Brinkley’s chef to open Sexy Lobster restaurant in Bournemouth

Chef Olivia Brinkley of Brinkley’s in London’s Chelsea is to open new restaurant Sexy Lobster in Bournemouth next month.

The seafront restaurant, launching on 17 April, takes over the former Neo site and is being led by hospitality entrepreneur Howard Spooner and executive chef Brinkley.

Dishes will include ‘Grilled Sexy Lobster’ with miso garlic butter, lime and fresh black truffle chips (pictured); veal Milanese with fettuccine arrabbiata and grilled West Country ribeye with yuzu bearnaise.

Spooner is also the owner of the George hotel on the Isle of Wight and its Bollinger Boat ‘G Dogg’, which will offer transport links between the hotel and Sexy Lobster.

Brinkley is currently executive chef at her family restaurant Brinkley’s, having previously worked at Zuma and Sydney’s Testsuya’s restaurant, which is known for infusing Asian flavours into classical French dishes.

As both chef and artist, Brinkley was also involved in the design of the restaurant, having created the large, colourful, half-human and sea-creature inspired artworks that are to fill the space.

Spooner said: “We wanted Sexy Lobster to feel like somewhere people can really celebrate the Bournemouth seafront - whether that’s a long lunch with rosé, dinner overlooking the water or drinks that turn into an evening. The location is incredible and we’ve built the restaurant around fantastic produce, a strong drinks list and an atmosphere that feels energetic and indulgent.”

Brinkley added: “My menu reflects how I love to cook and eat: simple, ingredient-led dishes using the highest quality produce available. I’ve always been drawn to innovative flavour combinations, taking influence from around the world while keeping things grounded and approachable. Freshness, balance, and variation in texture are crucial to each dish, but without ever becoming overly fussy.”