Issue 157

UK City Guide: Brighton

08th October 2007

Voted Britain's new Style Capital by Elle Magazine and recently scooping the award for Green Capital of Britain, with it's eco-friendly Tuc Tucs and low-emission buses, Brighton is one of the most modern, up-and-coming, forward-thinking cities in the UK, if not the world. It blends Victorian architecture with Twenty First Century design, and hippies with nu-ravers, to form an image-conscious but laid-back city where anyone will instantly feel accepted and at home.

Less than an hour by train from England's Capital, Brighton is a popular day-trip for Londoners, due to it's large pebble beach, stretching between Palace pier, crammed with amusement arcades and funfair rides, and West Pier, which famously burnt down in 2003, where a new landmark designed by London Eye architects is shortly to begin construction. The Lanes, once the heart of the old fishing town, are one of Brighton's most endearing features - a historic maze of cobbled alleyways, boutique shops and hidden squares, bursting with restaurants and atmosphere. At the end of each winding street, you can glimpse the winking blue of the ocean.

For historians, the Royal Pavilion, dating from the 1800's, is a must-see for it's Oriental interior. On the other end of the scale, located in Kemptown, there is a nudist beach for all you naturists out there.

Brighton beach has recently been awarded Blue Flag status, certifying its cleanliness. There are plenty of souvenir shops and craft stalls all along the seafront along with Brighton Sea Life Centre, home to sting rays, sharks and turtles.

Not to be missed if you're a chocoholic is Choccywoccydoodah, a chocolate shop on 24 Duke Street, and a café on 27 Middle Street in the lanes where you can drool over the impressive cake sculptures and feast on their infamous chocolate cake. Visit choccywoccydoodah.com.

There's always something going on in Brighton. Each year, at the end of August, Brighton Pride takes over the city with many special events and a great atmosphere. Brighton Festival returns in 2008 from 3rd to 25th May, with an array of theatre, dance and music events, writer's workshops and various performances by all genres of artists across the city. Visit www.brightonfestival.org to be alerted as and when new acts are announced.

Brighton Comedy Festival from 4th until 21st October sees Frankie Boyle, Simon Amstell and Jimmy Carr unleash their wit on the City. Go to Paramountcomedyfestival.com for the full line-up. Brighton Early Music Festival from 6th until 28th October showcases World, Jazz and Folk music from the past 1000 years. Taking place in pubs, theatres and churches across Brighton, find out more at Bremf.org.uk.

Brighton's top comedy club, Komedia, plays host to top comedians such as Russell Howard, along with local talent. The club, situated in the heart of Brighton's North Laine, with it's own bar and restaurant, also offers jazz, world music and theatre productions. A must-visit. Check out www.komedia.co.uk for listings.

The Burning of the Clocks Parade takes place every year on December 21st, incorporating a parade of lanterns right through the city, a bonfire and a pyrotechnic display.

Brighton boasts one of the most eclectic nightlife scenes in the South. The city's bars and clubs are secondary only to London. Top DJ's regularly play at The Honey Club, down on the beach front - Number 14 in DJ Magazine's World's top 100 nightclubs. Concorde 2 on Madeira Drive is another club popular with trance lovers and also runs live music nights introducing emerging and established rock bands. Check out www.visitbrighton.com for the official online guide.

Alternatively, Brighton boasts plenty of Gay Bars such as Religion and Revenge. RealBrighton.com is a great website to check out.

Kate Fletcher