In a city where restaurants come and go, Indian Summer has held its own for over 25 years. The restaurant is now owned by local jazz trumpeter Rob Heasman, but there’s a reassuring sense of continuity where the food is concerned. The head chef has been in the kitchen almost since the beginning, which explains its enduring popularity amongst locals. We went along to see whether it still lives up to its reputation.
The restaurant has completely embraced colour and character, with hand-painted tables, vibrant murals and traditional Indian photography prints layered across the space. There’s no attempt to be sleek, polished or minimalist here, thank god – it’s a dopamine hit to the senses. The front of the restaurant is cosy and intimate, with smaller tables suited to quieter dinners, while the rear dining area, complete with giant glittering chandeliers, opens up into a larger space that can accommodate up to 40 people.
A reggae soundtrack hums in the background, the air is thick with spice, and stepping through the door feels like being wrapped in a big, fragrant hug. It’s lively, a little eccentric and deeply welcoming, exactly the kind of place Brighton does best. You instantly know you’re in for a very good time.
We visited to try the Indian Summer Experience tasting menu, a pre-set selection of starters and curries priced at £38 per person. It’s generous in both scope and portion size, and works well as a way to experience a wide range of dishes without needing to make too many decisions. The best bit about this is the variety – getting to sample so many different dishes in one meal is heaven.
We started with a mango lassi and a pint of Bombay Bicycle IPA. The lassi was particularly good, sharp and fruity with a subtle creaminess from the yoghurt, reminiscent of a Solero without being overly sweet. Insider tip – they’re also available to take away. The bartender happily talked us through the drinks menu and recommended a few favourites.
Starters arrived with stunning presentation on a large silver platter, and absolutely kicked off the flavour party. The selection included sweet potato and onion pakora, tandoori paneer, bhel chaat, chicken tikka, an Indian salad similar to a spiced coleslaw, and a range of chutneys.
The green coriander chutney stood out for its freshness, while the pakora were coated in a sweet tamarind sauce with a gentle heat. Everything felt indulgent without being heavy, and notably free from the greasiness that often comes with takeaway-style Indian food. The spice mixes and the chutneys are all made in house and it shows in the intricate blend of flavours that hit you from each dish.
Six curries, cooked with care
The main event was a Thali of six different curries, served alongside naan, lemon rice, mango and pineapple chutney, raita and papadoms. Working through the bowls was part of the enjoyment, allowing for comparison and contrast. The dishes included Chicken Korma, Lamb Rogan Josh, Chicken Jalfrezi, Aloo Baignan, Paneer Tikka Masala and Tarka Dal. Each dish brought something different, from the rich sweetness of the korma to the heat of the jalfrezi, and the quality of meat used in the curries made the experience a cut above the rest. The lamb was particularly tender, and the chicken dishes use juicy chicken thighs rather than breast, which made a noticeable difference. Our waiter explained that the meat is marinated for hours before cooking, something that was evident in both flavour and texture.
Dessert was both memorable and delicious. We shared a rich chocolate mousse served with a small bottle of tart cherry sauce on the side, bringing together classic Black Forest flavours. It was so good we were left fighting over the last spoonful.
And it wasn’t just the food that impressed. Staff are knowledgeable and clearly invested in what they’re serving, from the cocktail list to the food coming out of the kitchen. The chef visits tables to explain the dishes, and the bar team are happy to talk through their drinks. It’s attentive without feeling overly polished, adding to the relaxed, personable feel.
The restaurant itself is split into two distinct areas. The front is cosy and intimate, with smaller tables that suit quieter dinners, while the back opens out into a larger space that can host up to 40 people. It’s regularly used for events and wedding receptions with giant glittering chandeliers that give it a sense of bling and occasion.
Indian Summer has recently begun opening on Sundays, making it easier to visit beyond the usual weekend dinner slot.
And Heasman’s bringing his professional music background into the restaurant, too: there are plans to turn the basement into a jazz speakeasy with live music – East Street Jazz Club is set to open this November.
Restaurants don’t survive for more than two decades in Brighton by accident. Indian Summer has managed it by serving soul-satisfying food in a space that feels unmistakably Brighton: colourful, welcoming and just a little bit eccentric. Add generous portions, genuinely warm service and a kitchen that’s clearly been honing its craft for years, and it’s easy to see why locals keep coming back.
The BOTI Lowdown
Best for: group feasting – not many restaurants can easily accommodate a table of 40
Eat this: The Indian Summer experience, then you get to try a bit of everything
Drink this: a Mango Lassi or the Coconut Chilli Margarita
BOTI pro tip: come hungry and pace yourself – portions are generous and you’ll want to leave room to try all the dishes
