate. Bacon was pretty much the same. Glasses were dirty, toilets were filthy. Don't go here, there are way too many amazing places in Brighton to waste a meal here. read more

The Dorset is just out of the hell of West Street really. It serves up great grub and a decent pint. It's ideal for a drink and a bite before going to an event at the Komedia, which is almost opposite. Their Moules are well worth a go. read more

After an exhausting half marathon, we were looking forward to a hearty lunch. I tasked my better half with the job of sourcing an establishment where we could drink ale and eat a sizable roast. She chose The Dorset Street Bar, which ticked all the boxes. The pub has a lively atmosphere and relaxed staff. The décor is rustic and lends itself to a laid back ambience. Booking ahead turned out to be a wise choice it filled up rapidly. The website claims they specialize in fresh seafood but I would argue that 5 fish courses on the menu suggests otherwise. The menu is eclectic and there is plenty of choice. It's simple food served well. We ate with friends, deciding on main courses only. The Dorset specialty Moules (served since 1992!) were great, classically served with shallots, garlic, white wine, and finished with cream & parsley. Slow cooked pork belly was served with all the trimmings.The carrots where interestingly served with some creme fraiche and nice to see some creamy leeks as well. It thankfully arrived with a large portion of crackling. The Carpenters Arms could take a leaf out of their book on this one. Pork is naked without the crackle. Homemade apple sauce was also a bonus. Slow cooked Shoulder of lamb, melted in the mouth and all the roasts were served with homemade gravy. Handmade mint sauce was also pleasing. Sea bream, served with creamy mash and béarnaise sauce was also a success, however a smaller portion would of sufficed. Recommended if you are in Brighton and looking for a good place for lunch. read more

Lovely sunday roast, reasonably priced for the area. I had the pork belly and it was delicious! Generous helpings left me very happily full. The staff were friendly and helpful and there was a warm, cozy and relaxed atmosphere...perfect for those lazy sundays. read more

If you want good food in a relaxed atmosphere,this is my top recommendation in Brighton. They are very child friendly and for me the experience far exceeds that of the nearby family hotspots Giraffe, Pizza Express and Wagamama. Always have interesting specials and good value I think for central Brighton. I wish they would improve their ale offering, some local Dark Star beer or some US style craft beers would make it perfect for me, but it gives me chance to enjoy the superb Simmons cider that they sell, so hey ho. Go easy though if you indulge! read more

Stopped in for a quick lunch, relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff, politely asked if we were ready for our main course rather than just bringing another plate. Nachos were ample and felt like a taste of home. Burger and soup of the day (curried sweet potato) were very tasty and fresh; my only complaint would be that the soup was slightly too salty. A pleasant stop! read more

Went here recently and just split a main meal with a friend- pork. Really delicious and large portions so sharing was easy. Always such a good atmosphere- very laid back and friendly and the staff are always so accomodating and helpful, remembering what people had to drink etc. Food came quickly. There was a swing dance class taking place in the main Restaurant so we were a little shirt of space at the bar but it kind of all contributed to the atmosphere. read more

The burgers were really good, the servers were friendly and the location is great!

This is a rather charming establishment situated on the corner of Gardner Street??? With the outside resembling Parisian brasserie and the rusticity continuing inside, this is not the place to go for a banging night out, but rather a more subdued evening. With food, alcohol and coffee all available, The Dorset doesn't restrict its clientele in what sort of evening they wish to have. I went there recently for a coffee at around 8pm. Next to me were a couple dining and at the bar were some older gents enjoying an evening pint. The atmosphere is sufficiently relaxed that you don't feel pressured to order alcohol, or that it's too rowdy to have a meal. On the flipside you don't feel as if you're intruding on a romantic meal by going in for a pint or two. All in all, The Dorset offers friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere and the chance to enjoy the company of those around you - or maybe just your own company - without feeling obliged put on a front, or to get wasted. Do your own thing! read more

This is a decent place, frequented by a fairly decent crowd. However, I can't see the desire of an average kitchen and bar when, on weekends, you have to put up with cliquey Indie kids and various smug types. I have to say that most of the time I don't have an issue with this place: the drinks are reasonably priced and the staff are friendly. Usually I'd only head down with a large group of people. That way I could avoid having to stand there like a plumb, facing people's backs, sipping away in bitter righteousness. Maybe it's my cynicism but I tend to prefer places where people don't react to a simple hello as if you'd just taken a dump on their doorstep. read more

Pub come restaurant the Dorset offers delicious drinks and meals to compliment them. The menu is a more interesting take on the usual pub food, which is great because I often want some traditional pub grub with a spark or twist. They also have great coffees and teas alongside a really big selection of soft drinks here so for midday breaks it is suitable if you want booze or not. It is also beautifully placed on the Lanes, great for people watching and sitting in a spot of sun. Lastly, their Greek salad is spot on. read more

Good news for real ale buffs! Black Sheep ale as dry and bitter as its Yorkshire origins will soon be available on draught. About time too bottled ale in the form of Hepworth's and Whitstable Bay does not a comprehensive selection make. As the weather takes a warmer turn, however, you may prefer to wash down the Eggs Benedict breakfast with a Pimms No.1 (£3.75). On May 14, DJ Dave Mumbles will be ready to rumble with 'songs that swing'. read more

We've been here a few times now. Great pub food, particularly love the Sunday roasts and steaks! Leave some room for desserts, they have fantastic cheese cakes! read more

Great ambiance, our service was a little bit slow. The fish and chips was really good, I would have cooked it a hair more for a bit of the crunch. The mussels, which I had based on yelp recommendation, were quite good, however they were very rich and a handful were slightly under, in addition to my fries being lukewarm at best. Good ambiance with potential to be a great spot. read more

This is such a lovely venue. Divided into half bar half eating area means that you can go their either for drinks or for something to eat (or for both if you fancy it !) Bar has a lovely chilled atmosphere and there are normally chairs outside in the summer. Food in the restaurant is great. Menu is basis and consists mainly of gastro pub style meals - eg: fishcake and chips or homemade burger. Service is quick and prices are reasonable. Great spot in the centre of the Lanes. read more

I guess it is nice if you put the blind eye on the hygiene... the place need's to be jet washed to start with.

Crap!! Service was soo slow that I almost walked .. Staff were then rude and sloppy. Won't go back.. God knows what the foods like! rubbish -1 star if possible read more