BRIGHTON- QUICK & DIRTY

I will admit, I have a marmite type of relationship with Brighton, it has its moments with me, and in high season I try to avoid it. It is by the sea so its the ultimate catchall for high summer revellers and the scene by the beach, though pebbled is not without its charm, but even more charming is getting away from the beach and exploring inward or taking that delightful walk along the seafront towards Hove. It is a big busy town with little lanes and a main thoroughfare leading you right to the beach so you can make a bee line for the sea and along the way stop for the essentials.

STAY:

The Grand Hotel– pretty much a legend in this part of town. It is Ritzy in feeling but maybe dialled down on the stuffiness because of the location.

SEE::

The Old Pier: the new pier is nice but make sure to see the old pier as well, for a sense of history. A muddled heap rising out of the sea. very much a part of Brighton’s history.

Toy & Model Museum: For the child in all of us, check out over a century of toys history.

The Beach: Let’s face it, Brighton has a lot of things going for it, but the Beach is the big draw. Yes, there are seagulls that will dive into your food but the Beach is a good one. Again, pebbled but is one of cleaner beaches in the UK. Even when its busy, its such good fun.

DO:

Walk; I’m a big walker, because the best way to explore a place or get a feel for it, is by pounding the pavement. The road from Brighton to Hove in particular is one of the more indulgent walks that is peppered with the freshest sea air. Hove is the quieter part of town with a stunning sea front and well worth the walk. The roads here are uncharacteristically wide and it feels very Kensington-esque. The regency building remind one of a moment frozen in time when this was the resort town of choice for the wealthy.

The Old Pier: let me preface this by saying that I am not a fan of piers or arcades or anywhere that has too much concentration of high octane activities with too much bright lights and noise but something about the Brighton Pier is nostalgic and hits different. It is well over a century years old, has been there before the world wars and is within sight of its older sister that was burnt down. Matter of fact before she was opened a storm nearly took her out in 1899. What’s not to love.

Through the Lanes: as wonderful as Brighton is by the seaside, the real charm in her character spills out in her many little lanes brimming with vintage shops, antique shops, record shops, independent retailers trapped with history and a sense of rebellion that has typified the town because Brighton the old bird stands on ceremony for no one. Doesn’t matter how expensive she has gotten, on par with London, there is that independent rebel spirit that is ever present and ever strong. The lanes is where you’ll find most of this so wander through the lanes for Brighton’s true history.

Wine tour: who would have thunk it? Wine country in our Sussex? Yes, Sussex has a growing and thriving wine culture and it is worth a tour to see this budding industry. There are a few wineries in smaller enclaves outside of Brighton that can be booked for day tours departing from Brighton. Sussex has the most wineries in the UK some of which are well known, some not so much. Ridgeview winery, in Ditchling is one of the more well known estates and has some of the best sparkling wine and views, and they do a tasting with some very fine local cheeses too. Bluebell is a smaller winery in Uckfield worth your time if only for its stunning rosé Hindleap but the views are simply splendid.

EAT:

Abyssinia in Brighton: Best Ethiopian this side of town. Unassuming place but isn’t that the best kind, pop in if you can get a table and eat to your heart’s content.

Mekan Grill, Hove: After that long walk you are bound to be hungry so stop in for really good food in this lovely place. If you are not in the mood for Ethiopian then give this Turkish place a try, the grill is on point, the fish is to die for and a hop scotch from the sea front.

The Grand Hotel: Afternoon tea. I always like a bit of tradition in these grand old hotels, so afternoon tea will do nicely.

The Ivy: the Ivy is always a good and safe bet, more than the food here, which is good, I love the interiors, its like an intimate parlour where you are surrounded by all your favourite friends, gossip flitters across tables, clinking glasses and laughter. The good is always good here so I would also eat here.

The Coal Shed: one of my favourite restaurant in Brighton, fantastic menu, fantastic drinks and pure good vibes. The food here is sublime and delicious, it feels and tastes authentic, they care about the ingredients that go into making their food because they know food is meant to nourish the soul. When you go to a restaurant that understands what food is meant to do, its heaven. Whenever you hightail it to Brighton, dine here.

The Salt Room: seafood with sea views, I love what the salt room does with fish, however you want it. Well seasoned and well made and the drinks menu; perfection and such good service.

Dessert: Julien Plumart: This is the only place I head to for dessert in Brighton and I do it on my way home because they do wonders with sweet things here. A delicious little french café on the way to the beach or the station depending on your direction of travel. I love to stop of here, stuck up on treats and high tail it to the sea front for some bliss or after a meal head home for the late night munchies. The royal crunchy chocolate cake is bliss. The pistachio eclair… a champion. The macaroons above and beyond and leaps and bounds better than Laduree, you can also be guaranteed of its moistness for a good couple of days, it won’t go into food rigor mortis… you know what I mean.

So there you have it, as the summer winds down let’s wind our necks in slowly with these little quick and dirty moments… however you want to do your dirty, I support you.