Ollie's Jerk Shack & Cocktails in Brighton and Hove

I had a mad experience with this restaurant, I booked and paid the deposit for my birthday dinner of 8 people (had an actual conversation with a member of staff for this) and when we turned up they were closed with zero explanation... even though it was regular business hours. Two stars only because when we went in to get a refund, which we only did because they ignored my messages on social media, they gave us free drinks as a courtesy

This place is unreal 😍 Owner welcomed me and my partner into the restaurant , made sure we were okay during the entire meal. Not to mention the waiting time we arrived ordered drinks and food and not even 20 minutes in our food was out!!! Everything was delicious, we had our chicken fall off the bone , plantain was sweet , portions were perfect and the flavour was impeccable🤩If you think you’ve tried Caribbean food , YOU HAVEN’T until you come here!!! NOT TO MENTION THEIR DEALS , we came and everything was half priced 🤭! It was definitely worth the 3hr drive, cant wait to be back 5/5 🌟

I have just been to Ollie's and the food was superb. The cocktails were awesome.

Ok food. Slow and inaccurate Service. An attempt was made to put on heaters in height of summer to provide ambiance. Requested the one near us turned off and was okay.

After researching carribean foods in Brighton . I planned a day out with friends last week and surprised them with what I call this lovely hideaway. Once upstairs, I saw my idea of a relaxing oasis, good music,good food, and a friendly atmosphere. The staff were very accommodating and true professionals . The food was authentic and flavoursome. I was so impressed I returned back this week, and I was greeted with the same vibe. I believe if you attend on a Thursday everything you order, you are charged only 50% of the bill, trust me it was worth it. I would recommend this place for anyone who loves reggae music, jerk chicken, and cocktails.

My partner and I went to Ollie's for a quick drink and it was a pleasant experience, so we decided to book a table to celebrate her birthday. The restaurant asked for a £5 per head deposit as we had a booking for 8 people, which we sent over and the booking was confirmed. When we turned up for said booking however, the restaurant was closed... no sign up, no notice, Google and their Instagram said it should be open. We tried calling the mobile number on their Instagram multiple times and the line rang out. We ended up having to go and find somewhere else for dinner. We contacted the restaurant via Instagram and they gave no explanation and no apology, just said they knew nothing about it, but would get our deposit sent back to us within a week. Two weeks later we hadn't received the money back, we kept messaging, they kept saying they'd send the money but never did. Eventually after just over a month I had to drive back to Brighton to go into the restaurant and demand my money back. I explained the situation to the staff and they didn't seem surprised and weren't apologetic at all, just said to come back another day when the manager was in. After I pushed back a bit and explained that the business already had my details, I just wanted them to actually send the money as promised, they said they'd go and call their manager. After around 20 minutes the staff member returned and said she hadn't managed to get hold of the manager. She asked me to write down my bank details and she would pass them on. Later that week I finally got my refund. We were so disappointed by this experience as we were really excited to try the food at this place, but the customer service we received was absolutely atrocious. We never received any explanation as to why the restaurant was shut, and we never received an apology, the staff really didn't seem bothered at all. If the situation had been handled better and a reasonable explanation was given we might be returned to try again but it's annoyed us enough that we won't be returning.

Wicked West Indian food, the jerk chicken, was bloody lovely, putting Turtle Bay to shame.

Absolutely amaizing best food ever atmosphere is great staff amaizing

Went in for a cocktail and we were seated pretty much right away. Told to use buzzer on table to order but after sitting there for 10 minutes I went to the bar. The team seemed very understaffed. Drinks were nice. We did not eat. Everything was clean.

Lovely service and very good drinks

Went in for a cocktail and we were seated pretty much right away. Told to use buzzer on table to order but after sitting there for 10 minutes I went to the bar. The team seemed very understaffed. Drinks were nice. We did not eat. Everything was clean.

Lovely place but not cheap for drinks

Had a weekend in Brighton for our 25th wedding anniversary and they made a cocktail for us which was fantastic. We will be returning next week and this will definitely be our first port of call.

Our server grace went above and beyond! She was a lovely and had a bubbly personality. Grave made the experience all the better and I would defo return again

Grace!!!!! The best waitress, made our night the best. Give that girl a PAY RISE!

Grace is an absolute legend. If you are to be served by anyone...let it be grace. Tip her She's made our night and deserves this. Love her Grave is grace Grace looks beautiful. Give grace a raise, she deserves it.

All I can say is that it was awesome to have ate here.

I’ve been here before and enjoyed it, something has gone very wrong. Due an error with the ticket machine, I waited 30mins for a meal (no one else was eating) it wasn’t worth the wait. If you are looking for proper Caribbean Food this is not the place for you. Un spicy, greasy, soggy skinned jerk chicken and Goat Curry which had been bulked out with potato making the sauce an awful texture and mean meat ratio. I paid £18 to not eat. Very unimpressed.

We stumbled inn a late evening and was welcomed by a friendly doorman. The staff was very also very friendly and polite. The drinks was big and tasty!

Went in for a cocktail and we were seated pretty much right away. Told to use buzzer on table to order but after sitting there for 10 minutes I went to the bar. The team seemed very understaffed. Drinks were nice. We did not eat. Everything was clean.

Service was good. We didn't have to wait long for our food but it was cold. We were expecting authentic jerk chicken, it seems like it was bake chicken. Two different music was playing in the same shop so that was confusing.

Waitress slapdash. Food basic, poorly presented.

First time trying Jamaican food, came to Ollies on the recommendation of a friend and cannot praise it enough!! Food was mindblowing, location is gorgeous and staff are so helpful and friendly. What a phenomenal place to eat, will be back next time I’m in Brighton!

Terrible experience.. took my friend and his family there.. drinks forgotten, meal forgotten for my friends son, finally bought out..but with out the side.. by the time it was bought out..we were leaving. Jerk chicken below average too. Shame

The food was delicious, great service, beautiful interior, good vibe.

Nice area with outdoor seating. Feels spacious. Decor nothing striking. Friendly staff. Centre of Brighton lanes. Didn't eat but thd food looked good.

Visited today, food was on point 👉....outside of London there seems to be alot of "yard food" that isn't really authentic, but this spot left us full and satisfied (we didn't even finish our food) rum punch was decent 🫠 you could taste the Wray in it, however probably don't sit in the sun and drink it otherwise you'll be finished 😀 As for the food it defo didn't disappointed, the plantain was cooked perfectly so I ordered 2 more extra portions, the jerk chicken reminded me of what you get after a dance in 🇯🇲 Only thing was the music was a little too loud for me being it was club music however other than that defo worth a visit and I'd go again.

Food was very bad tbh, chicken was definitely microwaved. Atmosphere is nice, cocktails watered down. Very bad food, but not many other options for Carribean food. Service was good

This is actually a six !! Out of five. Banging rum punch . Punching way high !

I booked here for my birthday! I asked for a table to be outside, and for 4.30. I got charged a £100 deposit to be deducted from my bill at the end. Sure no problem. When I arrived at Ollie’s, the outdoor space had been filled already by multiple hen parties. even after already securing a table and paying for it. We got told to sit inside and wait for the free space. Then proceeded to tell me that we had to order our food at the bar. Mentioning my deposit to the staff, they said I could swap to a tab instead which was not ideal. I informed the messenger chat prior our arrival a cake would be delivered before our arrival. When asking about the cake they were clueless about the cake, we had to show them proof and to find out they put the cake in the freezer, the cake was delivered at 2. By the time it came out it was frozen solid. The staff there were clueless, lacked any customer service and basic manners, they all sat round and didn’t really care. No management around, terrible service completely! Ordered a purple rain off the MENU to get told that they actually don’t know how to make the cocktail. We all ordered our food individually and there was about 15 of us. We all had our food, the food has completely changed. Arrived cold and all at different times. We all ordered drinks then for one of the young waitresses to come a delivered a potion of cold chips and one chicken wing saying that they wanted to keep this on the table to keep their licence. Honestly shocking. Overall had a really terrible experience and would never recommend again. Which is a shame because I was going regularly when first opened the food was amazing, the drinks were amazing and the staff where really friendly. To say the least DISAPPOINTED. What a let down.

Great spot met the owner and after a quick chat we ended up, upstairs having great food and cocktails. Rock on my friend, rock on.

Kaley’s hospitality and Pat’s work in the kitchen were second to none. These guys absolutely crushed it. Give them your patronage!

Drinks fab Food was amazing Staff lovely Very happy and can’t wait to come back!

Arrived and was greeted by a friendly waitress. Went to the bar to order and they literally had zero drinks that I asked for. Ended up paying for over priced cans of rio that were marked up 85p on the can. We then ordered the platter and everything was like mush. There was no consistency to the mac and the chicken was soggy. The flavour was that of jerk spices but no fire had ever come in to contact with the chicken. This was all on a Friday night around 19:00 so I’d of thought they would of managed a stock order. Shame really.

Great atmosphere... food is really tasty,friendly staff

I booked the terrace for my birthday and all the staff were so lovely, they put my balloons up for me and decorated the outdoor area, special shout-out to Kayleigh, Daniela, Fortune and Grace who brought out cake and Prosecco with sparklers making the day extra special x

Pretty quiet, even though it was a Saturday afternoon! Good cocktails but god they're overpriced, £13 for an espresso martini. We got free food because they had extra chicken and chip baskets though so can't complain too much.

not impressed as menu says two cocktails for ten pound Sunday to Thursday. we were there today... Sunday 30th April and was told that didn't apply as it was Bank Holiday, This is not advertised anywhere, It does not say on the menu 'excluding Bank holidays'( also its Sunday, Bank holiday is tomorrow). Will not be returning.

Staff at Ollie’s were so nice and friendly. Bar staff very bubbly! He was able to make a drink to my fancy, and let me tell you - it was amazing! (Not sure of the name but it was so tasty!) My friend and I opted in for the curry goat, jerk pork, Mac and cheese and calamari.. trust me, they did not miss on the flavouring, spice and taste. They’ve got something for everyone and even the fussy eaters. If you’re looking for somewhere in Brighton for nice tasty Jamaican food, then this is the place for sure.

Went and had breakfast it was amazing definitely going to go back again

Wow! Portions like granny used to do, and food is just as good. Mac Cheese is literally a meal not a side!!! I'd give more stars if it was possible

Loved the vibe here, friendly staff who made delicious cocktails. The food was amazing, the jerk sauce didn't seem to have any spice which was disappointing but it was still delicious.

First time going tonight and could not fault it food cocktails atmosphere perfect the staff were so friendly and made me feel comfortable having kids in what seams like a adult restaurant please try the Mac and cheese it was amazing and I loved the patty’s will definitely be returning I am a vary picky eater and I could not fault this place

Went in to get a table for food one evening the restaurant was completely empty. We got looked at like we were aliens by the staff very uncomfortable so we left

Great food, great drinks, staff will make any cocktail you ask for which was a bonus as I had a recipe saved. Some of the table staff were a little less enthusiastic but was a lovely experience non the less.

Amazing vibe, really good quick food - be warned the hot wings are HOT - but yeah super nice evening

With loads of space over multiple floors and a cosy feel this is a great little pub hidden away in Ship Street

The food looks lovely, but I didn't try it. The drink was perfectly fine. But, my god, I have never been so physically uncomfortable in a pub! The benches around the edge all have a hard wooden lip just below shoulder height to average height shoulders, forcing you to lean forward in an uncomfortable position. The plus side side to this is that it forces you to look down upon whoever you're with on the other side of your table. This is good because you really do have to; every single chair in this place is 3-5 inches shorter than the seat height of the benches. This is bad. Whoever has the misfortune of landing on the seat will, by the end of the first drink, have an awful crick in their neck from being forced to either stare at their drinking buddy's chest, or up their nostrils! I still ache. I won't be going back.

After a stroll along Brighton seafront with my wife we were ready for a cup of tea and fish and chips. There are plenty of places to choose from but unfortunately we chose Ice Cafe. 2 cups of tea and one fish and chips cost £11.00, expensive but considering the location it was expected. The food though disappointed. A true my piece of fish, the smallest I've ever been served, had a nasty taste as if cooked in old cooking oil. The only way to eat it was to remove all of the batter and then the fish tasted not too bad but the taste of the first bite with batter stayed in my mouth. I wouldn't recommend, sorry. The staff were friendly though.

For £4 we had a few fries, we are disappointed. The cocktails are good but the portion sizes need some rethinking …🤏🏾

Wonder if the owner of the branded car could stop abandoning it for weeks on end! Park it somewhere else... maybe your own house?

Good food, nice atmosphere and amazingly friendly staff. Drinks can take a while to be served so I'd order two at a time and re order when you've got one left ;-) come for the food and stay for the cocktails :-)

Very loud and busy but great food and service.

WOW!! I had the jerk chicken rice and peas with coleslaw, good quality chicken well seasoned cooked to perfection. Rice and peas well made nice and soft. Homemade coleslaw was fantastic, washed it down with an amazing cocktail. Service was outstanding, the restaurant was well cleaned and smelling beautiful. Definitely a feel good feeling and vibe in Ollies. I highly recommend this amazing restaurant.

Great food, beautiful cocktails and excellent service. We went for a Christmas/Birthday night out with our team and had the best evening. The staff were exceptional and the quality of drinks and food were great. Thank you to the whole team for a wonderful experience. Highly recommend 👌

A lovely warm welcome when me and my partner arrived a, staff were really friendly and helpful and the cocktails came to us really quickly and they were delicious. 5⭐️ defo will be back

Friendly staff and decent cocktails

Bouncer khaled is so welcoming I couldn’t not come in, beautiful place.

Went here for 1st time for a drink, atmosphere was spectacular and staff were very friendly. Evening time.

Visited here in October for some cocktails and we all loved it, lovely outside area and welcoming team, tried lots of lovely cocktails and we sat around a table with a fire which was nice for the winter, good vibes and we look forward to coming back for food sometime.

Food was so so so good, banging cocktails aswell; genuinely some of the best in a while. Great value and happy hours makes cocktails affordable. Staff were sound.

I’ve been coming since it open and its just going more and more downhill every time, I went today and they gave us a menu for dirty fries, no meals.. I asked for a menu to be told they don’t have one and I have to come to the bar to pay and order Before I sit down and eat, we ended up leaving, who pays before you eat this ain’t Nando’s

Fantastic atmosphere & great place. Little slow on service at times but would definitely recommend

We had cocktails. What a disappointment. They were more ice than any drinks. Left after finishing them. Could have stayed and eaten but not impressed.

Amazing place, beautiful employees. Papi was amazing and made us feel so comfortable, such good prices too! So coming back!! Love you all 🥰

Good first impression on greeting and nice venue. But service was poor and food and drinks not great. Cocktails could have been from weatherspoons and the food was very oily and served of paper and a tray. Disappointed as I’ve been here before and it was exceptional. Probably won’t return again.

Pretty cool place. Staff were nice. Had curried goat fries, very good. Goat was very tender. Cocktails were tasty. Will be sure to come back.

Daniela and grace at the brighton olis jerk shack were both great servers with so much livileness, and kindness the drinks came so fast I will be here next weekend! Thank you Daniela and grace!

One of the workers called Daniella? Was very kind, helpful, beautiful, stunning, such a positive ray of sunshine ☀️😋

Daniella was so kind and helpful, she served us with such great service. Would definitely come again!

Danielas customer service is exquisite her politeness was amazing great worker and seems like a great team member ❤️

danielas customer service was excellent, great place to come visit with friends, good vibes/ good music :))

daniela the spicy latina gave amazing customer service, deffo coming avain

Amazing cocktails and lovely staff

What an amazing place! with an incredible atmosphere, and a superb on-site owner with his incredibly helpful and polite staff. The food is fabulous, and, great value. I cannot recommend more highly! If you come to Brighton, check them out first.

Rice and peas with curry goat was tasteless microwave meal. They're good for cocktails. Don't eat there!

Lovely friendly staff. Delicious food & cocktails at a reasonable price. I will definitely be back!

Food was great! I went there for lunch so it was quiet I would love to return in the evening as I am sure atmosphere would be a lot better. Lovely location too.

Food was alright 7/10 , drink didn't taste like a long island ice tea at all. I've been here before in the evening and it was great, came back for lunch expecting the same but was awful, brunette waitress didn't crack a smile, or even talk once we were seated. Just about managed a quiet 'yer' when placing an order. Food/ drinks got brought over in silence, terrible atmosphere, not even a thanks for coming or bye when we got up and left. Which would be understandable if it were busy but there was 3 tables taken. Such a shame as won't be coming back for a 3rd time.

Delicious jerk chicken with fries. Great cocktails 🍹 (also non alcoholic), had a great dinner and good time! Thanks 😊

The jerk chicken and Dirty fries were really good, having been a fan of Caribbean food for a long time it was a real treat .

BBQ pork belly was on point. No hard lumps of fat, soft, and the flavour was amazing. Curry goat was some of the best, lovely heat, the chillies where spicy but easily avoidable if you don't like them. Service was nice, friendly staff, definitely a welcoming environment. Old fashioned and long Island ice tea was well worth £10. Unfortunately couldn't try the white russian.

Wonderful food and drinks at a great price. Friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere!

GOOD VIBES ONLY! I Came here with my wife for some cocktails and a bite to eat today. The service was attentive, friendly and enthusiastic and it made us feel excited to be there. The food was brilliant the cocktails were delicious and I want to come back and try more!!! TOP NOTCH. On a side (but important) note… when we saw the bar was in memory of a young lad called Ollie and When we read up on his story we got the vision, I think the owner should be extremely proud of what this place is, what he has created and what the message it gives. You can feel the enjoyment from the staff, the bartender and other customers….GOOD VIBES ONLY. Can’t wait to come back ❤️

Great food, great cocktails, great atmosphere! Love it.

Absolutely amazing place. I would love to be able to go here for every drinking session (unfortunately its too far to do so lol) Such a relaxed atmosphere, staff were friendly and helpful and just an all round fab place

Amazing roof top bar, so relaxed with good food and amazing cocktails not fogetting friendly bar staff, will be visiting again 100%. 🍹🇯🇲

Great Caribbean food and lovely balcony seating. Highly recommend

Unexperienced personal, they don't know what they sell, 1 hours later out table hasn't been empty from the previous customers, warm beer served and they said they all the same, and the list can go on. Not coming back

I would give minus stars if possible. Staff were completely clueless about the food and drinks. Paid for the order upfront only to have a staff member come to the table later and inform us that we hadn’t paid for one of the drinks. Wanted a cocktail before food but it only arrived after the food came and after we asked two or three times whether it was still coming to the table or not. We were told that we could sit anywhere but before we had finished our drinks we were told to move to another table because it was reserved. Out of of total disgust we left without even finishing our overpriced drinks and horrible food. Worst place I have been to in Brighton. Do yourself a favour and go anywhere else.

Well what can I say, Christian the doorman was absolutely lovely on arrival, food amazing, margaritas the best, thanks Andy, Reece and Melika for a great night. Bottle of drink knocked over on the bar, Melika great catch, and then you came out with the mop immediately with a smile, I've been there myself and 11/10 for customer service. I think you're all fab and ill be glad to come back again soon.

Went for the platter and the jerk and macaroni cheese was on the point, the pork belly burnt tips also have to be mentioned as they were lovely. Only downside was we had to wait 30 minutes for our drinks which was annoying however the Mango Martini is highly recommended. Descent spot.

Food was nice, reasonably priced. Cocktails took ages to come to the table frustratingly!

Friendly staff and tasty food and cocktails, will definitely be back!

Friendly staff and super tasty food. Really nice place to hang out with friends.

Food was good cocktails nicew, toilets out of service due to being blocked and service was slow food before drinks?! never had that before, young staff very friendly but more interested in chatting than serving I felt but a Very nice venue would try again 👍

Cocktails are average and service is sub-standard. When I say sub-standard, I mean terrible....kids that could not give less of a cr*p about customers.

Lovely atmosphere, great music, lovely staff and very reasonable priced. Food was amazing and authentic 😋. Would highly recommend!

Amazing staff. Amazing food. Amazing drinks. Amazing location. Definitely reccomend. Drinks take a while.

If you want a decent cocktail this is the plave to go! 👌🏽