Where:
Brighton, East Sussex
What it has to offer:
A self-proclaimed inclusive, free-thinking city in the heart of Sussex, this is a must-visit for lovers of modern culture, exotic architecture, sea and countryside. With plenty to do for friends, family, dogs and couples it’s the perfect city break location without the hustle and bustle of London streets.
Bursting with independent businesses, events for the arts and pubs & clubs galore, Brighton is the perfect destination to spend 48 hours in. A relaxing swim in the sea can easily be followed by a quality meal in one of the city’s well-loved restaurants and perhaps cocktails and a show to end the night.
Where to stay:
For sheer luxury why not book into Brighton’s very own Artist Residence. Situated on the cusp of Brighton and Hove it’s the perfect hub for your getaway. With gorgeous sea views, each room and apartment are fully equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine, mini bars, TV and radio as well as luxury organic bath products.
The website says ‘If you could condense the spirit of Brighton into one building, this would be it. Creative, bohemian and downright eccentric’.
Stay in the heart of Brighton’s historic Lanes at Hotel du Vin. Inside you’ll find remarkably unique rooms, some with the signature du Vin roll top baths. Housed within a collection of eccentric gothic and mock Tudor buildings are the 49 timelessly styled bedrooms and stunning suites of this Brighton hotel.
If you’re looking for a more tranquil stay in the countryside, in Cuckfield, you’ll find Top 50 Boutique Hotel Ockendon Manor.
The Elizabethan manor has 28 lavishly decorated rooms, a sumptuous spa and an award-winning restaurant all set in eight acres of sprawling grounds that overlook Cuckfield Park. Just 30 minutes from the buzz of Brighton city, this luxurious manor is the perfect place to rest your head after a long day of exploring.
Where to eat:
Serving traditional pub food sourced from Sussex’s finest suppliers in the heart of Hove, The Ginger Pig is a previous Top 50 Gastropubs listee wowing guests with dishes such as Sussex venison, celeriac, spinach and blackberries or squash & ricotta agnolotti, sage butter and pangritata.
Previously a bank, etch. is Masterchef: The Professionals winner Steven Edwards’ flagship restaurant. celebrate local and British produce using weekly changing tasting menus. Showcasing the best of British produce, the restaurant offers 5, 7 or 9-course tasting menus with dishes are created using two main ingredients.
Previous dishes have included line caught sea bream, roasted and poached globe artichokes with a basil and buttermilk split sauce or cured chalk stream trout, beer battered cockles, cockle ketchup & ice cream finished with fresh dill and dill oil
From a pint of locally brewed Harveys, a Ploughman’s lunch or a dirty burger to a glass of Prosecco and a relaxed three course meal with seasonal and local produce. The Chimney House has it all.
Foraged produce is highlighted at this pub with dishes being served with a modern twist on the forgotten flavours of the hedgerows.
Where to drink:
Sustainable and delicious cocktails in stylish surrounding is exactly what you can expect at Gungho!. Using seasonal and British produce and locally foraged ingredients, the bar team create intelligent flavour pairings to make drinks of distinction.
Choose from one of the three menus, ‘revised disco drinks’ where you’ll find the classics (with their own Gungho! twist), ‘seasonal cocktails’ which show off avant-garde creations, or ‘the apothecary’ bursting with soft drinks exploiting powerful plants for hedonistic and beneficial effects.
Wine and cocktails lovers can join in raising a glass at L’Atlelier du Vin. The drinks on offer draw back to the prohibition era of the 20s and 30s, expect clean, innovative and cleverly put together serves.
The wine bar has several locations throughout Brighton all serving exceptional cocktails with extensive wine lists.
The Victoria Bar & Lounge at The Grand is an opportunity to indulge in sheer drinking opulence with signature creations and an ever-changing selection of beautiful cocktails inspired by the colours and flavours of the season.
Local wine flights, champagne, draughts, crafts and bottled beers are also available to enjoy in the luxurious hues of gold and deep blue surroundings of the bar.
Sights to visit:
For a full view of Brighton and beyond, why not take a trip up the famous British Airways i360. You can enjoy 360-degree views of the city on this beachfront attraction and if you’re visiting at the right time, you can enjoy an event up in the sky, from wine tasting to dining.
There is something to do on almost every corner in Brighton and no visit to Brighton is complete without a visit to the Palace Pier, The Lanes, or a simple trip to the beach.
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Events not to miss:
The first weekend in August is dedicated to the UK’s most popular Pride festival in Brighton with tens of thousands of visitors flocking to the city to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Parades, live music, street parties and festivals headlined by some of the world’s biggest names, this event is not to be missed.
Brighton boasts its own Fringe Festival which takes place May-June each year, hosting over 250 performances and events throughout the city. From drag cabarets and karaoke brunches to museums and live music, Brighton is a city that truly embraces the arts.
For a full list of what’s going on throughout the year why not take a look here.
