Brighton’s latest night out previewed this week as Taste Film expanded its operation to include our city. Ratatouille was on the menu for the night – we went looking forward to something tasty and left feeling extremely satisfied after a wonderful evening of fine dining and entertainment.
Taste Film has put together two favourite things – a good film and a good meal, combining the two and enhancing both. They have been putting on events in London for a few years now, with new venues opening up in Manchester, Birmingham, and now, of course, Brighton. They’ve chosen the Harbour Hotel on Kings Road as their partner, and we could see why as soon as we arrived.
We were shown into the screening room, elegantly set with tablecloths, intimate lighting, and quality cutlery. Every seat had a great view, laid out in rows which still allowed friendship groups to mingle, and with less than 50 seats in the room, the atmosphere felt friendly. The culinary standard was high from the start, with a bowl of French onion popcorn on the table – salty and fresh, with strands of dried onion – a real taste sensation.
The evening continued with an introduction and warm-up from the hosts and a fun quiz based on the film to get everyone in the mood. Most people seemed ready to see a film they already knew and loved, as shown by their quiz scores, which were much higher than ours! The host talked enthusiastically about the film, explained how the evening would work, and even showed us how to send WhatsApp messages to the bar to order anything we wanted – everything had been thought through.
The Disney Pixar 2007 film Ratatouille was a perfect choice for this concept, showing the journey of one Parisian rat as he learns to explore, love, and then perfect his food combinations. As the film rolled, the food arrived.
Our first course was a delicious and complex cocktail – a lemon, violet, lavender and vodka sour with a strawberry and cheese bite. This was served as the film’s hero, Remy, discovers the delights of combining unusual flavours in one mouthful. The drink was both potent and evocative, and just what chef Auguste Gusteau might have served up at the iconic restaurant in the film. The filo pastry reflected the ingredients shown on screen at that very moment.
Next, we were served Struck By Genius – a Tomme de Chèvre and mushroom parcel with sunflower seed pesto. This intriguing plate came with a sparkler sticking out, explaining why we had a lighter left on each table. As the chef demanded the lights be turned on in the film’s kitchens, we lit our sparklers, and the room buzzed with delight again. The plate was full of flavour, with a freshness coming from the pesto that balanced the tart cheese perfectly.
The film follows kitchen assistant Alfredo Linguini as he struggles to fix a leek soup he has ruined. No such problem here. As we watched him add dubious ingredients, the film and the table coordinated once again. Introduced as ‘Compliments To The Chef’, this was a leek and potato pot of soup with herby croutons and cheese. The smooth soup was perfectly seasoned, and we left wondering if it was as good as the one the food critic tasted on screen.
By this time, we’d established the drill. The hotel team was almost invisible as they choreographed the plate delivery, moving as one so the film stayed in focus and the enjoyment was never interrupted. We couldn’t wait for the main course! Rodent Rendition – a slow-cooked lamb croquette with confit potato and, of course, ratatouille. The plating was beautiful, with soft, unctuous lamb in a tasty coating and a potato cake that burst with cheese. And the ratatouille – well, that was a revelation. In the film, the traditional dish is refined and elegant, but still homely and reminiscent. They managed to recreate it on our plates as well – the most delicious mouthful.
As the film wound to its conclusion, we were served ‘Gateautouille’ – an almond cake with chocolate ganache, cream and strawberry ratatouille. This playful dessert was sweet and elegant, a perfect way to end our meal.
Oh, and there were themed cocktails too – one with ‘rat poison’ – did we say that they had thought of everything!
Overall, this evening was a delight and a complete surprise. It would have been so easy for them to cut corners, deliver a half-hearted menu and leave the diners slightly underwhelmed. They did the opposite. We felt treated, welcomed, and properly fed. The result enhanced the film experience, making it a truly memorable night.
Taste Film will launch its full programme of events later this year, with films including Pulp Fiction and Elf in the line-up, as well as a welcome return of Ratatouille in October. Looking at the listings in London, there are many other titles that could be played, and we can imagine they will quickly develop a strong following. This is a great evening for a film fanatic to reengage with a favourite picture, or for a couple to celebrate with a different kind of meal.
A great new feature on the Brighton entertainment market. We look forward to going back for future events.
Taste Film presents Ratatouille: Tuesday 27 October-Friday 30 October 2026, 7pm-9.45pm. Sunday 1 November 2026, 1pm-3.45pm and 6pm-8.45pm
Taste Film presents Pulp Fiction runs from 25-29 November 2026.
Tickets are available through Taste Film.
Details
Dates: Ratatouille – Tuesday 27 October-Friday 30 October 2026, 7pm-9.45pm / Sunday 1 November 2026, 1pm-3.45pm and 6pm-8.45pm
Pulp Fiction – 25-29 November 2026.
Venue: The Harbour Hotel, 64 Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1NA.
Tickets: Tickets are available through Taste Film. £87.50 for five course menu, drinks and film screening.
