An Insider’s Guide To Brighton, From Places To Stay To Things To Do
I love living by the sea. From the blissful breeze that runs through my hair on a windy day to wandering up and down the tourist-filled pier, Brighton is the seaside city I’ve gladly called home for eight years. As we head into the heart of summer, I’ve put together a complete guide to doing Brighton like a true local.
Here’s where to head for the best things to do in Brighton, from places to stay to must-visit restaurants and activities.
Where to stay
The Grand
Brighton’s flagship hotel that’s as iconic as the seaside itself, The Grand is home to the best sea vistas in the city. It boasts stunning views overlooking the two piers, stretching out beyond the sea and wind farm, providing the perfect space to while away your afternoon looking out at sea.
From its luxurious rooms to its traditional afternoon tea that’s not to be missed, The Grand plays host to the best hotel experience in the seaside city. For a stay that’ll last a lifetime, book in for one of their deluxe sea view rooms – these are spacious, filled with neutral interiors and a cosy balcony looking out to sea.
The seaside views from the rooms are worth visiting for alone.
Brighton is home to some great independent eateries, but for a date night, look to the hotel’s restaurant, Cyan. There’s an extra side room that’s in the style of a greenhouse, looking out to the sea, and come night provides the ultimate space for sipping cocktails and intimate conversations.
97-99 KING’S ROAD, BRIGHTON, BN1 2FW
WWW.GRANDBRIGHTON.CO.UK
Artist Residence
Artist Residence has taken the best aspects of Brighton – its eccentricity, creativity and boho vibes – and brought them to life through its interiors.
From the outside, you could mistake Artist Residence for any other townhouse on Regency Square, but inside it brings the city to play through its art and hipster design. Home to 24 rooms, all are filled with original artist murals, vintage and reclaimed furniture, with some even boasting views out over the West Pier (the burnt-down structure for those who aren’t locals or regular Brighton frequenters).
The hotel’s onsite restaurant and cocktail bar is the perfect place to start your morning or cosy into one of the chairs and wind down for the evening with a nightcap.
33 REGENCY SQUARE, BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX, BN1 2GG
WWW.ARTISTRESIDENCE.CO.UK
Lansdowne House
For a cosier, home-away-from-homr vibe, look to Lansdowne House. The quaint guest house launched in 2022 and is filled with old-townhouse charm and character. The rooms are bright and airy, with breakfast available in the walled garden downstairs.
If you’re staying for a longer period of time or with a group, you can opt for The Old Pantry, a self-contained apartment featuring two bedrooms, a shower room, a family bathroom and a small courtyard.
Handily a walk away from Hove seafront and a flurry of independent shops, this is a spot that only those in-the-know know about.
45 Lansdowne Place, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1HF
www.lansdownehousehove.co.uk
Hotel Pelirocco
Anyone who knows anything about Brighton’s rock ‘n’ roll scene, will know that Regency Square’s Hotel Pelirocco is the place to go for a night to remember.
Just a short stroll to the seaside, the rooms here are unlike any you’ll have ever seen before, each having its own specific theme and design. From a room inspired by Dolly Parton to “Rebel Rebel”, a room paying homage to David Bowie, a lovers’ lair to a twist on a traditional Japanese room, there’s something for everyone.
10 REGENCY SQUARE, BRIGHTON, BN1 2FG
WWW.HOTELPELIROCCO.CO.UK
Where to eat
Embers
The clue’s in the name of this gem but Embers is a new restaurant specialising in dishes cooked over wood fire. Celebrating Sussex produce, the restaurant is the joint venture of long-time friends and chefs Dave Marrow and Isaac Bartlett-Copeland.
Featuring a mix of small plates and centrepiece dishes, menu highlights include flamed sea bass with salsa rosso and preserved lemon; charred broccoli with sweetcorn cream, mole and hazelnut; and bigger dishes like the dry-aged pork tomahawk with fish sauce caramel and scratchings and the vegan shiitake and cashew laab with sticky rice, bitter herbs, charred hispi and miso.
42 Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB
www.embersbrighton.co.uk
Kindling
For a sustainable eatery done well, Kindling is the perfect place to dine by the sea. Located just off the seafront on East Street, it’s a restaurant that champions the best of seasonal British produce through three elements: land, sea and fire.
The fish they use is sustainably and locally caught, their plant-based dishes bring out the best of local ingredients and their natural flavours, and the majority of their food is cooked over natural charcoal. The result is simply sublime.
69 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HQ
www.kindlingrestaurant.com
The Ginger Pig
Traditional grub done fancy. The Ginger Pig in Hove is renowned for its refined fare, sourced from Sussex’s finest suppliers. Expect classically British ingredients, from whole filleted Sussex mackerel with cime di rapa, roast fennel, cherry tomatoes and balsamic to Himalayan salt-aged sirloin with truffle butter and duck fat chips.
Upstairs the restaurant is also home to 11 en-suite double rooms spread across two floors. This boutique inn-turned-hotel is understated yet stylish, equipped with everything you could need.
3 Hove Street, Hove, BN3 2TR
www.thegingerpigpub.com
Bonsai Plant Kitchen
Brighton is renowned for its vegan delicacies but high up on the restaurant list regardless of it being plant-based is Bonsai Plant Kitchen. Everyone I know who has been here has loved it, which is probably why it ranked No.2 at Brighton’s best restaurant 2023 at a recent local awards. Expect a mix of South-East Asian flavours to come alive through their small plate menu.
44-45 Baker Street, Brighton, BN1 4JN
www.bonsaiplantkitchen.co.uk
The Salt Room
Is a trip to the seaside complete without a splash of seafood? We think not. Which is why Brighton’s The Salt Room is so popular.
Home to views of the burnt-down West Pier and seafront, the restaurant serves up modern British seafood, celebrating cooking over coal. Expect dishes such as yellowfin tuna sashimi with passionfruit dressing, jalapeńo mayo and pomegranate; roasted cod in a yellow coconut curry, tempura prawn and seared bok choi; and butcher’s cut, fresh every day and cooked over fire.
106 King’s Road, Brighton, BN1 2FU
www.saltroom-restaurant.co.uk
Isaac At
Want to experience Sussex on a plate? Now you can thanks to the modern British restaurant, Isaac At.
Sourcing ingredients from the local and surrounding area, the restaurant may be small but it offers Brighton’s best-tasting menu option. Sadly closing on August 26th 2023, book in now to experience this hidden gem.
2 Gloucester Street, Brighton, BN1 4EW
www.isaac-at.com
Wild Flor
One for a celebration, Wild Flor is a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant that serves up some of the best food in the seaside city. Home to rustic interiors, a brilliant wine list and delicious food, it’s hard to beat – and it’s a restaurant that’s well on its way to nabbing itself a Michelin star.
42 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FN
www.wildflor.com
The Pond
Levelling up what it means to be ‘pub grub’, The Pond is my port of call for a casual night date night or catch-up with friends. Hands down you’ll find the best bao in Brighton here, from crispy vegan prawns with pickled cucumber and sriracha mayo to the firecracker beef shin with green chilli sambal, slaw and smoked garlic aioli.
They offer sweet bao as well, including the mega donut PBJ with vanilla ice cream, jam and coconut condensed milk – so good you won’t even know it’s vegan.
49 Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 4AQ
www.thepondbrighton.com
Burnt Orange
Burnt Orange’s description of ‘wood-fired flavours and well-made drinks’ just about sums this restaurant-cum-intimate-bar perfectly. Hidden on Middle Street, the restaurant is home to stunning interiors, great cocktails and a cosy plant-lined outdoor terrace.
Head here for an intimate date night packed with flavours such as citrus cured grey mullet with jalapeno and pomegranate; wood-fired stonebass with fennel and blood orange salad; baharat lamb chops with muhammara and marinated feta; and apricot tandoori cauliflower with mint, raita and pickles.
59 Middle Street, Brighton, BN1 1AL
www.burnt-orange.co.uk
The Flint House
Part of the Gingerman Restaurant Group, The Flint House can be found nuzzled inside Brighton’s newest south lane. It specialises in small plates and counter-side dining, as well as serves up brilliant cocktails from its cocktail bar and rooftop terrace. Grab your friends and venture down to sample a little bit of everything or opt for the chef’s menu with wine pairing for a taste of the chef’s favourites.
13 Hanningtons Lane, Brighton, BN1 1GS
www.flinthousebrighton.com
Riddle & Finns
Brighton’s best seafood restaurant, Riddle & Finns has been serving up Champagne and oysters since opening its first restaurant in 2006. Now boasting three locations across the city, it’s become a restaurant renowned for its fine cuisine, fruits de mer platters and sustainably sourced fish dishes.
65 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 1NA
12B Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB
139 Kings Roach Arches, Brighton, BN1 2FN
www.riddleandfinns.co.uk
Terre à Terre
Brighton is renowned for its vegan and vegetarian options, and at the top of the tier is fine dining restaurant, Terre a Terre. Forget bland salads and endless seitan options, they’ve been serving up refined vegan and vegetarian options since opening in 1993.
Expect dishes such as karakatsu smoked tofu; potato rosti with sauteed spinach and topped with a poached egg and mustard rarebit topping; and steamed buns stunned with Szechuan spring onion and ginger braised halloumi or mapo tofu.
71 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HQ
www.terreaterre.co.uk
Where to drink
Twisted Lemon
For a cocktail haunt off the beaten track, Twisted Lemon is the hotspot every Brightonion will know but daytrippers might not. Situated just off Middle Street, the award-winning bar serves up expertly mixed cocktails, from your classics through to bespoke, signature cocktails.
If you can’t find a seat, down the road you’ll also find their sister company, Twisted Lime.
41 Middle Street, Brighton, BN1 1AL
Follow them on Instagram
The Black Dove
One of my favourite pubs, The Black Dove is the perfect spot for an intimate date night, a midweek catch-up with friends or channelling your creativity in one of their weekly Life Drawing sessions. Quirky and quaint, the interiors are enough to draw you in – everywhere you look you’ll notice something different hanging on the walls. Plus their cocktail menu is second to none.
74 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1PA
www.blackdovebrighton.com
Six
From boozy brunch to cocktails at sunset, Six is the sundowner spot to know. Home to dreamy interiors and roadside seating, head here for cocktails. The ‘Six Sours’, made with lemon juice, sugar syrup, aqua faba, smoke and oak bitters, and your choice of spirit from their selection, is a personal favourite.
Six is part of a wider group, home to coffee shops, restaurants and bars across the capital, so if you like this you’ll love those too.
102-104 Western Road, Brighton, BN3 1FA
www.sixbrighton.com
The Plotting Parlour
For speakeasy vibes, look to The Plotting Parlour for award-winning cocktails and innovative creations. You’ll find something for every taste, whether you’re into your vodka, gin or a mix of something completely different.
A favourite of mine is the Emerald Mile, a mix of gin, bay leaf, chartreuse, velvet falernum and vermouth.
6 Steine Street, Brighton, BN2 1TE
www.theplottingparlour.uk
Brighton Beach House
Soho House’s first Brighton location, Brighton Beach House is the place to head to for sea views with a side of luxury – only if you’re lucky enough to have a membership or know someone who has of course. Expect the usual Soho House style, complete with a wraparound terrace sea-facing, palm trees, stylish parasols and an outdoor pool.
The Terraces, Madeira Drive, brighton, BN2 1AY
www.sohohouse.com
Pelicano Coffee
This one isn’t booze related but if you’re in need of a caffeine hit or fancy somewhere trendy to hang and work, Pelicano is at the top of my list. There are two venues in the city, and both sum Brighton up in a coffee shop – think great specialty coffee, tasty cakes and a cosmopolitan vibe.
The Level, BN1 4SB
28 Sydney Street, BN1 4EP | 15 Lewes Road, BN2 3HP
www.pelicanocoffee.com
Things to do
Beach Box Sauna Spa
Fancy taking your spa experience to the next level? Beach Box Sauna Spa is located literally on the beach. This year-round experience will see you relaxing in the open air. Made from converted horse trailers, the saunas use wood-fired stoves to build up the heat. When the heat gets too much, there’s an icy plunge pool or they recommend running into the sea to cool off.
Banjo Groyne, Madeira Drive, Brighton
www.beachboxspa.co.uk
Snoopers Paradise
The epitome of Brighton thrifting, Snoopers Paradise is an emporium filled with mayhem, mischievous and miscellaneous. You can honestly spend a whole day in here and you won’t have spotted all of the weird and wonderful things lining every inch of the walls, shelves and floor.
It’s worth mentioning here that it’s located in the heart of The Lanes that Brighton is so renowned for. Spend the afternoon wandering up and down the mazes, perusing the shops, stopping for coffee and pondering life.
7-8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, BN1 4AL
www.snoopersparadise.co.uk
Brighton Pavilion
Add some culture to your visit and book a tour around the Royal Pavilion & Garden. Brighton’s pride and joy, the epic palace is the former seaside escape for King George IV. The exteriors are reminiscent of the Taj Mahal, while inside the interiors are inspired by oriental designs.
4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton BN1 1EE
www.brightonmuseums.org.uk
Duke of York’s
One for the film fanatics… Duke of York’s is one of the oldest cinemas in the world, home to one giant screen. Regularly showing a mix of old classics and new releases, fall back in love with the art of cinema with a screening here. Plus, grab a drink out on their tiny outdoor terrace for views over Brighton – it’s a hidden secret that only a few know about!
Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4NA
www.picturehouses.com
i360
Yes, it may be a little obnoxious on the eyes but I have a sweet spot for the i360. Whizz up the 162m tower and you’ll capture some of the best views over Brighton, Sussex and beyond.
Lower Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2LN
www.britishairwaysi360.com
Brighton’s festival season
Brighton is best enjoyed during the festival season, from the Brighton Fringe – think Edinburgh Fringe by the sea – and Brighton Festival to Great Escape, the independent music festival taking place in venues around the city. And of course, Brighton Pride is renowned the world over for its community spirit and a blast of fun.