Brighton is the best. Of course I massively biased due to the fact that I’m a Brighton gal born and bred and have lived here for the majority of my life. When people ask why we moved back I answer that it’s mainly my Mum’s insane homemade cake repertoire that lured us down, but it’s also because Brighton is a haven for independent shops, bars and restaurants. It’s basically a mini London, by the seaside, with a bit less smog and a bit more wind sea breeze.
In case you’re heading here soon for a slice of summer action, I thought I’d put together my ideal itinerary that can be squeezed into 24 hours. Fellow locals – feel free to add your own recommendations in the comments. Let the Brighton love-in commence…
MORNING: Once you arrive in Brighton, I’d recommend heading back west along Western Road into the Hove-side of town. It’s probably about a 25 minute walk from the main shopping centre, Churchill Square or a 5 minute bus journey, but it’s well worth it to have breakfast at I Gigi. If you can’t make it in time for breakfast then head there for lunch. Downstairs is an interiors store that’s basically an Instagram dream and upstairs is a small, but sweet cafe where the waitresses rustle up the food on the kitchenette beside you. If you’re still peckish afterwards I recommend dropping by 42 Juice at SIX and picking up a smoothie, before dropping down to the seafront and taking in the view of the beach huts and the sea and walking back into town.
NOON: After all that walking (it’s probably a good 30 minute walk back to the centre of things), I’d suggest a wander round the North Laines (Bond Street, Gardner Street, Kensington Gardens) before settling down at one of the umpteen cafes you’ll pass for some lunch. I love The Flour Pot Bakery on Sydney Street, but Hells Kitchen do great salads and you can’t go wrong with any of the branches of Cafe Coho.
AFTERNOON: Tourist time! If you’re feeling like braving the crowds, the Pier is always a laugh (just beware of the hangry seagulls) – plus I do love a good play on a 2p machine. However, the tour around the Royal Pavilion (the building that looks like a mini Taj Mahal) is one of the best things I’ve done in Brighton. It’s well worth the money and don’t forget to pick up the audio tour. I can highly recommend it. Of course it would be rude to come to Brighton and not have an ice cream and trust me when I say that Boho Gelato is your best pick. It’s always busy, but they specialise in unusual flavours and for a taste of the Jam Doughnut ice cream, you won’t mind hanging around for 10 minutes. Shopping-wise there are all the usual suspects, but I recommend popping your head into Abode, which is one of my favourite homeware shops and Our Daily Edit, which stocks some pretty cool clothing, accessories and beauty bits.
EVENING: For dinner suggestions there are too many things to list here, so instead I’ll direct you to this post, though I must say that Fatto a Mano is probably my favourite place. I would eat there everyday if I could. Though the North & South Laines are where you want to head if you’re after some drinks. I could pretend that I know all the cool places to go after hours but I’m a complete Grannie so you’ll have to head to Google/the comments for that one. In terms of sleeping arrangements I don’t have too many hotel recommendations off the top of my head given that I already have a bed nearby, although I do hear amazing things about the Artist Residence. It seems to be a bit of a blogger fave and has rave reviews on TripAdvisor.
THE MORNING AFTER: If you do stay at Artist Residence then The New Club is just a short walk down the road and does a fab brunch. If you’re in a rush however, then grab a Bagelman at Brighton station. It’s practically a Brighton tradition and for good reason. Just prepare yourself for some envious looks on the train. ENJOY!
Photos by Lauren Shipley
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