Twitchers take note. Chef Michael Bremner’s beach-front brasserie is named after the dark cloud of starlings (a ‘murmuration’, don’t you know) that pulses and swirls over the adjacent West Pier at sunset. It’s a grand performance best viewed from the restaurant’s lovely terrace, which spills out on to the newly developed promenade next to the futuristic i360 tower and viewing pod.
The cooking is less experimental than Bremner’s landmark 64 Degrees, but the open kitchen still likes to play with bold combinations. So lobster croquettes come with a gutsy saffron and chorizo mayonnaise, while a punchy plate of harissa baked marrow is lifted by red pepper tabbouleh and coconut yoghurt dressing. The vibrant flavours are backed up by a well-considered wine list, which takes in vineyards from England to Greece and France to Chile, plus a strong line-up of craft beers and fun cocktails.
Other reasons to visit: good oysters; an excellent breakfast menu; and a bargain set lunch (three courses for £20); plus one of the city’s best front-of-house teams – service is never less than charming. It all adds up to a restaurant with something for everyone, not just bird watchers.