The Dorset

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!

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 crème 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.

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 Unilocal 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.

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!

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!

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

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 :(

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

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 :)

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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 café.
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.