Delicious Delights and Dazzling Discoveries: A Guide to Experience It All!

A lively seaside city located on the southern shore of England, Brighton is well-known for its eclectic nightlife as well as its celebrated pebble beach and pier. Whether you are wandering along the historic pier, browsing unique shops in the historic Lanes, or indulging in the city’s distinguished culinary scene, Brighton is an essential travel spot.

Accommodations

Drakes (bed and breakfast pricing starting at £225) is perfectly positioned on Marine Parade, right by the beachfront with views of Brighton Pier. All key tourist attractions can be reached within a five-minute walk, including the pier with its amusements, the Royal Pavilion, the Sea Lanes swimming area, and the historical lanes with their cafes and shops. Each of the 20 bedrooms at Drakes features a unique decor, and many boast stunning views of the sea and sunsets. Some rooms include roll-top bathtubs and telescopes as special amenities. Every room is equipped with free WiFi, tea and coffee, complimentary water, and bath and body products from British brand Green & Spring. Additionally, the hotel offers 14 parking spaces in a notoriously tricky parking area. Attached to the hotel is a fantastic restaurant, Dilsk, serving exceptional modern British cuisine made with local ingredients. They currently have a four-course meal offer for £40.

Dining and Beverages

Blake’s at the Artist Residence hotel is a charming neighborhood bistro and late-night cocktail bar located in a Georgian structure on historic Regency Square. The dining area is warm and intimate while the Modern British menu offers dishes prepared in the open kitchen, including wild prawns, chili and garlic butter, tasty corn ribs, roasted duck with cassis sauce, and for dessert, delectable buttered rum.

The Coal Shed is a prominent steakhouse that specializes in local beef grilled over an open flame and fresh seafood. This 140-seat restaurant in the city center also features a fantastic bar boasting some of the finest cocktails in town. The decor is chic with an industrial style influenced by NYC brasseries, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The daily rotating specials board highlights rare breed cuts sourced from specialist farms. For seafood enthusiasts, a variety of fresh fish and shellfish from the South Coast is available.

Dilsk offers a Modern British menu that utilizes the quality produce sourced from the picturesque South Downs to the English Channel, including smoked squid, Orkney scallops, and South Coast cod. The four-course tasting menu is a remarkable value at £40.

Grind and Slice in the North Lanes is an exceptional pick for coffee or lunch, particularly if you are in the mood for pizza or toasted sandwiches. The youthful proprietors, Negin Hakimmaani and Mahdi Mohammadi, hailing from Sweden, strive to provide freshly prepared pizza and excellent coffee at affordable prices.

Activities

The Verdict jazz club situated in Kemptown, managed by drummer and producer Tristan Banks, is the sole full-time jazz venue outside of London in the south of England. What an incredible club this intimate basement setting is, recently honored with the esteemed Parliamentary jazz award for the best UK jazz venue of 2024. During a recent visit, we were treated to an outstanding performance by the talented quintet fronted by saxophonist Tom Barford, whom British jazz legend Evan Parker has referred to as “a new star in the jazz universe.” The quintet, featuring trumpet player James Copus, pianist Ivo Neame, drummer Tim Giles, and bassist Dave Whitford, captivated the audience with exciting original pieces and clever renditions of classic tunes.

Shop where the locals frequent, in the Bohemian NorthLanes featuring a diverse array of cafés and boutiques. Vinyl enthusiasts will be delighted by the multitude of record shops, including Across the Tracks, Resident Music and Bella Union, which is owned by the bassist of the Cocteau Twins. The shop offers vinyl from its own independent rock label along with a captivating assortment of experimental and psychedelic tunes.

For those passionate about architecture and history, the Royal Pavilion is an essential destination. This former seaside retreat of the extravagant King George IV showcases Indian and Chinese aesthetics fused with classic Regency style. Nowadays, guests can wander through the opulent spaces, including the elaborately decorated Banqueting Room, the remarkable Music Room, and the exotic embellishments of the Royal Bedrooms. The Pavilion also accommodates a variety of events, ranging from art showcases to live performances and concerts.