An Independent Guide to Brighton
An Independent Guide to Brighton
Where to Stay in Brighton
The perfect place to kick off your trip: get your bearings and check into one of the hotels near Brighton’s seafront. We picked three of our favourites to make your choice easier.
ARTIST RESIDENCE
@artistresidencebrighton
This neighbourhood hangout is known for its creative vibe, complete with eclectic rooms, a lively all-day hub to work, eat and drink downstairs and incredible views of the iconic West Pier.\
HOTEL UNA
@hotelunabrighton
A boutique hotel located in the heart of Brighton with a homely atmosphere - sounds perfect, no? From freestanding bathtubs to rooms with private saunas, treat yourself to a luxurious spa break at Hotel Una. \
HOTEL DU VIN
@hotelduvin
If you know your grapes, a stay at Hotel du Vin is a must, where you can enjoy the in-house wine cellar and expand your palette with the hotel’s Sommelier. Wine and dine al fresco under the vine-covered pergola in the hotel’s courtyard in summer, too.
Where to Shop in Brighton
The Brighton Lanes are famed for their wide range of eclectic independent boutiques where you’ll find anything from healing crystals and vinyl to vintage clothing. Make sure to stop by some of the indie boutiques that are a part of the Trouva community while you’re there.
PAPERSMITHS
@paper_smiths
Stationary heads listen up - we’ve found your paradise! From tote bags with a separate compartment for your notebook to bullet journals for your to-do lists, you’ll find everything you need for a more organised life right here.
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DOWSE
@dowsedesign
The curated shelves of this Brighton boutique are a big hit on Instagram, featuring colourful pieces from &klevering, Mr Maria’s cult smiley lamp, the boutique’s own range of bobbin mirrors and much more.
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HOLD
@holdbrighton
At HOLD, everything is hand-picked with a passion for good design in mind. Discover Trouva Icons (link to story) like the Fine Little Day Swimmer Print alongside unique pieces from brands such as Wedgie or Me and Mine.
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ENGLAND AT HOME
@englandathome
England at Home is a bright and colourful collection of gifts and homewares, curated by owners husband and wife duo Bob and Therese England. Their favourite brands include Orla Kiely, Yvonne Ellen, Mr Maria and Seletti.
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LAVENDER ROOM
@lavenderroombrighton
Lavender Room stocks a carefully curated range of clothing, accessories, jewellery, homewares, and gifts. From Outremer’s Vanilla Perfume to Keith Brymer Jones’s ceramics, find your next cult buy right here.
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Where to Eat in Brighton
Brighton is home to some seriously cool foodie hotspots you need to tick off during your visit. From farm-to-table small plates to natural wine and cocktails, get ready to redefine your idea of seaside dining.
PLATEAU
@plateaubrighton
This is the spot any Brighton local has on their list of recommendations - and it is definitely worth the hype. Pick a bottle from their unique wine list and dig into tasty dishes like wild venison pierogi with fermented chilli or smoked cod's roe with zhoug and pickles.
RED SNAPPER
@redsnapperbrighton
Mouthwatering Thai food, BYOB and a buzzy atmosphere - dinner at Red Snapper will surely become a favourite memory from your visit to Brighton.
BOTANIQUE
@botaniquebrighton
Plant based or not, Botanique is a plant-to-plate restaurant with its own indoor vertical farm. The seasonal menu where each dish celebrates a key vegetable in all its glory has made it one of the city's undeniable top spots.
Where to Drink in Brighton
From the best takeaway coffee to private wine tasting sessions, soak up the eclectic vibe of the city at these local-favourite hangouts.
L'ATELIER DU VIN
@latelierduvinbtn
There’s a reason this spot has made it onto the list of the UK’s top 50 cocktail bars - unwind in the cosy setting and order a cocktail inspired by favourite drinks from all around the world.
17GRAMS COFFEE
@17gramscoffee
Speciality coffee, Instagram-worthy to-go cups and delicious pastries - stop at 17Grams if you need a little booster throughout your day of exploring the seaside town.
TEN GREEN BOTTLES
@tgbottles
Whether you head to Ten Green Bottles for one of their private wine tastings, grab a takeaway bottle to drink by the pier or sit down for a glass and some nibbles, this wine bar needs to be on your list.
What to See in Brighton
After you’ve hit the arcades, explored the Pavillion and shopped in the Lanes, it’s time to discover some secret gems or dive into Brighton’s illustrious nightlife.
GREEN DOOR STORE
@greendoorstore
Brighton is famed for its music scene, so booking a gig while you’re in town is almost mandatory. Green Door Store is the iconic venue that’s been host to shows from all your favourite indie acts.
GREAT ESCAPE FESTIVAL(https://greatescapefestival.com)
@greatescapefest
In the mood for a festival this year? Then book your trip to Brighton from 10th-13th May, when the Great Escape Festival returns to the beach. This year the line-up includes Maisie Peters, Arlo Parks and many more.
KEMPTOWN SECRET GARDEN
@secretgardenkt
Want to do something entirely different? Head to this plot of land that is home to a quaint sculpture garden hidden in the centre of Brighton. Also known as the Anthony Dale Sculpture Foundation, the garden was opened to serve the community and promote the craft of sculpture.
