Riddle & Finns Brighton Beach

Brighton's most iconic seafood restaurant has one of the best views in the city. Perched above the promenade in the restored late-Victorian Rotunda on Kings Road, Riddle & Finns The Beach puts the West Pier ruins directly in your eyeline and the English Channel behind them.

The murmurations over the beach in winter, the sunsets in summer - whatever the season, this is the spot to be watching it from with a glass of Champagne. The restaurant has been part of Brighton's dining scene since 2006, when the original Champagne and Oyster Bar opened in the South Lanes. The seafront location followed in 2014 and is now the flagship. Fish and seafood sourced daily from Hove Lagoon's fish market sit at the heart of a menu that changes with what's been caught. Expect oysters, seared scallops, langoustines on ice, tempura monkfish, fruits de mer platters, and whole crabs alongside a daily catch of the day. There are vegetarian and gluten-free menus available, as well as a children's menu.

Inside, the high marble sharing tables and candlelit bar give the room a lively, social buzz - seating is communal and side-by-side, which suits the atmosphere rather than fights it. Outside, a wrap-around terrace seats up to 40 and operates on a walk-in basis due to the unpredictable weather; book inside and mention your preference when you reserve. Tables for up to six can be booked online with a £25 per person holding fee. Private dining is available for up to 15 guests.