What: A brunch-focused café, restaurant, and wine bar located in Brighton’s Seven Dials neighbourhood. Formerly home to Brighton Cocktail Company, The Canopy is being billed as a multifunctional community space, hosting everything from wine tastings and yoga classes to business networking events.
Who: The project is led by Carla Grassy, co-owner of top Brighton restaurant 64 Degrees. The menu is overseen by 64 Degrees chef patron Michael Bremner. He is currently in the kitchen, though he plans to return to his flagship in The Lanes once the team is fully established. Launched in 2013, 64 Degrees is one of Brighton & Hove’s best-known dining spots having pioneered small plates and a relaxed, accessible approach to high-end food.
The food: The brunch and all-day menu offers tweaked versions of casual staples. Options include avocado on toast enlivened with miso and chilli crunch; panzanella (Tuscan bread salad) with mozzarella; and a fried chicken sandwich pepped up with locally produced hot honey. In the evenings, The Canopy offers a concise three-course £30 prix fixe menu that begins with starters for the table—on our visit, a Nutbourne tomato salad with whipped roast garlic mascarpone; and a selection of breads served with quality olive oil, roasted tomatoes, herbs, tapenade, and Parmesan. Mains include hand-cut pasta with expertly braised beef short rib; and poached cod with Jersey Royals, courgette salad and chervil sauce. Desserts include strawberry and elderflower cheesecake; and pistachio affogato.
To drink: The Canopy champions local producers, including Skylark Coffee, Honest Juice Co, Beak Brewery, and Ridgeview Wine Estate.
The vibe: Grassy has given the previously underinvested site a thoughtful refresh without overspending. Design touches include raw plaster walls, exposed brickwork, hardwood floors, and hanging plant pots. The space is significantly larger than 64 Degrees with a bar area at the front, a dining-focused space at the rear, and a large back garden shaded by a towering fig tree.
And another thing: Seven Dials hasn’t historically been the easiest spot for high-quality independent restaurants, but Grassy’s understanding of the area - and her willingness to maximise The Canopy’s potential - will hopefully give her new venture staying power.
87–93 Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 3JE