Stylish Brighton rocks: Pearl Lowe explores the city’s antique shops and Regency gem
I have always loved Brighton for its quiet, faded glamour, but now the South Coast resort has noticeably begun smartening itself up.
The Grand Hotel – one of Brighton’s most iconic seafront buildings – has been spearheading the renaissance with a £5million refurbishment. The new look has managed the trick of retaining its seaside ambience while taking it in a much more stylish direction.
Out has gone the old-fashioned chintz and in have come neutral tones and clever use of light.
Dome comforts: The Royal Pavilion, with its sublime Regency architecture
The Grand is now the perfect place for a weekend break by the seaside. My husband Danny’s cousin recently held a 25th wedding anniversary celebration there.
We ate in the restaurant, and the food was unbelievably delicious – especially the fabulous lobster and crab. The restaurant used to be pretty basic but now it’s truly wonderful.
The hotel occupies a stunning position right on the beach and it’s very central. It’s close to the Lanes, which used to be at the heart of the old fishing town. Now this district is an intricate maze of alleyways containing a fabulous mix of shops selling antiques, jewellery and designer clothes.
Also close by is the Royal Pavilion, with its sublime Regency architecture. There are lots of chic new cafes and plenty of great eating places in Brighton, from seafood to gourmet vegetarian.
Shore thing: Pearl Lowe has always loved Brighton
When I was a child, my grandmother used to take me to Brighton. All I can remember now is stopping for fish and chips, followed by a stick of rock. Glorious.
In recent years Brighton has become a very smart place to live – we were hoping to buy a property there but sadly it didn’t work out. The city certainly attracts some A-list celebrities, including DJ Norman Cook and his wife Zoe Ball, comedian and actor Steve Coogan and singer Adele.
There’s also a part of nearby Hove that has been dubbed Millionaires’ Row. I once went to a party there in a very nice house overlooking the beach.
After you have spent the day on the beach, antique-hunting or celebrity-spotting, The Grand Hotel really is the perfect place to return to. It has the most amazing entrance and lobby – think cool marble, real fires, high ceilings and spiral staircases.
But The Grand also boasts many impressive new features. As well as the restaurant, you really have to try the new spa, The Sp@ The Grand.
While the sea air is a restorative in its own right, the spa offers a selection of treatments in luxurious and tranquil surroundings.
Room rates at The Grand Hotel in Brighton start at £139 per night including breakfast. Visit devere-hotels.co.uk or call 0871 222 4684.
