There’s something lovely about Brighton on a rainy evening in December. The Lanes glistening, fairy lights blurring into reflections and everything feeling that little bit softer. Lost in the Lanes fits beautifully into that mood. Tucked away and actually pretty easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, to me it genuinely feels like one of Brighton’s best-kept secrets.
I attended one of their festive dinner-and-music evenings with a friend, and from the moment we arrived, it felt thoughtfully and intentionally put together rather than overproduced. The combination of their interior and food made the night feel casual but elevated. From warm lighting and beautifully set tables to cocktails and live music, each element only enhanced the experience.
We started with two potato dishes, both absolutely excellent, with one being a seasonal special. The Chicken Crispy Potatoes, one of the menu’s festive items, were the clear winner for us. Perfectly crisp, generously seasoned with chicken salt and finished with soy mayo, chives and coriander. So, so comforting and deeply satisfying. The soy mayo was genuinely a standout and brought everything together in a way that made the dish feel indulgent without being heavy at all.
Earthy and aromatic, the Black Truffle Crispy Potatoes were lifted by parmesan, lemon and parsley. After tasting the gorgeous soy mayo on the chicken version, it was hard not to imagine how, say, a truffle or a blue cheese mayo might work here too. Not because anything was lacking, but because the sauces were such a highlight they felt worth playing with here too.
For my main I had the Braised Short Rib, which was exceptional. It fell straight off the bone and was rich and deeply flavoured; exactly what you’d want from your short rib. Paired with smooth pomme purée, tender cabbage and a glossy jus that crowned the whole dish, it was winter comfort food at its best. Everything worked in balance, but the cabbage in particular stood out as a thoughtful and well-executed element to me.
My friend chose the Trenchmore Denver steak, an 8oz dry-aged Sussex wagyu, another seasonal special. Cooked perfectly medium rare for her, the meat was buttery and full of flavour, balanced by a fresh side salad that included fruit and cut through the richness. You could tell it was confident cooking that really let quality ingredients shine.
The cocktails were also seasonal specials, highlighting festive flavours. The Festive High Ball mixed warming spice with spiced rum, ginger and cinnamon syrup, balanced by pineapple purée, lime and Franklin & Sons pineapple and almond soda. Strong but still fresh, it was well suited to a winter evening. The Mandarin, Ginger & Pomegranate was brighter and sweeter, ideal for gin lovers, with a festive fruitiness that made it almost dangerously easy to drink.
Dessert for us was a shared dark chocolate mousse that was rich, dense and indulgent in the best way. Finished with olive oil and sea salt, it had a beautiful balance between sweet and savoury, which is our favourite anyway. The salt cut through the chocolate, while the olive oil added depth and a slightly unexpected richness. It is a classic Mediterranean pairing, and it worked brilliantly. One dish was more than enough for two because it was so satisfyingly intense.
The evening was elevated even further by the live performance from Kit Rice, a Brighton-based musician originally from London, first discovered on The Voice. His set moved effortlessly between modern and classic Christmas songs, creating space for his seriously impressive vocal range. From gorgeous, low tones to amazing higher notes, his voice filled the room without ever overwhelming it.
What stood out just as much as his vocals was his genuine connection with the audience. All his interactions felt warm and heartfelt, creating a real sense of intimacy that suited the setting of Lost in the Lanes in the most charming way. Being able to witness such a skilful live performance while enjoying great food and cocktails with my friend made the evening feel even more special.
Lost in the Lanes reminded us that when food, drink and music are given passion and care, the result can be truly memorable. On a rainy, Christmassy Brighton evening, it felt like we were exactly where we were meant to be.
Keep an eye out for future Lost In Music events at this beautiful, atmospheric Brighton gem.
On Thursday, January 28 from 7pm, enjoy a relaxed, atmospheric evening of live music with Brighton-based singer-songwriter Tabi Gervis, joined by Ronnie Cutmore and CAS, sponsored by Lost Pier Brewery and paired with seasonal food and drink to ease the January blues.
Lost In The Lanes: Website | Instagram
Address: 10 Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW
