A Weekend In Brighton
A few weeks ago, Rob and I jumped in the car and drove 4.5 hours in a downwards direction. We ended up in Brighton.
It was actually a planned trip – we’d booked a room at Snooze and dinner at Busby and Wilds. I’d been to Brighton once a couple of years ago, but it was Rob’s first visit and we were both super excited to do some exploring.
We arrived at Snooze – which is in Kemp Town, just outside Brighton city centre – around 3pm and got parked up on the street right outside. I toyed with the idea of booking an AirBnB for our trip but decided to go with a B&B as we needed reliable parking – Snooze offer permits for £9 per night which allow you to park on the street and surrounding areas. Not the cheapest, but it was worth it to know we’d definitely have a space somewhere rather than chancing it!
Snooze is an amazing place – I loved the eclectic style and vintage finds dotted about the place, and breakfast each morning was amazing. Kemp Town is a 10 minute walk from the centre of Brighton so not far out, but there’s plenty to keep you occupied on the doorstep – we loved wandering round the vintage shops and cafes, and had a great night out in the local bars just a couple of minutes from our hotel.
The weather was kind during our stay – bright and sunny with a fresh sea breeze. The kind that makes you feel alive and desperate for fish and chips! Our walk from Kemp Town into central Brighton took us right along the seafront and it was lovely to stroll along the pebble beach and down the pier to look out over the water. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s where I spent my childhood holidays or because wherever you are in the UK you’re never too far from the ocean, but there’s something about the seaside that makes me feel very happy.
The Laines is Brighton’s famous shopping mecca, filled with amazing vintage shops and independent cafes. Rob and I spent ages just pottering about, nipping in and out of these fascinating places and taking it all in. It reminded me of a cooler, ‘alternative’ version of The Shambles in York or like The Corn Exchange in Leeds back in the early 00s, but times 20. With all the piercing shops, Punky Fish clothing and burning incense, my 17 year-old self was in her element.
There’s a real sense of community here, too – shop owners stood outside chatting, market traders played music and the cafes and bars were absolutely heaving with locals and tourists alike. It’s a fantastic place to be and I’ve been daydreaming about opening a shop there ever since…
We had such a brilliant time in Brighton and neither of us wanted to leave. When you spend a bit of time exploring past the stag dos and tourist traps, it’s easy to see why so many people suck up the longer commute into London to live here. Those towering Victorian terraces, the fresh sea air, hot doughnuts on the pier and a cool coffee shop on every corner – what’s not to love? I’m already planning our next trip…
My Brighton Recommendations
For dinner – Busby and Wilds, 8/9 Rock Street
For drinks – Brighton Rocks, 6 Rock Place
For brunch – The New Club, 133/134 Kings Road
For vintage – Snoopers’ Paradise, 7/8 Kensington Gardens
Because you’ve gotta – Brighton Pier, Madeira Drive
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