Brighton: 10 bars & restaurants

With AIRMIC a matter of days away we thought we’d give you a quick heads-up on where to drink, eat and cavort in Brighton… should you find yourself with a bit of time to kill. Our Creative Director and Brighton resident, Nick Patchitt gives 10 tips – all are between 1 and 10 minute walks form The Brighton Centre.

1. The Grand. An obvious choice, but it takes some beating for an early evening cocktail overlooking the beach. And, it’s literally a minutes walk from The Brighton Centre (turn right as you come out of the Brighton Centre).
2. Hotel Du Vin. I don’t like to recommend chains… but it has a good bar, nice courtyard and does a good cocktail. And, it’s only 5 mins walk from the Brighton Centre (turn left as you come out of the Brighton Centre) on Ship Street.
3. If oysters & champagne are your thing, Riddle & Finns in the Lanes is good quality (even Gordon Ramsay rates it!). They have opened a new bar on the seafront as well. www.riddleandfinns.co.uk
4. If you fancy fish & chips (to soak up all that champagne) there’s only one place to go – The Regency. A 5-minute walk from the Brighton Centre (turn right as you come out of the Brighton Centre).
5. Or, if you fancy some pasta… Jamie’s Italian6. Or, for good Thai food in a easy-going atmosphere, Pho is good value… again on Black Lion Street (see 5 above).
7. If a pint and a game of pool takes your fancy, The Smugglers (on Ship Street – see 2 above) is worth a punt. Don’t expect many suits in here though!
8. More drinking… Further in town (10 mins walk) on the pedestrianised New Road are a few good boozers including The Collonade – stand outside (sun permitting) with a nice view of the Pavilion & gardens.
9. Even more drinking… The Font is worth a visit as it’s not often you drink in a converted 17th Century chapel! Situated in the Lanes – a 10-minute walk. www.fontbrighton.co.uk
10. For any of you crooners out there… Lucky Voice in Black Lion Street (see 5 above) should satisfy your urges! www.luckyvoice.com/bars/brighton