My guide to Brighton: 2015

My Guide to Brighton

This is purely a list of my favourite places in Brighton and only covers places I have experienced since living here for the past 3 years.

Jackson Lloyd-Hitt

July 2015

Restaurants

Kambi’s. Fantastic, cheap Lebanese food. 107 Western Road. Open until midnight, take away or sit down. If you want a quick in and out, they have a kebab station as you near the entrance. The best bit: BYO. Very similar, a few doors down is Taste of Sahara. Slightly “nicer” setting here but think Kambi’s gets it on value. But in both places, it’s all about the mezze really - a platter of starters that could pretty much satisfy any reasonable appetite as a meal in itself.
Lucky Beach. Fact: 99% of places on the seafront, especially around the pier are tourist tat. The culinary equivalent of buying a postcard with a deckchair and some tits on it. Lucky Beach isn’t. They do fabulous burgers and top notch fish and chips; plus sarnies etc. So if the sun is out and you're soaking up the beach vibe yet want to eat well, don't risk it: head here.……or perhaps to the following:
Riddle and Finns. Possibly the best place in England…..subject to: fine weather, for lunch, during the week, if you like seafood and aren’t fussy what you eat….and you get there early enough (from midday) to secure a place outside. With this combo you are in business. Simply amazing value 3 course set menu for £17. Eat here in the evening and it’ll set you back £50 for the same stuff. They also have their original place in The Lanes which has an oyster bar vibe about it.
Food For Friends. Awwww, fweeend, veggie fweeend. Super popular place for meat dodgers. I must say they do make veg, plants and grain almost a work of art. Top location to look cool and heathy sitting at a table window in The Lanes. Prince Albert Street. I’d say for veggie food this is second only to…..
Terre a Terre. People travel from a far to eat here. Pricey (unless you catch a lunch deal) but on another level. I appreciate the way they make a novelette of describing the food on the menu, often then introducing the wonderful creation on arrival at the table.
Moshimo. Sushi, near the Town Hall. Now this place really comes into it’s own if you're a frequent visitor to Brighton. You can join their club which at £12 a year delivers a whopping 50% off the food bill every Monday and Tuesday. Good for you and a friend. Understandably, it’s busy on these days, but even at full price, it’s definitely worth a sniff if you like sushi. Conveyor belt and a la cart.
Plateau. Now, this place is a real treat. It’s slow dining at it gallic best. Aim for the whole evening to relax into it and enjoy some wine at the bar beforehand. Central The Lanes - BN1 1HG
Sixty Four Degrees. Fantastic gourmet tapas in an intimate little venue - chat to the Chef while you eat kind of vibe. New on the scene and obviously putting some effort in. Food designed for sharing and the way forward is to head here as a group of 4 and order everything from the menu! Average of 3 dishes each but you get to try all 12. The menu changes regularly. Meeting House Lane, The Lanes.
The Chilli Pickle. Really incredible Indian food. vast array of stuff, but I love the King Thali for variety on a plate. Worth booking as very popular. Jubilee Street, North Laine.
The Coal Shed. For the best steaks in Brighton. Book in at the weekend. Boyce’s Street, The Lanes.
The Salt Room. A new seafood place from the Coal Shed owners. Next to the Hilton Hotel on the seafront. I haven’t been in the evening, when i imagine you could drop a ton on dinner for 2, but this place is up there with Riddle and Finns for top quality food at ridiculous value for lunch. I think it’s £15 for 3 yummy courses. Feel flash without spending the cash. You won't need a tie but it's got a relatively formal vibe....for Brighton.
The Dorset. The best moules mariniere. Great for lunch and absorbing the street vibe. North Road, North Laine
UniThai. As close as you can get to Bangkok outside Thailand, but without the go go bars and ladyboys. Proper authentic Thai food in a tiny cafe that you get to by walking through the grocery shop. Check timings, a bit random. Church Street, BN3 2FL
L'Eglise Restaurant Francais. 196 Church Road. Warning: This is well into deepest, darkest Hove .....actually. Family run, passionate stuff though. Look out for the chef exchange evening they run occasionally.
Little Bay. This place is worth a mention, not so much for the food (which is more than acceptable) but for the fact that some opera singer will come and holler in your ear whilst you eat! Novelty.
The View. A good option if the sun is out and you want an outdoor spot by the sea but far from the hustle and crowds. Way out west in Hove - BN3 3FA. Decent Persian food together with a more international menu. You might see kitesurfers out in front if it’s windy. Food often also available at a discount on “Tablepouncer”. Check out the website which offers deals on several restaurants around Brighton.
I do love a good value set lunch menu. If you want to eat well and cheap during the week, try: Bellagio (Palmeira square), English’s (an institution in the Lanes), Kenzi (you’re into Hove actually now my dear), Sushi Garden (the best bet of the myriad of restaurants on Preston Street). Plus many more!

Quick Grub

Burger Bros. North Road in The Laines. Quite simply the best burgers ever. Simple place, hardly any seats, random service. Extraordinary burgers.
Beach BBQ. Your best bet on the seafront if you're after a more expeditious bite to eat.... but don't let that lower your expectations of the sophistication on offer: Try a bacon and chocolate butty or ginger infused pig cheeks. Run by the lovely Kieron and Tamsin, masters of the sous vide method of cooking. Find them on the seafront between the palace pier and the wheel
Iydea. I have been here more times than any other place in Brighton and don't know what I'd do without it. Cook I suppose but then why would you when this is just next door!? Conveniently serves the most nutritious, fresh, locally sourced, organic, thrifty food for miles (if not continents) around. Vegetarian. Be in and out in 2 minutes or pay a quid extra and dine in. Choose a hot main and then either 2 hot or cold sides to go with….or 4 if you go large, followed by a couple of toppings/dips. My motto: Go large or go home. Top tip, go between 9 and 10pm for super value food boxed up before they close…..or if you’re a real cheap skate, just after 10pm when they put it on the street for free! 105 Western Road, BN1 2AA. Also have a smaller place on Kensington Gardens, North Laine.
Fil Fil (Gardner Street) or We Love Falafel (Sydney Street) in North Laine if you love that kinda chickpea vibe.
La Choza. Solid Mexican grub in the middle of North Laine. Nice area to sit outside in the road and watch the weirdos - i mean world - go by. Gloucester Road.
The Pump Room. In an enviable position by the “show off courts” - i.e.the central council run beach volleyball court and basketball court next door - this friendly hole in the wall cafe will keep you refreshed whilst you watch the matches.
Foodilic. 2 choices: If you are hungry, head to the North Street branch. They have an all you can buffet for about £7!! Meat too. Communal seating style. The Western Road branch is a little less chaotic and good for a healthy take out too. Top tip - go there at 7.30pm (half hour before closing) to grab all the leftovers at 50% off. Less pikey than it sounds!
Pizzaface. Get proper authentic Italian style pizza delivered to the door. Order on-line at www.pizzafacepizza.co.uk
Pompoko. Great if you are pushed for time before a trip to the theatre....as you do. Very cheap, very quick, with a communal atmosphere. You won’t look out of place turning up on your own here even at peak diner time. Japanese but not sushi so much. Church Street, in the thick of things
Bardsley’s Fish and Chips. Not gracing a corner of town that you’d want to linger in especially, but possibly the best traditional chippy in town. They’d still wrap them up in newspaper if they were allowed to. My very first meal on moving to Brighton so holds a soft spot.
My Juice. One for all you health fans, a new place that advocates anything juiced. Conveniently just around the corner from me at 17 Montpelier Place. They use the cold press method which traps all the goodness in and means they keep for home use too.
Grocer and Grain. Very convenient if you're coming into or out of the station; just a block south on Surry Street. A good honest traditional grocery / corner shop with lots of healthy options, plus a few naughty treats. If everyone had one of these on their street corner, the world would be a happier place.
Taj supermarket. On the corner of Montpelier and Western road. To enter this place is to be transported to the Middle East. Weird and wonderful fruits abound and Arabic music plays to add to the Persian immersion! If you can't find what you're looking for, there's a Waitrose over the road.

Breakfast

Bandstand. Breakfast from 0830. Good English breaky in a historical bandstand. There is also a little community of dancers who meet here to salsa in the summer evenings.
Billie’s Cafe. 34 Hampton Place, BN1 3DD. Their moto: "For fabulous feel good comfort food”. Proper hangover curing stodge, I’d say. The Hash is a plate just loaded with every carb, fat and meat that your body is craving. Perhaps not the healthiest, but a good challenge. Get there early at a weekend, or just queue for a bit outside.
I do like a Bills breakfast I must say. Now this is a lovely proper job local success story that started in Lewes. They have got popular though and if they have expanded to your high street, probably just go there instead. After all it’s probably the best option you’ve got. The nice thing is you can buy lots of produce here too, all displayed on the walls. Also do lunch and dinner; untested however.
Mange Tout. Yes Rodney, apparently it is French. The best croissants in Brighton and a near perfect coffee too. Sit outside in the sun and people watch on Trafalgar Street. Very near the station. Breaky with a gallic flair. Same owners as Plateau.

Sunday Roast

This cornerstone of British cuisine has become an institution in Brighton as the pubs and restaurants try to outdo each other and declare theirs the best.

Hotel du Vin. One of the most upmarket places in town. I’m sure it’s good (if not cheap) for everything but I can only vouch for the Sunday roast. Wow. Go hungry. It’s 4 courses, one of which is a buffet which you can dominate. £25 for this is good value, especially if you eat like me. Would be a lovely place to stay too. Also do whisky / wine tasting evenings.
The Earth and Stars. Just solid. A good selection of beers. Phone to book! Windsor Street, North Laine. If they’re full, try The Foundry just over the road.
The Bath Arms. Simply amazing slow roasted pork belly. Doesn’t seem to get the Sunday rush like many others. Great location on Meeting House Lane in The Lanes.
Busby and Wilds. 8 Rock Street, Kemp Town. The best I’ve discovered if you find yourself on this side of town.

Pubs

The Lion and Lobster. Your one stop english pub experience. Quite often cited as a favourite watering hole with locals. Just far enough off the main drag to keep the local vibe but well known enough to attract a few out of towners. It’s a proper rabbit warren in there with lots of quiet nooks for a chat or lairy thoroughfares for elbow rubbing and beer spilling. Top food with a late night menu, smarter restaurant vibe area, sun terraces, good selection of beers. And one of the best Sunday Roasts in Brighton. It’s good. But be warned, this previously private enterprise did sell out to a large conglomerate last year and things might change. Sillwood Street, BN1 2PS.
The Mash Tun. Church Street. I like the outdoor summer vibe, right in the heart of the “theatre district”. Yes culture vultures, we do indeed have such a thing. Well more specifically we have an area of town where there exists a theatre…well actually a road really in this area. Yes, we have a road with some pubs near a theatre. Fitzherbets next door is also a good bet.
The Windmill. A great terrace to catch the afternoon sun. Pretty good Sunday Roast too. Upper street.
The Setting Sun. The best pub to go to for....well it's all in the name. Up the hill on Windmill Street, BN2 0GN
The Bristol Bar. Solid choice serving good food. Great after a game of volleyball at Yellowave.
The Basketmakers Arms. On Gloucester Road in the NE of North Laine, you'll find this relaxed cute little pub which just invites you to settle in for a good banter. They have little messages hidden in boxes on the wall. Add your own perhaps!
The Robin Hood. What's not to love about a pub which is also a charity?? Look for the bright blue place on Norfolk Square.
The Temple Bar. Recently refurbished and hosting the delicious (but not cheap) Yellowleaf curry. I love the selection of craft beers, and that it's only a hop over the road from me....on Western Road.
Northern Lights. A proper "only in Brighton" establishment. Threatened with closure but they live on. This is a quirky Scandinavian pub which seems to attract the most eccentric (in a good way!) bunch of patrons. Find it tucked away in little East Street, a lovely respite from the larging it larger boys in the nearby mainstream bars.

Cafes / Coffee

Cafe Coho and Marwood cafe, next door to each other on ship street. Marwood has an interesting interior. Coho is open late several nights a week.
Any Smallbatch is really my cafe of choice though. A local success story (they roast in Hove) and great coffee - guaranteed to blow the cobwebs out. Several branches around the city
Cafe 33. Perfect for diving into whilst mooching around the North Laine. Trafalgar Street. There are many other decent ones around the North Laine. For example Pelicano on Sydney Street.
Taylor Street Baristas. Don't go looking for a street named Taylor anywhere, but if you're near the station this is one of the few places worth venturing to on Queen Street. They even do coffee tasting evenings.
Marmalade. Top choice if you’re over the other side of the city in Kemp Town.
Moksha Caffe. I'd be a thrilled if I lived near this place. Passionately, independently run and so much more than just a coffee stop. Good food, community vibe. On the up and coming York Place, just east of North Laine.
The important thing to remember though is that we have dozens of decent independent cafes dotted around the city. So please, there is no need to have an inferior coffee and line the coffers of a big multinational like Starbucks or Costa. Patronise the locals.
The Guaraná Company. Now here is a cafe with a twist! Instead of a coffee, grab a shot of wheatgrass or an Acaí bowl. And at the same time, stock up on all your favourite weird and wonderful food supplements. This place is pretty special, people order their stuff from all over the country yet we are blessed in Brighton to be able to go in and chat to the staff about remedies and legal highs. Sydney Street, North Laine. Just remember, it’s pronounced gua-ran-A and a-sigh-E!! 😜

Evening

Krafter Comedy Club at Komedia. 2 showings at the weekend. Can get cheap food too. Good fun but obviously can be hit and miss with the stand ups.
Bohemia Grande Cafe. One of the smarter places in what can be a rather dishevelled and casual city on many nights. For when you want to wear a shirt and mix it up with some cougars.
Ten Green Bottles. The very enthusiastic Simon will teach you a thing or 2 about wine. They host a variety of themed wine tasting events; or alternatively arrange a private group with several wines to try and nibbles for about £25pp. Or just head in and use the lovely space just like a bar. Jubilee Street, North Laine
La Cave du Fromage. Similar to the above but with more emphasis on the cheese. Pop in during the day to stock up on all things dairy or have a civilised evening of cheese and wine tastings with lots of education. These events book up early. Western Road, BN3 1AF. Follow your nose
Picture House Cinemas. Here’s a choice: you could go to a large multiplex cinema which stinks of sweaty children and sickly popcorn where you’d be forgiven for thinking some of the noisy patrons believe that they are in pub rather than a cinema. Or, you could go to a cinema where you can actually have a drink, buy some decent food, sit comfortably and watch movies selected for quality often with special guests introducing them. For the latter, look up The Duke of Yorks or Dukes at Komedia.
The Mesmerist. Always a good vibe and an opportunity for a bit of a wiggle to an eclectic mix of music from swing to rock and roll.
Casablancas. Look out for the resident funk and soul band: Oomph. They play Wednesdays and Saturdays and have the floor heaving with high energy covers and lots of style and attitude.
Green Door Store. A real dirty dive of a place tucked away behind the station. Haven’t sold it? Well they do have an awesome resident blues band, Smokestack who play Sunday nights. Don’t expect them on before 11pm though. Funky young things dancing to cool old men. Quite a sight.
My Hotel. A trendy and unusual place to stay; funky, some might say. Each room it’s own style I believe. One floor is entirely pink. The bonus being they have a bar serving excellent cocktails, open to all and next door is Smallbatch coffee.
Tempest Inn. New addition to the seafront esplanade, between the piers. Manages to be lively without lairy. It has an interesting interior, with lots of nooks and crannies (can you have the latter without the former). You might come out a bit dusty though!
If live music is your thing then you're in for a treat in Brighton. There’s always something going on; from the hit and miss open mic nights to big name bands. Bag a copy of the free magazines available at many cafes and bars - “BN1” “Source” or “XYZ”. They all have their own websites too. Amongst the good venues where the acoustics seemed reasonable to me are: Concorde 2, The Brighton Centre, Sticky Mikes.
For performing arts, do check out what's on at The Dome, Theatre Royal, The Old Market
Please note: I don't know a thing about all the big seafront clubs. Also, it is sometimes hard to find a real buzz on a weekday night, unless your of university student vintage.
Now, a warning: We have a "colourful" area of town referred to by some of dubious taste as "The Strip". I prefer the moniker Sludge Street. Officially: West Street. You can't miss it at the weekend, it's where all the half comatose out of towners ooze down to from the station to party with reckless abandon and where very quickly they become fully comatose. A high proportion of hen and stag parties. Messy. But some people like messy so that's fine. I have often thought a good challenge could be to try and get from one end to the other without being either hit on, spat on, puked on or jumped on. Fill your boots.

Active

Yellowave Beachsports on Medeira Drive is simply my favourite place in Brighton. 6 beautiful, sandy beach volleyball courts, a cafe, a yoga/private hire studio, a kids play area. All proudly sitting on a fenced off area of the beach with views of the sea and the old Victorian promenade. With a blue sky and zero wind, there are few places I’d rather be. Halfway towards the marina. I wouldn't bother going the full way.
Skate park at the level. Followed by lunch at the velo cafe - take your bike in to be fixed whilst you eat variations on cauliflower cheese.
Boulder Brighton. Well it’s actually in Portslade - BN41 1XQ. I went once on a rainy day a couple of years ago and got really into the climbing. Just about held off on buying all the gear which was a good decision as I haven’t been since! But that's only testament to all the other fun to be had! Helpful staff who cater for zero experience by running introductions. Call for details. Apparently there is another bouldering place closer to Brighton too.
Dancing. I had some great fun with Brighton Lindy Hoppers - run by Graham and Amanda - on a Monday night in Seven Dials. More details on their website: www.brightonlindyhoppers.co.uk. Recently been trying ceroc on Thursdays at Rali Hall in Hove. Google “ceroc fever”.
Yoga. In a city awash with practices, I’ve tried many studios and teachers and those to particular recommend are: Chris Swaine or his partner Lara (at Yoga Haven. Chris also does private osteopathy), Tsetsy of joyful lotus yoga (above the Mad Hatter cafe on Montpelier Road), Jim Tarren (Brighton Buddhist Centre), Fiona Condie (at King Alfred leisure centre). If you love a good stink, other peoples sweat and feeling like your head is gonna explode then there are a few Bikram Yoga studios around too. If you can find a aerial yoga class in a studio which doesn't stink, please let me know!
Go Karting. North of the city 10 minutes by car is QLeisure. £35 gets you two 15 minute sessions on a arrive and drive basis. I think they have paintball here too.
Cycling: Fantastic mountain biking in the South Downs with especially nice views up on the South Downs Way - SDW. Some single track at Stamner Park. There are some lovely quiet roads for when you want to get the thin tyres and lycra out. Look at the area around the village of Hustpierpoint or challenge yourself with Devils Dyke or Ditchling beacon. For an easy jaunt, the under cliff coastal path to the east of the marina will take you to Rottingdean and the marina can be reached by a cycle path which runs the length of the seafront well into Hove. There is an old velodrome up in Preston Park. Contact Evans or Rayment cycles in town for gear or rideouts. For repairs try the very reasonable priced Velo Vitality on Trafalgar Street. They have some cool bikes for sale too.
There’s a place on the seafront near Lucky Beach where you can hire SUP boards and kayaks.
There is a Brighton surfing community apparently but I’ve never seen a decent wave. For a far more likely chance of riding something on the sea, either wait for a super calm day when the sea is like a pond and contact Richy at Brighton Wakeboard Club - from the marina. Or even better, if you’re lucky enough that it’s blowing a whoolie, give kitesurfing a go. Best bet is low tide to avoid the shore dump. If lessons are needed, then Tam or Karl at www.thekitetrip.co.uk
Every Tuesday evening in the summer at about 7.30 rollerbladers congregate in front of the western pier for a cruise through the city. Sometimes in fancy dress. I've tagged along with my long board and had great fun. There's even a bike towing a big ghetto blaster.
Boot camp style fitness classes on hove lawns are very popular. More fun in the summer but amazingly they run year round rain or shine. Check out Bfit or Spartan Fitness. But the best of the bunch is further west, near the the King Alfred leisure centre: Matt Bartsch at www.riptide.co.uk is the guru of fitness
There are various guided walks you could try. www.onlyinbrigton.co.uk was good fun. Apparently the sewer tour is very popular!

Relax

Massage. My favourite places are: Chutima Therapy (Thai style but also reflexology and other. Joey is seriously strong), Holistic Health Centre (probably best bet for late notice as lots of different therapists here), Revitalise (not just massages, but pilates, yoga and more…..for instance, colonic hydrotherapy). If you don't mind spending a bit more though and fancy something super relaxing head to Uniquely Organic EcoSpa on Church Street, Hove. The owner, Kirsty is a good massage therapist (as I’m sure the others are too). There are these really cute little meditation pods that you can go and chill in afterwards….because let’s face it, after being all zenned out, who wants to be booted straight off the premises to make way for the next client. They also sell lots of goodies - healthy teas and inspirational books etc.
Meditation. The Brighton Buddhist centre has lots of classes and courses, but for a truly lovely setting try Bodhisattva Kadampa Meditation Centre which offers all types of classes, course and retreats. They even have a world peace cafe where you are welcome to drop in for a cuppa.
Hair. Forde Hair on North Street. Horizontal massaging chairs for your pre-wash cut. ‘nough said!
St Ann's Well gardens is a lovely peaceful spot where you can escape the crowds. The popular cafe there does good soup and lovely relaxing peaceful place. Make sure you like kids though outside of school hours!

Shopping

I’m going to single out establishments that are unique to Brighton, but if you are after more common high street chains, then East Street and around is your best bet. Unless you are missing Crawley or particularly want to see muffin tops, tracksuits and screaming matches then it's best to avoid Churchill Square. But then again, some people do seem to love the generic could be anywhere in the world kind of shopping mall vibe. Having said that they do have the only Apple Store for miles around, so if you need some advice with your iDevice, there’s plenty of switched on geeks in here. The whole North Laine Area is brilliant for finding everything you didn't need and nothing that you wanted. Lots of fun, strange and bohemian style shops. The centre of which is the pedestrianised Kensington Gardens.

Beyond Retro. Loads of second hand vintage clothes and trinkets. Eccentric staff. On Vine Street, just off the main drag in North Laine
Brighton and Hove Flea Market. A treasure trove and ever changing mix of furniture, homeware and curiosities. BN2 1JN. There are plenty more antique shops nearby too. Some are rather dear though. Makes a nice trip into Kemptown to explore and find some gems for the home.
Eco Logic Cool. Get it? Fun range of trinkets and homeware all made from recycles materials. You’ve got it now haven’t you? I’ve bought some great presents here: a belt made from bicycle tyres, clocks made from vinyls, tapas plates made from old bottles.
Lavender Room. Just follow your nose into this beautifully presented and very fragrant homeware and gift shop. Bond Street
LBUK. For all your long boarding needs. Kensignton Gardens.
The Wood Store. Unique pieces of furniture and art, handmade from reclaimed wood. Kit out your home whilst also supporting a company (in fact they might be a charity) doing some good in the world. North from the pier, BN2 9DF

Kids

Peter Pan’s Playground, next door to Yellowave is a great one for climbing, slides, ice creams etc. In season you’ll be able to take the electric Volks Railway from the pier.
There’s a decent playground on the seafront near the bottom of Montpelier Road too with a big paddling pool in the summer
Brighton Aquarium - look out for the talks and feeds
Pier - rides, throwing stones etc
brigtontoymuseum.co.uk

Wondering About

The key areas of the city worth a stroll.

The Lanes is a warren of alleyways in the historic old fishing quarter and probably the "cutest" area of the city. Go and get lost in the area south of North street and fringed by west street and the old stein.
Not be confused with North Laine which is the bohemian area to the SE of the station. Great for a wonder around the eccentric shops and for people watching. A decent wonder North to South would take in Sydney Street, Kensington Gardens, Gardener Street and Bond Street.
To the east, Kemp Town has a lovely village feel about it and some great antique shops as well as top cafes and pubs. Upper St James street to St George's road.
To the west, Hove is the more gentrified - some might say boring - sister of unruly Brighton and often the preferred place to chill for those wanting something more civilised and less hectic. It's certainly the place for a more relaxed beach vibe an to escape the hoards in the height of summer. Church Road, in and around the squares of Brunswick and Palmeira is the best area for cafes, restaurants and shops.
The seafront can get a bit hectic and tacky around the palace pier, but away from the tourist crowds and garish hats it makes for a pleasant stroll all the way the esplanade into Hove. The area by the western pier is currently a building site (for the controversial i360 coming soon) which needs circumnavigating but there are some lovely craft stores in the fishermens arches to the west.

Excursions

The Ginger Fox. Very good food but small portions and quite pricey but it certainly ticks the box for fancy pub food in the countryside with a nice drive across downs to get there. Lovely beer garden for sunny day. Note: stop serving at 2pm on weekdays. Part of the same chain, and all recommended are The (Ginger) Pig, Man and Dog.
Devils Dyke. A lovely spot high up on the South Downs and with views to London on a clear day. Cycle up there or catch the bus 77 (which is open top in the summer). There is a pub called The Devils Dyke On the top but for much better food make a walk of it and take in The Shepherd and Dog in Fulking or The Royal Oak in Poynings. They are both pretty little villages and a round trip from the dyke taking in both shouldn't take more than 2 hours (without refreshments).

Other

A good website for general information is www.visitbrighton.com
Visit the various tourists info points around the city for a decent map.
If you're lucky enough to be in town in May then check out The Brighton Festival and Fringe Festival - 2 smorgasbords of theatre, comedy, music, cabaret and more.
For a rainy day, a tour around the Royal Pavilion could be a good option. I actually haven't been inside yet, but at anytime (and particularly in the evening light) it's a lovely place for a wonder and to witness the unusual architecture.

Saturday, 11 July 2015