48 hours in Brighton

A seaside foodie break just an hour from London

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A short hour-long train ride away from London, Brighton is the perfect weekend getaway for some much-needed sea air.

The seaside town has long been lauded for it's proximity to the capital, known for it's cosy pubs on the lanes (where the all ages are welcome and everything is a 5-10 minute walk away), vibrant music scene, and now burgeoning brunch scene; as long as you don't mind wrestling your fish and chips away from hungry seagulls on the pebbled beach, it might just be the perfect mini-break destination.

A sought-after foodie scene has been cropping up over the past few years, seeing inhabitants of the capital flocking to the seaside for a city respite of fresh air and exciting restaurant openings.



Our home-away-from-home for the weekend was Nineteen guesthouse; perfectly located in the Kemp area; a stone's throw from the seafront and Brighton pier. Akin to a bed and breakfast, the guesthouse experience toes the line between that and an AirBnB, with breakfast served in 'the gin room' (best left 'til after sunset when the gin bar is in full swing) by lovely co-owner Dan.


Brighton Gin Bottling Note
Brighton Spirits Co. masterofmalt.com

As you might have guessed, gin is big news here, not just in the guesthouse, but a running theme of the weekend- with Brighton distilled gin featuring heavily on the menus of cocktail bars around the town centre, and gin paraphernalia adorning the walls of our seaside-themed room (good thing we like gin...).


Brunch is best served at Lost In The Lanes (more on that later) or Redroaster in Kemptown; an architectural delight with a distinctly Melbourne vibe (think outstanding and airy avo on toast cafe-cum-restaurants). Bachelor-pad black wall panels and gold exposed framework are softened by a myriad of hanging foliage down the centre of the cafe, and fake trees 'planted' on every corner. The highly Instagrammable bathroom (so I'm informed by staff) features marble countertops and black iron finishings. Expect to find signature dishes like crispy chilli eggs homemade thai sausage or crab and avocado benedict topped with avo mousse and yuzu curd. Grab a seat at the sunlit bar for optimum people watching (and masterful chef-watching).


Away from the open space of Redroaster lies a charming independently-owned cafe tucked away down a cobbled lane, rather unsurprisingly named Lost In The Lanes. Owner Natalie is attentive and friendly, and ushers us to our sunlit table outside the front of the cafe, before we spot a feast of exquisitely baked pastries, quiches, cakes and homemade granola adorning the counter display inside. I defy you not to order a slice of the bulging peanut butter chocolate cake, dig into the overspilling pots of granola displayed, or inhale on of the many healthy, rainbow-coloured acai bowls I see dotted around tables inside the cafe.


We dined at the centrally located Chilli Pickle in the evening - a bright and airy Indian restaurant serving street food-inspired dishes - a local favourite highly recommended by many former Brighton-residing friends. Hoping for an energetic vibe and flavoursome food, it didn't disappoint. Impeccably tasty dishes (inspired by their travels all over India) and great, friendly service is the order of the day here; making it the perfect spot for relaxed Saturday night food and drinks, before heading out to the lanes.


TOP TIP: Ask the staff for the chef-recommended dishes and which wines to pair with the choices - they have an excellent selection of summer wines on offer.


When you think of Brighton, you might not initially think of wellness, despite the year-round access to fresh sea air. But delve a little deeper and there are a few hidden gems hidden in plain sight to help you relax after eating your way round the seaside town. First stop is a massage at Little Jasmine; an adorable beauty parlour located in one of the central squares - opt for a succinct head, neck and shoulder massage (a couple's room is available if you're away with your other half) and re-emerge into the bustling square to scour for hidden gems amongst the many markets and vintage shops dotted around the town.


Or swing by The Grand hotel en route to the British Airways i360 observation tower, located bang on the seafront. Even amongst the mass of seafront buildings, The Grand is instantly recognisable, with it's regal stone structure, and provides a warm retreat from the seagull-flocked pebbled beach. The swish spa is located beneath the ornate hotel lobby, and we're greeted with champagne upon arrival (an excellent start). This time we opt for a luxury mani, complete with heavenly arm massage - using the freshly burned oil from an aromatherapy candle of our choosing. Spa days are available to non-guests, with full access to the sauna, steam room and the best relaxation room I've ever seen - think swing chairs and double beds! The 'Beauty Bay' area of the spa is where we're situated at our manicure stations, alongside dedicated pedicure pods, and walls adorned with every nail colour imaginable.



The tourist attractions of Brighton run far beyond the obligatory circle around the pier eating freshly caught fish and chips (an absolute must, if you can manage to keep the menacing seagulls away), not only are there 360º views of the spectacular coastline from the BA i360 tower observation deck, but the impressive Sea Life aquarium is located, naturally, by the seafront; the perfect place to while away a few rainy hours (as we did on day two).


If you're luckier with the weather, I highly recommend taking the little Volk's electric railway train, running every 15 minutes, for one and a quarter miles along the top of the beach from the Aquarium Station near Brighton Pier to the Marina. The perfect way to see the sea, with enclosed carriages for windier days.


TOP TIP: Sit up front with the driver if you can, not only will you get the best view, but our driver gave us numerous tips on which bars to head to that night, depending on our taste in music/ energy levels.

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