Local and responsibly-sourced food is a priority at Fishy Fishy. The restaurant serves only sustainable fish, caught in-shore by local trawlers. The fish and chips are made using Pollock, and there’s no lobster on the menu during the winter months, as Sussex lobsters head into deeper water until spring.

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The restaurant is located near Brighton’s famous Lanes, just a short walk from the seafront. The dining area is divided into three floors – it’s possible to book out an entire floor for private dining – and there’s a heated conservatory and large outdoor seating area at the front.

The restaurant’s interior is beautifully designed – Dermot’s girlfriend Dee was in charge of the décor – with a blue and white colour scheme, sea-themed paintings and bare wood tables and chairs. The menu offers a good selection of seafood, along with a couple of meat and vegetarian options. It’s all keenly priced – all the main courses come in at around £10-£15, and you can enjoy Channel Rock Oysters, priced at £1.00 each.

We started our meal with a glass of Ridgeview Cavendish (£5.00) – an award winning, sparkling wine from a family vineyard in the Sussex Downs. I ordered Channel Scallops with Chilli & Chorizo (£7.95) for my starter. The scallops were succulent and delicious and the chorizo gave the dish a great kick. My companion enjoyed rope-grown Mussels (£5.50), which could be served one of three ways: Marinere (with shallots, garlic, thyme, white wine, butter and parsley); Thai Style (with garlic, chilli, lemongrass, coconut milk and coriander); or Guinness (cooked with Guinness and shallots). My companion opted for the classic Marinere, and said they were among the best she had ever tasted.

For our main course, my companion chose pan friend fillets of Channel plaice, with roasted butternut squash, curly kale and a light curry sauce (£13.50) – an unlikely sounding combination, which was unexpectedly delicious. I ordered the Skate Wing, oven baked with brown butter and capers (£14.50). The fish was meaty and perfectly cooked, and the capers gave just the right amount of bite. We ordered sides of roasted veg (£2.50) and hand-cut chips (£2.50). The veg were great, but the chips were a disappointment – not hot or crispy enough.

For desert my companion chose the trifle (£4.95) – and I was jealous. Trifle is a seriously underrated desert, and this one had the perfect mix of sponge, fruit, jelly and cream. It was pure nostalgia in a glass. I ordered the light and dark chocolate terrine (£4.95), which was good, but not in the same league. We enjoyed a bottle of Drylands Sauvignon Blanc (£26.00) with our meal – a fruity New Zealand white, which perfectly complimented the delicate fish dishes.

The food at Fishy Fishy is seriously good – and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The fish is well cooked, and simply presented, giving the fresh ingredients opportunity to shine. Whether you’re in the mood for fish and chips for lunch or a romantic dinner, there’s something at Fishy Fishy to please everyone. It’s the ultimate seaside fish restaurant and is well worth a visit.