One of the many great things about living in London is that it’s so easy to get to so many other wonderful places. Like the stunning seaside town of Brighton. A quick train ride (and I do love a train ride) and you’re in a world of quirky shopping, bracing seaside walks, beach hut posing and of course eating and drinking. It’s become an annual pilgrimage that I excitedly look forward to – here are this year’s highlights. Enjoy.

As well as the classic photo opportunities, there were also snails dotted around the city. Very cute! Here’s the iconic Grand on the seafront, the brightly appealing beach huts and a couple of those sweet little snails welcoming you to Brighton with their snailspace.

Brighton is the perfect meandering city. Just remember to keep your strength up with regular refreshment shops. Like at Grow 40 on the corner of Kensington Gardens which instantly became a favourite when they offered me Bailey’s coffee. Perfect for the recovering from the pelting rain and gale-force winds. It is autumn after all.

We had lunch at the other end of this buzzing road filled with unique shops at the lovely Fatto a Mano. My special pizza was a delight in cheesiness topped with artichokes, olives and pancetta and had one of the best-made crusts I’ve ever had. It’s hard to beat a perfect pizza – and this was perfect!

It’s cocktail o’clock

After exploring the streets in more highly unpleasant weather we found it impossible to walk past the newly opened Ivy in the Lanes. And boy were we pleased we did. It’s quite simply stunning.

And the cocktails! Even reading the menu got us excited. We went for candy floss fizz with fairy floss and prosecco, complemented with rose, lychee, ginger and Havana rum – the pink one topped with candy floss. And the yellow is fresh passion fruit shaken with vanilla-infused vodka and finished with flaming ovenproof rum in a passion fruit shell. Absolutely world class and so beautiful, too. There seem to be Ivy’s popping up everywhere these days but this is one you simply cannot miss.

What’s for dinner

Now here’s a challenge. Picking a restaurant in Brighton for dinner. It can push you over the edge, there’s just too much choice. My latest trick is to use google maps and find the ones I most like the look of that I am staying the closest to. Tonight that meant we headed for The Gingerman.

It’s a tiny, cosy place off a side street with the warmest of welcomes and a mouthwatering menu. My creamiest of Jerusalem artichoke soup was served with a gruyere, Parma ham and truffle mini toastie. An awesome autumn starter and the best ham and cheese toastie ever.

So good I had to show you it up close.

My fish dish was Newhaven landed cod served with the sweetest of crab meat, pineapple, baba ganoush, peanut and a lovely bisque. Wow, such a tasty and exotic mix! And undoubtedly the best cod I’ve eaten this year. A night of bests, how I love that.

Where to stay

Today we stayed at Artists Residence in Regency Square near the seafront. This quirky little place with narrow stairs and corridors has 24 unique rooms. Setting out to improve the business, co-founder Justin advertised for artists to decorate the rooms in return for their board. And he got quite a response. Each room is decorated with incredible original artworks. We stayed in the lovely Bonnie & Clyde.

And here’s the tea and coffee station backed with more amazing pictures.

Artist Residence is a great place to stay. Close to the shops and the seafront, beautifully unique with wonderfully friendly and helpful staff. I suspect I’ll be back.

Time for brunch

That indulgent meal at a time when I never really eat – I love a good brunch. Especially a brunch involving some sort of Benedict. Today I devoured an avocado Benedict at Six. Poached free range organic eggs, avocado and hollandaise sauce on a toasted brioche with extra bacon. The ultimate brunch treat.

I love Brighton more every time I visit. Have you been there? Where are your favourite places to shop, eat and stay? I’d love to hear from you. 

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