When it comes to fine-dining hotspot etch. in Hove’s busy Church Road, the big question is – five, seven or nine courses?

Chef and owner Steven Edwards is one of the youngest ever winners of MasterChef: The Professionals. According to none other than Michel Roux Jnr, his cooking is ‘lovely’ and ‘fault-free’ – and if it’s good enough for the double Michelin-starred legend of cookery, it’s good enough for us!

etch. was launched by Steven, formerly of South Lodge in Horsham, as a series of pop ups at restaurants and venues including Nyetimber Vineyard, Blenheim Palace and The Latymer. The 12-table tasting menu only restaurant on the site of a former bank opened in 2017 and boasts a menu that changes with the seasons, using quality produce from in and around Sussex.

Already established as one of the leading restaurants on the South Coast, etch. has been praised by diners and critics and holds a Michelin Plate and three AA rosettes. In 2020 Steven added an a la carte restaurant, Steven Edwards Riverhouse in Richmond, to his growing portfolio. Muddy reckons he’s definitely a chef to watch and etch. is set to be only the beginning of something very special indeed.