March 2020
It was wonderful to see the Paris Wine Bar in Church Road, Hove newly re-opened in February. The cafe looked wonderful with its bright new paint and inviting chairs and tables.
It was also good the see the renaissance of La Cave à Fromage in Western Road, Hove which has become L’atelier du Vin and Whey – both of which are fortunately still trading, albeit on a much reduced scale.
The Covid-19 virus has very sadly meant that, for the time being, such wonderful French themed small bars, cafes and restaurants cannot operate fully. Let’s wish all the best for “after” the lock-down to: Mange Tout in Trafalgar Street, Petit Pois in Ship Street, Terre à Terre in East Street, Le Nantais bistrot in Palmeira Square, La Fourchette in Queens Place, Hove and others that may have been forgotten. Many of these businesses now offer a delivery service, so do support them if you can.
Bonne chance pour l’avenir.
Good luck for the future.
Only eighteen months ago, the Palmeira Square area of Hove was home to several French restaurants (see blog of 5 August 2018: La Place Palmeira). Since then, both La Cave à Fromage and Pâtisserie Valérie have closed their doors. Now we have to say adieu to Café Rouge in Bartholomews which closed on 19 January 2020.
Another ‘French’ loss is the Paris Wine Bar at 119 Church Road, Hove. However, according the Argus, the restaurant was “not as French as its names suggests” – but for all the best reasons. The wines served in the bar came from all corners of world and not just France. Is this adieu to the Paris Wine Bar or merely au revoir? Hard to tell. Let’s look forward to its renaissance.
It’s not only food outlets that like to associate themselves with la France. Cycling and bikes are also often associated with our French neighbours. The bike shop, Velo Ami, at 73 Portland Road closed its doors in early 2019. A result of the harsh economic climate for retailers? But where oh! where was that accent on vélo?
Within 400 metres of Palmeira Square you will find a flurry of French restaurants and French-inspired catering establishments.
Tucked away just off the seafront, you will find Petit Pois, a French restaurant run by David and his wife, Ivana. This is David’s story.
French Brighton 