itsu opens in Brighton city centre

The Pret a Manger founder’s take on a sushi bar is opening in Brighton by the Clock Tower this autumn, with the promise of live action tea.

Itsu Soho by Yukino Miyazawa on Flickr

The new branch of itsu, on the corner of West Street and North Road opposite Waterstones, is only the second branch the chain has opened outside London, after Oxford.

It will open on September 10, in the building just vacated by the Bench clothing store.

It serves light Asian-inspired food such as sushi, noodle soups and rice pots, and this new branch promises frozen yogurt, a juice bar and a “live action tea station” – although it’s not clear exactly what that might entail.

The branch was founded by Julian Metcalfe, who also co-founded Pret a Manger. He said: “We’re thrilled to have a presence in Brighton which is known to be a great trend leader in arts, culture and lifestyle, making it a strong fit with our brand.

“There’s also a huge amount of interest in healthy living and eating in Brighton but there’s nothing like itsu available in the city.  Our aim is to genuinely revolutionise the way Brighton eats.”