The ultimate city guide to Brighton
31st Jan 2019 Travel
In need of a seaside break? A salty-aired vacation may be closer than you think
Although the glitz and glamour of a trip abroad can be tempting, Brighton is a UK city that more than caters for a fun-filled weekend away, with it’s fair share of culture, history and delicious food. Plan out your own getaway with our ultimate guide.
Stay: Blanch House
A Grade II listed town house, Blanch House is perfectly situated in the trendy suburb of Kemp Town, just a short walk from the city centre. Stroll along the beachfront to be greeted by their excellent team, who ensure that no matter is too large for them to assist with.
An intimate 12 rooms, our stay in the Perrier Jouet room couldn’t come with finer recommendation, appointed with sumptuous chaise longue and a bed large enough for a full family.
All building Wi-Fi is complementary, along with Freeview television, bottled water and a roll-top bath. Book directly for the best available rates, and enjoy a complimentary drink upon your arrival.
A short walk from Blanch House is Regency Town House, where you can follow the restoration of the building to its original glory.
Indulge in themed supper clubs that explore the grandeur of the 1800’s upper class, or attend one of their many music recitals and building tours. All proceeds are put straight back into the redevelopment, a true labour of love for all the volunteers and heritage team members.
Speaking of architecture, there are very few buildings in the UK as impressive as The Royal Pavilion. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, each room reveals more and more decadence that requires hours of observation to truly appreciate every detail. Invest in an audio guide for maximum effect, full of fascinating tidbits about George’s life and times.
Located in the same gardens, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is also well worth a visit, not least for it’s though-provoking visiting exhibits. Open until summer 2019 is “Queer Looks”, a display of outfits and oral histories that explore the constructed identities of the LGBTQ+ community with moving affect, as well as “Framing Fashion”, an exploration of African diaspora photography.
Brighton has no shortage of excellent cuisine—this is a city where vegans are catered for with as much diligence as meat eaters, and an elegant bakery is present on nearly every street corner.
For a light bite, Flour Pot Bakery or Small Batch Coffee will do the trick, but be sure to save some room for English’s. The oldest seafood in Brighton (open since 1945), a visit here is pure class, traditional dishes served with an innovative touch. The topsy-turvy Fish Pie is nothing short of perfection, as is their delicate squid with garlic aoili, and their sticky toffee pudding.
If small plates is more your thing, Pabellon is fast making it’s name as the go-to brasserie. Request a chef’s table seat to see the staff in full action—fusing Spanish and East Asian flavours, you’ll be amazed at the deftness with which dishes are prepared. Must-haves from the menu include rabbit and fennel croquettes, soy-blackened cod and black-pudding adorned scallops, all paired with a specialist gin, of course.
Relax: The Treatment Rooms and Theatre Royal Brighton
Feeling a little achey after all that exploring? Preen and pamper at The Treatment Rooms. Book yourself in for an 80-minute rose facial, or go all out with the Swedish massage. Staff are well-trained and highly amenable to specific needs, tailoring your treatment to your personal niggles for serious relief.
To truly top your evening off, nip next door to the Theatre Royal for a night of entertainment. Home to theatre, musicals, comedy and more, there’s always something to enjoy within its regency architecture, as much of a visual treat as the show itself.
