Review: Winter break in Brighton
Review: Winter escape in buzzing Brighton
Enjoy a weekend in breezy and fabulous Brighton
Image: Brighton i360
Whilst we are lucky to have a wealth of bars, museums, restaurants and shops on our doorstep in the capital, a change of scene and weekend away is always welcome.
We spent the first official bracing weekend of winter in buzzing Brighton.
Just over an hour’s drive from SW London and with direct trains from Victoria, Brighton is manageable in a day, if you don’t want to make the weekend of it.
But a day doesn’t feel enough to experience all it has to offer.
It was George IV that helped to firmly put Brighton on the map in the 18th century. It’s now famous for its iconic Royal Pavilion and piers, not to mention the futuristic Brighton i360 glass pod, as well as being a diverse and inclusive city with a rich cultural appreciation.
We were welcomed at the imposing, but warm and comfortable Double Tree by Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, which has a prime and central location. This historic hotel, built in the 1890s, still has elements of its stunning 19th century architecture.
With its vast entrance and impressive chandeliers, sweeping marble staircases and wellness centre spa, this hotel is both smart and functional. Homemade warm cookies on arrival, clean and modern bedroom and bathroom- and a breakfast buffet fit for a king. Every combination is available from cooked English breakfast to continental options, and there is a conveniently located underground car park at the hotel.
In the evening, we went to The Salt Rooms which is based in part of the hotel.
It is a popular spot – perhaps because it is known as “Brighton’s finest seafood restaurant”. After dining there, the description really wasn’t far off.
Starting proceedings off with a ginger margarita and fig negroni, things got off to a promising start. We enjoyed the delectable and beautifully presented cocktails whilst we mused the menu.
We went for Devon crab croquettes, and Hamachi sashimi, both were stunning. The sashimi was perfectly flavoured with crème fraiche, chili and sesame seeds and the croquettes came with brown crab aiolo, and mojo verde.
For the main course we enjoyed ash roasted Gilthead bream with green papaya salad and burnt lime, and a tiger prawn coconut curry with chili, mango and snake beans.
The Salt Rooms offer a twist on conventional sea food, with a boldness and brightness to its dishes, without compromising on the quality and cooking of the fish. It was sublime!
To finish we enjoyed an assortment of mini desserts including macaroons, mini battenbergs and a choc- ice with salted caramel and flavourings.
Full, but enthused for more that Brighton had to offer, we crossed the road and ventured up the Brighton i360 viewing tower to travel to a height of 450ft and enjoy its new evening cocktail bar, Seascape.
As the glass pod travelled to height, we were able to enjoy the stunning views of night-time Brighton from a cosy sofa. We watched as the mixologists created an array of wonderful cocktails, including a limited-edition Little Moons cocktail to celebrate the latest Cinnamon Bun flavour. (Brighton has really got cocktails covered!)
One real perk of a trip to Seascape is that once you’ve bought your ticket then you can stay on for as long as you like and really take in the view, it was a fantastic end to the evening.
The next morning Brighton was humming as we strolled along the seafront, with great energy and zest. There were runners, paddle boarders, wild swimmers, padel players and all those taking part in activities didn’t have a hint of reticence at the cold looking sea and rather gloomy sky.
The traditional pier still holds court, but now there are a wealth of coffee shops and exercise arenas that have brightened up the seafront and it has an eclectic and warm feel to it.
If you’re interested in a day away to do some Christmas shopping, then the Hilton is offering a festive afternoon tea throughout December, and Brighton i360 offers ‘Santa in the Sky’ for children.
Our time in Brighton felt brief, but brilliant, the pinnacle being the dining experience at The Salt Rooms, and the views from the Brighton i360.
With so much to offer and discover, this felt like the ideal change of scene to break up the winter or for a festive day out. A blast of sea air is always good for the soul, whatever the season.
Rooms are available from £118 per night in low season November.
