curio Cafe bar
The buzzing and popular, ‘Night Shift’ on the dials has finally found its permanent home in the heart of Brighton, nestled on the corner of Clyde Road, it has launched with its new name, Curio Café and Bar.
You can find them behind their friendly neighbour, The Joker pub on Preston Circus, it is a classy yet contemporary concept to host customers by day and by night. I visited on a Thursday evening with a couple of friends, the unfortunate June rain made for a cozy dinner date inside the welcoming walls of Curio. Our night was absolutely made by the smiley and bubbly staff who greeted us on arrival and continued to be attentive with our questions and needs throughout our stay. Arriving in daylight and leaving at dusk, showcased how this establishment can transform into a trendy date spot, especially when the candles are lit later into the evening.
From the atmosphere to the menu, they offer an extensive wine list alongside delectable cocktails and beer. The Curio concept is a fusion of minds that specialise in cured meats, wine and coffee and it absolutely shows in this fantastically curated menu that boasts some of the most special small plates. We asked the staff to pair us a wine with our food selections and as a sucker for orange wine, I requested if one could be in the line-up. My requests were met when they paired us a moreish South African orange wine that I still think about now! If there is bread on the menu, it will be ordered and the focaccia with kale pesto was everything I hoped it would be and more. A good portion of the menu is vegetarian friendly including a memorable dish for me, the smoked cheddar croquettes. From the curing section, we chose the salmon and a salami- the salmon was standout incredible, paired with the faultless mustardy dill sauce- it truly stole the show. The salami was a perfect addition to the wine choice that had been recommended to us, all washed down with my guilty pleasure cocktail, an Amaretto Sour that ticked all the boxes.
Curio isn’t just exclusive to the evenings, my next visit, because there will be a next time, I hope to make use of their daytime offerings, including sensational sandwich options and speciality coffee from Brighton’s own, The Milk Shed roastery. It can host as a place for dates or mates, it is seemingly tailored for many occasions with indoor and outdoor seating. I will be back for another glass of that orange wine… or two.
