Bajan food in Brighton

HEARING OF Brighton, Black Rock, automatically we think Barbados, but this combination is also in Sussex, England.

In fact, Blackrock Naturist Beach in Brighton is possibly one of the most iconic naturist locations in the United Kingdom.

The city is also home to an abundance of cultural pleasures in addition to big-name shops and restaurants. It is now the home of probably the only Barbadian restaurant in England, Bus Stop.

Proprietors Dominique Osuru and her partner Barbadian Danny OShea are formerly owners of Mojos in Hastings, Christ Church, Barbados, which was noted for its fine food and great music. That winning formula is also at work in Brighton.

Immediately on entering the restaurant, it felt Bajan – the décor, lights, wooden backdrop, pictures and the Barbadian flag sitting above the bar.

It is cosy and intimate, the music playing audible but not intrusive and sending out a good vibe.

A mainly Bajan menu included pickled sea cat, chicken wings, fishcakes, and chick peas dahl, as starters.

One of the main dishes was Danny’s Stuffed Proper Porkchop – stuffed with seasoning; it was massive. Other options included bussup shut roti, jerk or fried chicken and ital stew.

Diners have a choice of sides, rice ’n peas, ground foods (cassava, sweet potato, breadfruit, yam), and spicy chips or salad, washed down with a variety of cocktails, including the very popular Bajan rum punch.

Barbados to Brighton, via the Bus Stop, is certainly worth the effort for a dining experience that is unique in the UK.

Barbados’ Minister of Commerce Donville Inniss (centre), and High Commissioner to London, Guy Hewitt (right), with owner of Bus Stop – Barbados To Brighton, Danny Oshea.

(Taken from this week’s BARBADOS NATION UK Edition.)