Oblong has blossomed, like the garden on its terrace, into Hove’s ‘drop-in’ destination. Open for two years now, the venue is maturing gracefully with a good crop of regulars returning, often daily, to be fed and watered.

Serving from brunch, through lunch and into dinner, the menus change seasonally, allowing head chef Olivier Quenard enormous scope for their re-invention. Stalwart classics, such as Eggs Hollandaise; Home-baked Focaccia Sandwiches; and Pork & Chive Sausages with creamed potato form the solid basics of the daytime menu. Fishcakes topped with soft-poached eggs or Flower Marie Cheese & sun blushed tomato Pithivier offer the more genteel diner a finer touch at lunch.

All day the grazer or quaffer can enjoy the Oblong Mezze or Antipasti Platters to compliment a quiet read of the papers or to munch whilst enjoying a bottle of wine or two with a group of friends. The downstairs main bar and restaurant opens east onto George Street, the upstairs ‘loft’ floor opens west onto the olive tree and bamboo planted sun terrace. So Oblong gets all of any sun at any time of day.


Dinner, from 6pm, can be as casual or formal as you like. With the chandeliers turned low and candles lit, intimate couples or groups may have some debating to do on what to have from the menu. Barkham Blue Cheese and spinach Twice Baked Soufflé or Chicken and Dill Boudin Blanc for example, to start. Followed by Roast Rack of Lamb; Slow Braised Brisket of Beef or Artichoke and broad bean Baked Gnocchi. Specials and Fish of the Day, all fresh, further extend the selection and, as illustrated by the Sussex cheeses, are as local as is possible. Thursdays evenings have become an institution as the music night. Be serenaded by the swing, jazz, blues or folk duos and trios over dinner or, with cocktail in hand, tap your toes on your barstool!


To conclude, a quote from a Toptable customer, saying all that the Oblong team could wish to achieve:

"Oblong is a little gem. This small intimate restaurant on George Street really is worth a closer look. The service is excellent and the staff on both of my visits were friendly and delighted to serve."