East Slope Kitchen

Whilst the East Slope was always the ‘drinking’ bar on University campus, it would now appear that Falmer Bar has a challenger for it’s gastro crown.
I initially saw the new menu after an attempt to go sledging on the hills behind the campus, during the winter break. At that time, we were there for a swift pint before catching a train back into the city. It was just last week that I finally remembered the food had changed and decided to give them a go, rather than the aforementioned Falmer Bar. I must say I was quite impressed.
The menu is never going to be overly complicated for a student bar, but the range of Mexican and eastern dishes (go for the Indonesian noodles!!) was good. There was also dishes to cater for vegetarians and lighter snacks, should you just wish for a quick bite in between lectures.
Like some of the other food bars at the University, the menu has it’s staple dishes and sandwiches and also daily specials. I’m only on campus once or twice a week and like dropping in to see what’s on offer each day, without choosing the same dish out of habit. The outdoor area is not the best in my opinion to eat a meal, with the main bus route on/​off campus right next door. Still, don’t let that put you off a tasty lunch and ofc, that proper Uni bar feel that East Slope has.

During the winter break, the East Slope bar has been revamping and has now opened (as of January 2010) … the East Slope Kitchen! No more of the loosely southwestern themed pub food — new management and chefs mean a menu that changes daily, always offering both local and international dishes, and new operating hours. Yay for Saturday lunches!
Some classmates and I went to check out the changes last Saturday and left both stuffed and impressed — clearly, in great shape for our afternoon session. One friend ordered the vegetarian burrito (an enormous, cheesy portion) and the other went for a basic chicken sandwich served on thick white bread. I think it was under £3. I tried the Indonesian noodles with chicken for £4.95 and couldn’t quite finish. The bowl was heaping with peanut flavoured noodles and the cook had been generous with tender slices of chicken.
The set up of the eating area is the same, and I’m quite looking forward to returning when we can use the patio. Saturdays at East Slope Kitchen will probably become a tradition.