BATTLE OF THE NATIONS: My perfect weekend in Brighton
I’ve always had a huge place in my heart for my hometown of Brighton. I wasn’t born here, but I moved here as soon as I was old enough and have just kept on gravitating back every time I’ve moved away. There really is no other place like it. When the lovely people from Hotel Reservation Service (HRS) got in touch telling me they were running a ‘Battle of the Nations’ competition, I just knew I had to enter and tell you all why I think Brighton is the perfect place for a weekend away.
Brighton is one of the most hip, happening and buzzing cities in the UK – there literally is so much you could do. If I could plan a perfect weekend break in my home town, this is would be my ideal itinerary…
Lunch – Choccywoccydoodah Bar Du Chocolat Start the weekend with a sugar rush! The famous Chocccywoccydoodah shop has now opened a cafe, known as the Bar Du Chocolat – where you can indulge in lavishly decorated cakes and chocolates to your hearts content. You can’t leave without browsing the store to see their fantastically unique cake creations and chocolate masterpieces.
Take a stroll through the North Laines
Strolling through the North Laines on a summers day is one of my favourite pastimes – bouncing into the quaint boutiques, vintage stores and bars along the way. Snoopers Paradise is one of Brighton’s most famous stores – a treasure-trove of vintage delights, bric-a-brac and more. You could spend all day in there and are bound to come out with something unusual!
Sunset at the West Pier
As the sun starts to set, head down to the beautiful seafront to see the sun setting behind the West Pier. Originally built in 1866, the burnt remains are one of Brighton’s most iconic sights.
Evening – Terre à Terre
Brighton is the vegetarian capital of the UK, so when in Brighton – eat veggie! The award winning vegetarian restaurant, Terre à Terre serves vegetarian food like no other, you are in for a culinary treat from start to finish. World-cuisine with a modern twist, an eclectic blend of flavours, textures and ingredients second to none, this takes vegetarian dining to another level.
Cocktails at Shuffle Bar
Finish your evening with a cocktail or two at the new Shuffle bar, a unique new cocktail bar in town where you chose your cocktail and the evenings soundtrack, by accessing the Shuffle jukebox and digitally selecting songs to be played using your own iPod or smartphone.
For the perfect Brighton experience, the Hotel Pelirocco is the place to stay, ‘England’s most Rock ‘n’ Roll hotel’ has 19 rooms, each with it’s own unique theme. From Dolly Parton’s Country Cabin to Lord Vader’s Quarters, there is a room for every taste. If you are feeling more naughty, there is even a room called ‘Krakens Lair’ with an 8ft circular bed, mirrored ceiling, and plunge bath – ooh la la!
After a lazy morning, head to Bill’s for brunch. A former bus depot, this contemporary eatery is fun, funky and serves the most delicious brunches in town. With the Sunday papers in hand you can sip coffee and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere Bill’s has to offer. Bill’s is also stocked to the rafters with organic, local produce – you can’t leave without buying something too!
Brighton Pavilion
You can’t miss the stunning Brighton Pavilion in the centre of town. Built in 1787 for Prince Regent, it promises an exotic oriental experience both on the inside and outside. The Royal Palace is a must to soak up history and a relaxing stroll around the beautiful gardens.
Pier and Seafront
No trip to Brighton is complete without a visit to the famous Palace Pier, either to play in the arcades on the 2p machines or ride the roller coasters – or you could just gaze back at the beautiful view of Brighton seafront in all it’s glory.
Bent Double at the Komedia
Bent Double is the perfect way to round off a great weekend. Whilst being quintessentially Brighton, the resident MC Zoe Lyons skilfully pokes fun at ‘oh-so trendy’ Brighton, in a way that bridges the Brighton vibe with mainstream comedy. On the first weekend of every month, the Komedia Brighton plays host to an alternative comedy night that regularly draws well respected circuit comedians to brave the rail bus replacement service on a Sunday evening to tread the boards at the recently refurbished and stylish venue. At a mere £12.00 a ticket and reasonably priced beer on tap – its a fun, cheap and perfect night out to round off the weekend in Brighton, the English Riviera!
