“In need of a Mediterranean getaway? Head to Cin Cin’s brand new Italian terrace for a delightful aperitif under the summer sun. It might not be a cosy bar on a cobbled street in Sardinia… but it’s pretty close.
Alongside a new summer makeover, Cin Cin have a special al fresco menu that boasts the likes of Arancino of white crab with brown crab aioli, and crispy calabrese chicken wings. Wash down with an Aperol Spritz or three. Yum.”
After hosting our first brunch at Cin Cin Fitzrovia this weekend, in collaboration with L’Occhiolino Sparkling Red, from Laithwaites, we are super excited that we have been featured in so many great London guides!
“Sparkling red wine may raise a few eyebrows as it’s first uttered – but pair a few chilled glasses of it with the brunch of dreams and you’ll be won round before you can say Saluti. The latest Italian tipple on the block, L’Occhiolino, has joined forces with Cin Cin Fitzrovia for an extra special weekend of feasting. Think freshly baked focaccia, house-cured sea trout with olive oil crushed potatoes and courgette flower fritti stuffed with truffled ricotta; just save room for a hearty slice of the orange polenta cake littered with roast apricots and Amaretto crema.”
“You can hardly ever find it, it’s gorgeous and it is basically the taste of summer and we don’t care what anyone says, even that Olly on Saturday Kitchen who does the wines.
It is chilled and sparkling Italian red wine – yes! Red! – and it hits not only the spot, but many spots, especially when sloshed out to accompany some top-level Italian nosh.
That’s what will be happening at Cin Cin, the cutest Italian restaurant in Fitzrovia, who are partnering up with L’Occhiolino – only available from Laithwaites, the wine people – for a limited edition brunch affair. Food-wise, expect cured sea trout, courgette flower fritti, Bacon alla Giacomo but make sure you leave plenty of room for that delicious L’Occhiolino.”
“Meaning ‘the wink’ in Italian, L’Occhiolino is the kind of wine that’s served from under the counter, that off-menu gem. It’s made from some of the oldest grape varieties in Italy that are relatively unknown outside the country. Unusually combining a deep ruby red colour and light froth of bubbles, this sparkler is lighter than typical Italian sparkling wine and the perfect choice for brunches and summer dining. Typically enjoyed by the trend-setters of Bologna, this authentic and delicious sparkling red has now arrived in the UK.
Originally founded in Hove, Cin Cin Fitzrovia launched in 2021. A small and intimate neighbourhood Italian restaurant, with 20 seats inside and 20 plus outside on a south facing corner with lots of afternoon sun, it’s perfect for al fresco dining this summer.
Menus include the a la carte or chef’s tasting menu, that can be enjoyed with an accompanying flight of wine.”
“On a tranquil street in Fitzrovia, Italian bar and kitchen Cin Cin’s terrace is an ideal spot for some al fresco dining paired with people watching. The cafe-style street seating looks out over Great Titchfield Street and gets plenty of sunlight (although there are shadier tables if that’s what you’d prefer). And Cin Cin has launched a brand new menu of snacks and sharing plates exclusive to the terrace, including the likes of crispy calabrese chicken wings with garlic mayo & parmesan; courgette flower & truffled ricotta fritti; arancino of white crab with brown crab aioli; and a seafood crudo platter with cured trout, seabass, citrus marinated scallops & oysters. Of course, no summer dining terrace is complete without cocktails, and Cin Cin have plenty of those with Negronis and Australianos on the list.”
Join us in Fitzrovia on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st of July for a one off weekend celebrating Cin Cin’s contemporary Italian-style brunch, paired with brand-new sparkling red fizz, L’Occhiolino from Laithwaites.
A brunch event not to be missed with a sharing set menu of dishes including Nutella Sfogliatelle, Bacon alla Giacomo and orange polenta cake with roast apricots and Amaretto crema to finish.
Tables are being snapped up quickly, so book now before they are all gone!
“This Italian bar and kitchen in Fitzrovia is a Brighton import that serves a bigoli with such perfect al dente bite that we have officially added ‘stop eating mediocre pasta’ to our five-year life plan. It comes in a Venetian duck ragu that is so deliciously rich, you won’t even be mad that it’ll set you back £17. Ideal for date night and aperitivo-fuelled four-hour catch-ups, the sophisticated dining room is a truly lovely place to be but when the sun is shining, you can’t beat the quintessentially London pavement seating. Affogato and limoncello shots encouraged.”
“It was only on Thursday that I let my hair down a little over lunch at my new favourite restaurant, Cin Cin, a laidback Fitzrovia Italian where I had a cold beer and then a carafe of white and a carafe of red with excellent carciofi alla giudia, stuffed courgette flowers, salumi and a terrific lobster fettucine with… Oh, wait, lobster, there you go – that could have been it. “
Make the most of the British apricot season and prepare this delicious Frangipane tart, served with Chantilly cream and poached apricots. Perfect as a light dessert at a BBQ or for an afternoon lunch in the sun.
Frangipane
90g golden caster sugar 112g soften butter 2 large eggs 1 tablespoon plain flour 112g ground almonds 1 tablespoon Amaretto
Method
Preheat oven to 180 degrees C.
Cut out parchment paper and place inside a 20 x 10 baking tin.
Whisk together the butter and sugar until fully combined.
Then add one egg at a time, whisking until combined and fluffy.
With a spatula, fold in the flour and ground almonds little by little. It’s important not to knock the air out of the mixture at this point – take your time.
Carefully pour the mixture into the baking tin and bake at 180 for 20 minutes.
Poached apricot
4 apricots halved 100ml white cooking wine 100ml of water 100g sugar Teaspoon of vanilla, one star anise, 2 cloves
Method
Combine all ingredients in a pan.
Poach the apricots until just tender, then take the apricots out of the poaching liquor – leave to cool.
Chantilly cream
200ml double cream 20g icing sugar Teaspoon of vanilla
Method
Add all ingredients to a medium sized bowl and whip with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, 3 to 5 minutes; cover with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.
To Serve
Using a sharp knife, slice the tart into even pieces and divide between plates. Top with a generous spoonful of Chantilly cream and arrange pieces of apricot to one side.
We are super happy to announce that we have made it onto Mob’s list of best restaurants in Brighton. With some astounding restaurants keeping us company on the list, it is an honour to be considered.
“Located on Western Road, Cin Cin is one of Hove’s best neighbourhood Italians and one of the best restaurants in Brighton, full stop. This is where you’re going to want to come to get your fill of ‘nduja arancini, fluffy focaccia, and a strong stable of well-made pasta dishes. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a strozzapreti cacio e pepe or a ravioli of Saddleback pork and guanciale, every plate has been given the same amount of care and attention. Which is lots. Make sure you’ve got an Aperol Spritz in your hand if it’s a scorcher of a day.”
We are so proud to announce that Jamie Halsall will be undertaking a year long apprenticeship focusing on Mental Health Leadership in Hospitality in association with The Opportunity Group. The course is conducted by The Burnt Chef Project, an initiative launched in May 2019 with the sole intention of eradicating mental health stigma within hospitality.
The apprenticeship focuses on mental health training, performing effective appraisals, problem solving, essentials of leadership, driving cultural change, team dynamics and coaching and feedback. Jamie will end the course with all of the tools and knowledge to better support our staff members and enhance Cin Cin as a workplace.
The programme focuses on creating mentally healthy workplaces and bridges the gap in leadership knowledge on workplace mental health which is crucial, particularly in the hospitality industry.
We work hard to ensure Cin Cin is a positive work environment, we like our staff to feel valued, respected and secure which is why we are continually looking for opportunities such as this apprenticeship, that help make Cin Cin an attractive workplace.
We are opening the restaurant specially on Father’s Day, for you to spoil all the fatherly people in your life that mean the world to you.
It could be you that’s a Dad, perhaps you’re treating your own Dad or you simply desire a long leisurely lunch with your nearest and dearest.
This year, we’re making it extra special with an incredible four course lunch and a Whiskey Sour for all of the fathers upon arrival!
Fathers Day lunch menu
Antipasti to share
Oregano house focaccia, Belcari olive oil, balsamic
Nocellara olives marinated in lemon, chilli & garlic
Heritage tomato & pickled cucumber panzanella, capers, mint
Whiskey Sour for Fathers on arrival
Starters
Burrata, melon, speck, hazelnut
or
Basil & Gorgonzola arancino, pesto emulsion
Mains
Aged Saddleback pork chop, creamed polenta, Romano beans, almonds
or
Taglierini of lobster, confit tomato, sea vegetables