Language: English
Main airport: Gatwick (London)
Currency: Pound Sterling
Best time to go: Summer
What to do?
The popular pebbled beach is the main attraction along with its landmark, Brighton Pier. Traditional fish and chip suppers coupled with fairground rides and arcades add to the fun. Brighton is home to many vintage shops and North Laines is renowned for its narrow winding backstreets and independent fashion and thrift stores. Consider Hope & Harlequin on Sydney Street for 50s glamour and for men’s clothes visit Jump the Gun on Gardner Street.
For cultural types head over to the Royal Pavilion, an Asian-styled ‘love nest’ that was built in the 1800s for the outlandish Prince Regent. Located within the Royal Pavilion gardens is the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, home to various pieces of fine art and contemporary paintings.
Brighton is also famous for its music scene with a host of top venues, such as the Concorde2 and the Brighton Dome showcasing live talent.
Where to stay?
For affordable luxury look no further than the Kemp Townhouse on Atlingworth Street, the first and only five-star rated hotel. Dubbed by The Independent as Brighton’s ‘chicest new hotel’, the award-winning Kemp Townhouse is a boutique gem blending elegance and bohemia.
Brighton is notorious for its boutique accommodation and another worth seeking out is The Claremont is most definitely worth seeking out. Just 50 yards from the seafront this five-star hotel, housed in a Victorian Villa, is comfortable yet stylish.
Where to eat?
Brighton and Hove is home to more than 400 restaurants and so provides something for everyone. If you fancy experiencing some celebrity dishes then try Jamie Oliver’s Recipease, which serves Italian meals at affordable prices. Or if you’re more inclined to Asian cuisine then perhaps you could try Fatboy Slim’s Okinami – Japanese dishes in cool surroundings.
The Old Bank Steak & Ribs is very suitable for families and serves an exciting children’s menu, along with mouth-watering steaks, finger-licking BBQ ribs, spicy chicken wings or prime Scottish burgers for the adults. Ingredients are sourced from the local, award-winning butcher, Bramptons, which helped earn this restaurant a top 10 slot in a 2011 vote for Brighton and Hove’s best eateries.
Perhaps you’d like some hearty gastro pub-grub? If so then seek out The Ginger Dog, the latest from The Gingerman Restaurant Group who already own several ‘Ginger’ pubs around the area. The interesting menu includes Potted Rabbit and Scotch Quail Egg for starters, and Monkfish, Aubergine and Chitaki Red Curry an example of what the mains behold.
By James Massoud
