The Medicine Chest

Went here the other day to a client’s Xmas party there was no one else there so no atmosphere. The starter was great, the main was bad! The veg was cold, the turkey was dry and the stuffing tasted microwaved. Potatoes were yummy, though. The service was good the waiter was really sweet but not very engaging. He was perfectly pleasant but not memorable. We were upstairs which had a really nice layout and very bright similar to its predecessor, The Santuary. However, from the top of the stairs downwards was way too dark. Couldn’t see where I was going.

A fab cocktail lounge downstairs and with a restaurant upstairs, both with a speakeasy/​old style apothecary feel. I only ate from the set menu but each dish was delicious — dressed asparagus to start and an incredible risotto for mains. The waiters and waitresses were polite and attentive and, upon realising I was more than a tad hungover, were constantly topping up water and checking I was recovering well, which was nice of them.
Downstairs is a dark, sumptuous cocktail lounge with a fun and delicious menu of drinks. Again, the barstaff are friendly and helpful. There’s not space for loads of people, but it’s the intimacy that makes it so atmospheric.
It’s not the sort of place I’d go every weekend, but it’s a nice treat whenever I fancy something a little bit classier, or want to introduce friends to somewhere a little bit different.

Very pleasant dining experience

Love dark candlelit intiimate spaces? The Medicine Chest was designed for you. Really is my fave bar in Brighton, definitely NOT one for stags & hens… thankfully! It’s way too small for a large party, but it’s perfectly formed! There’s also a restaurant on the ground floor — not tried it yet, but might be worth a go!