Royal Pavilion

Postcard by Fuller and Clayton showing the Royal Pavilion kitchen, c. 1910 before restoration with its ovens, cupboards and tables

Image reproduced with kind permission from Brighton and Hove in Pictures by Brighton and Hove City Council

History of the Great Kitchen

history notes from the original 'My Brighton' exhibit

The Pavilion kitchen is next door to the Banqueting Room and is known as the Great Kitchen. It is unusually tall for a kitchen taking its light from the roof which is supported by four iron columns in the form of palm trees.

George IV loved entertaining and put on many elaborate banquets often involving up to 35 courses hence why he needed such a large kitchen! Head of the kitchen in George's day was the French Chef Anton Careme who is said to be one of the world's greatest chefs. He was a specialist in cold food but also produced magnificent hot entrees.

During the First World War when the Pavilion was used as a military hospital for injured servicemen the Great Kitchen was turned into an operating theatre.