Grow 40

I must have walked past this restaurant in it’s previous guise a million times but have never ventured in. It’s latest reinvention is as Grow 40 and when other lunch spots were full, Grow 40 could offer us a table so we jumped at the chance. We were seated upstairs right at the back which is a very informal area, maybe better suited for coffee as opposed to lunch, but cosy none the less. There were four of us, plus the little man, so it was a bit of a squeeze around the small table, but we managed with a bit of juggling.
As is the current fashion, Grow 40 favours local, independent produce, but unlike many other restaurants, they actually grow some of their own produce on their roof garden.
Unfortunately, they don’t have highchairs which meant it was a little difficult for me to eat my lunch while balancing a inquisitive one year old on my lap. It’s quite unusual in family-​friendly Brighton to find a restaurant that doesn’t cater well for small people, and the lack of facilities was a surprise.
I ordered a burger, and I have to say it was one of the best i’ve had a in a long time. Moist, flavoursome, well seasoned and tasty. The fries were a little salty but were also tasty. My partner had the fish and chips and was also very impressed — the fish was very fresh and not too oily. Our dining companions had the chorizo open sandwich and seemed to enjoy.
The staff were friendly and accommodating and the vibe here is nice. I would like to try their breakfast menu as it features both lobster and champagne! They have a private members wine club which sounds intriguing but something I probably won’t get to try out for a few years now!
My only complaint is the lack of children’s facilities. I’m not expecting toys and a kid’s menu as it’s not that kind of place, but changing facilities and a highchair should be available.

Food was nice but not at all happy with Customer Service.
Six of us had dinner on a Saturday night with a few bottles of wine which came to around £250 but when we came to pay, we were told that the card machine had broken at 2pm and we had to pay in cash!!! Who carries round that in cash these days? If they had told us before we had started this wouldn’t have been a problem as we could have made sure we either got some cash or went somewhere else but to say absolutely nothing until we had to pay was ridiculous, what an absolute shame that ruined a otherwise nice evening.

We found this little cute place when trying to find a place to relax in the sun after dragging our situcases all the way to the station and back from the station (due to no storage, but that another story). When we came there were no sun on the outside area, but it slowly came around the corner and stayed until we left. So, a nice place for a couple of hours in the sun, but be quick about it, cause we were not the only ones in for some sun.
They also have a rather small menu, I choose the bacon sandwhich. It tasted good, but it was a lot of bread for one person and I missed some vegetables. I had a little cheese on top of it and poured some of their kethup on, not bad actully, despite the fact of veggies lacking and the insane amount of bread. My better half said that his fries were the best he had in Brighton. I did not try them, but he referred to them as crisp and nice. They had some rosemary planted outside, but I dont think that would go too well with my bacon and ketchup, so the plants are still there (even if some green stuff would have been lovely on my sandwhich). The bread was good by the way, but I had to leave more than half of it. Other itmes on the menu looked good as well from what I could tell.
They have some wines, some beers and nice coffee as well.
From what I saw through the windows, the inside area looked well planned out design wise with wooden tables and chair.
Price wise I guess its a little over average, but for a quick meal and a coffee, very manageable.
Service was quick and nice.
If ever in Brighton again, I would not hesitate to sit here for a couple of hours, sipping some cider and wathing people walk by.
(Pardon any errors, English is not my first language).