Fourth and Church: Culinary experience in the heart of Hove

Fourth and Church: The ultimate Hove neighborhood hangout

The Story

Fourth and Church isn't your typical "hen do" spot, and that’s exactly why we love it. Tucked away on a leafy corner of Church Road in Hove, this award-winning restaurant and wine merchant started as a passion project between friends Ben Knight and Sam Pryor. They wanted to create a space that blurred the lines between a high-end deli, a relaxed wine bar, and a cutting-edge restaurant. What they ended up with is a venue that feels like the beating heart of the local food scene.

Stepping inside feels like being invited to the coolest dinner party in town. The walls are lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves of artisanal wines, and the atmosphere is thick with the scent of searing spices and the sound of popping corks. For a hen group looking for something a world away from sticky dancefloors and neon lights, this is the place where you can actually hear each other talk while being treated to some of the most exciting food in the city.

What Makes It Special

The magic of Fourth and Church lies in its "grazing" philosophy. The menu is a constantly evolving collection of small plates that take inspiration from across the globe, focusing on seasonal ingredients and bold, punchy flavours. It is social dining at its absolute best. You aren’t just ordering a meal; you’re embarking on a shared culinary journey with your best friends. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable without being pretentious, and they’ll happily guide your group through the wine racks to find a bottle that perfectly matches your mood and your food.

For a hen party, the Private Tasting Room is the real "ace up the sleeve." It offers an intimate, stylish space where your group can tuck into a bespoke multi-course menu or enjoy a private wine tasting session. It’s sophisticated, it’s comfortable, and it feels wonderfully exclusive. You get all the buzz of the restaurant but with a little corner of Brighton all to yourselves.

"A wonderful experience at Fourth and Church. The food was inventive, beautifully presented and delicious. The wine pairings were spot on. A real gem in Hove."

Must-Try Highlights

• The Chef’s Selection Menu: Let the kitchen take the lead. It’s the easiest way for a large group to sample the very best of the season without the stress of everyone choosing their own dishes.

• Unique Wine Pairings: They aren't just selling wine; they are curators. Ask for a flight of Sherry or an unusual organic orange wine to really kick off the celebrations.

• Artisanal Charcuterie: Their sourcing is second to none. Start your session with a board of local cheeses and cured meats that look almost too good to eat.

Insider Tips

If you are planning a Saturday visit, you’ll need to book well in advance. This is a local favourite and the tables fill up fast. For hen groups, I highly recommend looking into their private dining options. It allows you to have those heartfelt speeches and toasts in a more private setting while still enjoying the high-end restaurant service.

Also, don't feel like you have to do a full sit-down dinner. Their "Wine and Snacks" vibe is perfect for a late afternoon pit-stop after a day of shopping in the Lanes. Order a few portions of their famous smoked nuts and some oysters, and you’ve got the perfect sophisticated prelude to a night out.

Don't Miss

Ending your afternoon or starting your evening at Fourth and Church sets a certain tone for your weekend. It’s about quality, connection, and treating the bride-to-be to something truly special. Once you’ve finished your last glass of wine, you’re just a short, salty-aired walk away from the Hove seafront, perfect for a sunset stroll before heading back to your group house to keep the party going. It’s these moments of calm, delicious indulgence that often end up being the highlight of the entire trip.