Culinary Delights
A trip to Brighton, the shining city by the sea, would be incomplete without relishing the taste of traditional fish and chips. Finding the best fish and chips in town has always been a subject of energetic discussion. But Bardsley’s of Baker Street, opening its doors in 1926 and standing tall as the oldest establishment in the city, secures a special place in my list with its petite yet enchanting dining area adorned with vintage music hall keepsakes.
I have a penchant for promoting independent eateries, and I am especially fond of Bincho Yakitori, a lively, affordable Japanese faciality just a stone's throw away from the ocean offering an array of small dishes charged with the savoury smokiness of fire cooking. In contrast, a world of flavours awaits at the bustling Open Market. One can find an eclectic mix of cuisine ranging from Korean, Japanese, Greek, Mexican, and Indian to name a few. Paired with a French bakery, a hub for artisan hummus and falafels, and an outlet for handcrafted delicacies such as chocolates and sausage rolls, the market promises an international culinary adventure in one place.
Off the beaten path, to the north of the city center, is a hidden gem called Tilt Kitchen located in Fiveways. This indomitable vegetarian haven serves a variety of delectable cuisines from an open kitchen that's rather compact. Their menu is known for delightful toasties, hefty salads, aromatic soups, and decadent brownies to name just a few.
Motivation behind the discovery
I've spent considerable time honing my observation skills - to not just witness but truly see the extraordinary in the ordinary. It is this very attribute that gives birth to my blog pieces and guidebooks. I take pleasure in unearthing intriguing historical marks hidden in plain sight, such as the captivating ghost sign of the bygone Western hotel, adorning the facade of the Paris House bar on Western Road.
Known for its vibrant artist community, Brighton is brimming with art galleries of all sizes. The unique Fabrica, a former chapel turned gallery space, hosts intriguing contemporary art exhibitions thrice a year. For art enthusiasts looking for more frequent events, the spacious Phoenix Gallery organizes 12 no-cost shows annually, within its hall, it also houses a laid-back coffee bar. Not to be missed are the Artists’ Open Houses events, held biannually in May and November, where exclusive artwork graces the interiors of private residences and studios all over Brighton.
Neighbourhood
Just a stone's throw from the bustling North Laine and a brisk 10-minute walk from the railway station is the tranquil neighborhood of Seven Dials. Unaffected by the city's hustle and bustle, this area is a serene escape, relatively unnoticed despite its proximity to Brighton's centre.
When exploring, you shouldn’t overlook some of Brighton’s unique hidden gems. The enchanting cactus haven, Hi Cacti, greets visitors with its jovial yellow fascia, typically buzzing with plant lovers looking for the perfect succulent to bring home. The stunning Dog and Bone Gallery holds the unique title of being Brighton's most compact gallery, framing art within the confines of two classic, red British telephone boxes – a site you can't miss! Another unmissable curious attraction is Anna’s Museum. Exhibiting an eclectic mix of natural history dioramas and curios, this shop window museum adds a touch of whimsy to your wandering. And if the walking works up a thirst, the finest brew in the vicinity can be found at local favourite, Puck..
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The Vibrancy of Brighton's Nightlife
Set foot in Brighton and it won't take more than 10 minutes of walking to stumble upon a lively club, bar or pub buzzing with activity. Locals and insider's often point to the direction of Jolly Brewer, conveniently situated near London Road station. Run by the hospitable Zack and Matt, this is the kind of tavern where a simple pop-in for a quick drink transcends into newly-formed friendships and timeless memories, ending with the last call.
In Kemp Town, a popular choice is the lively Hand in Hand, where you can indulge in the charmingly peculiar game of "Toad in the Hole". This involves throwing metal discs, curiously dubbed "toads", into slots on a wooden box. Relax with Jazz tunes filling the air every Sunday and taste unique flavors from an array of beers, all fresh from their quaint microbrewery, the Hand Brew Co.
Another of my preferred locations is theDuke of York’s cinema at Preston Circus, housed within an exquisite Edwardian structure, famous for its distinctive roof adorned with a pair of stripey can-can legs. The Duke of York’s holds its head high as it opened its doors to the public in 1910 and is credited as the UK’s oldest surviving cinema purposely built for movie screenings. Unique and timeless, it provides an ideal retreat for film lovers in the area.
The Call of the Outdoors
Brighton, synonymous with its picturesque seafronts and charming piers, provides an astonishing sight of the azure expanses, transforming the city into a haven of blue. The breathtaking panorama from Hollingbury Hillfort, overlooking the cityscape and the seamless merging of the rooftops with the sea at twilight is undoubtedly a sight to behold. Brighton indeed is about the 'blue space', but it has an ace up its sleeve - the verdant contours of the South Downs national park lining its outskirts. When the cityscape starts closing in, stretch your legs and head to these rolling hills for a refreshing tryst with nature. A quick escape is possible into the wilderness, where a brisk, windswept walk or a peaceful discovery of quaint hidden hamlets awaits you.
Streat, fitting comfortably just a 15-minute jaunt from Brighton's heart, beckons irresistibly with its charm – despite its compact size. It makes a nifty starting point for a picturesque journey over the hills and towards Ditchling. But the real allure lies in its secret culinary treasure – an unassuming food box run by Suzy’s Streat Food. This homegrown gem brims with an array of homemade goodies.
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Accommodation Choices
For a tasteful blend of vintage allure and seaside views, my recommendation invariably points to the petite gem known as the Artist Residence hotel. I savoured an unforgettable mini vacation here once, where you can secure accommodation that starts from £105 per night for a double room.
However, there are plenty of other wonderful hotels you can choose from in the area. For example, the Imperial Hotel in Eastbourne at imperial-hotel-bn21-4ah.eastsussex-uk.com offers a classic design paired with modern amenities. With friendly service and comfort-oriented suites, it is a well-liked choice for travelers.
But if you're unsure which hotel to choose, there are numerous Eastbourne hotels at tophotels.com you can look into. The site provides information about different accommodation options, prices, location, and reviews to help you make an informed decision.
If you prefer a place that exudes charm and sophistication, check out Burlington Hotel. With its chic ambiance and welcoming staff, the hotel is sure to make your stay memorable.