Now that lockdown and our so-called ‘New Normal’ life is coming to an end, I’ve been looking at another trip to Brighton. Not only is it a great place to visit for a mini-break but my brother (the funniest man I’ve ever met and a real tonic to be around) and his family live there. This means we get to catch up with relatives whilst hanging out in a vibrant, buzzing city.
Seaview Rooms at The Grand Hotel
Last time, we stayed at The Grand Hotel , an iconic, glorious and very grand hotel on the Brighton seafront. We were lucky to be upgraded to a deluxe seaview room with a breath-taking view over the beach, sea and the famous Pier. The room had more chairs and sofas than bottoms to sit on them but boy was it lovely to have such a spacious and luxurious bedroom for our stay. The food and staff at The Grand are second-to-none and if you catch them at certain times of the year, their rates are super-competitive. There have been occasions when far lower starred hotels are way more expensive so I always make a point of checking.
Like all holidays I suppose, a visit to Brighton is whatever you make it. Eating freshly-cooked, piping hot, salt and vinegary chips walking down a freezing cold windy sea-front in December is just as much fun as mooching down The Pier in a heatwave eating a ’99! A lot of our holiday memories involve food and drink as you’ve probably noticed by now. The many splendid choices on the breakfast menu at The Grand meant that we were pretty full most of the day so often gave lunch a miss. However by the evening we were ready to explore the vast number of bars and restaurants in the winding lanes and alleyways just behind the sea-front.
Shopping in The Lanes
We always make time for a visit to Merkaba whenever we’re in Brighton. A great ambience and superb cocktails! What’s not to love? The mixologists there are really knowledgeable and it’s as much fun watching them as drinking their concoctions.
Brighton is one of those places where you’re never short of something fun to see or do. Whether you’re into simply sitting in a pavement-cafe people-watching, sight-seeing in places such as The Grand Pavilion or shopping in The Lanes , there’s something to float everyone’s boat. Afternoon Tea in The Grand is another must-do. It’s all about 1920s glamour in a contemporary setting. Sipping one of their perfect cocktails along with the melt-in-your-mouth scones – does it get any better?
Next time I want to make sure we go up the British Airways i360 as I’ve heard there are some pretty fantastic views from up there. The fact there’s a Sky Bar serving bubbly can only add to the occasion! Watch this space……
