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MAC Brighton - Dining & Drinking
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Brighton could be described as England's answer to Miami Beach (well nearly!). A hang-out for the young and funky, this seaside city provides an equally welcoming environment for families and pensioners.

Not long ago, Brighton was written off as a seedy seaside resort. Not so today. It has an excellent and broad range of restaurants, bars and, for those who still have some energy left, nightclubs playing music to suit all tastes and ages.

The Lanes

Every palate is catered for in Brighton, with the added bonus that everything is within easy reach. The main eating and drinking areas are mainly located in The Lanes, right at the heart of old Brighton. The Lanes are predominantly pedestrian, with a few intersecting roads, and they are your best choice for both daytime shopping as well as evening outings.

Vegetarian Restaurants

The choice of dining ranges from Mexican to Lebanese and everywhere in between, but has a surprising number of extremely good vegetarian restaurants. Terre à Terre has a nationwide reputation as one of the best vegetarian restaurants in the UK. It is fully equipped with all the Conranesque trimmings, but suitably candle lit for a more intimate occasion. Just make sure you book well in advance. This is one of Brighton's most popular restaurants. Equally divine, but infinitely cheaper is the excellent Food For Friends. It is also located in The Lanes, but is more of an informal venue for a night out with your friends - thus the name, presumably.

Just a stone's throw away from The Lanes, is another vegetarian gem: Trogs, part of the small and welcoming family-run hotel the Granville. You can dine in the formal dining room or in the far more laid-back bar area.

Chain-Restaurants

But vegetarians aside, omnivores are also amply catered for in Brighton. Most of the chain-restaurants, found in London and nationwide, are all there: Pizza Express (the American Hot can surely not be beaten), It's Cafe, Brown's and Cafe Pasta are all represented. So you will never feel far from home.

Independent t Restaurants

If what you're looking for are more individual restaurants, you will not be disappointed. Brighton has an interesting selection of both cosy and elegant restaurants. With the increasing popularity of the town and the just-over 40 minute commute from London, new restaurants are springing up all the time. But some of the best choices are well-established and have delighted Brightonians for many years, like English's oyster bar and seafood restaurant. It feels like a throw-back to the turn of the century Parisian dining room, though in a miniature format, and it serves some superb fish and seafood. Definitely a must for fish-lovers looking for a classy dining experience.

Light Snacks

If gourmet dining is not within your budget or taste, why not enjoy some candy floss, fresh doughnuts, and ice cream, all available in large quantities on the city's trademark Brighton Pier. This being the only operative pier out of the two in Brighton, the nearby West Pier undergoing some much-needed re-construction, Brighton Pier is an amusement park all to itself. You don't even have to be under 20 to enjoy it - the rides would probably even make Bruce Willis scream with fear. It is definitely not a venue for gourmets, but fish and chips, beer and meat pies are plentiful.

Brighton Marina

Waterside dining is more elegant at the nearby Brighton Marina, which has a number of small and cosy Italian eateries as well as the towering Jackson's Wharf, where you can both eat and drink whilst watching the yachts glide home after a day of sailing or the sun setting across a gleaming sea. The restaurant itself seems to have decided to provide cuisine to suit everyone's palate, with a menu ranging from pastas, salads and hamburgers to Thai green curries.

Other forms of entertainment to keep you at the Marina include ten-pin bowling at Bowlplex and a vast UGC Cinema duplex. And if it all becomes too much, the summer season sees the Volks Railway drive you along a tiny track back to central Brighton. Just don't look to closely at the strip of beach alongside you - it is a designated Naturist Beach, making the Full Monty seem like a Disney movie. You have been warned!

Nightlife

The choice of nightlife in Brighton is wide and varied. On any night of the week there will be a club night to suit most people including reggae, 70s and 80s, jazz, dance, indie and soul amongst other genres. Most pre-club drinking happens along the seafront on the Kings Road or in the Kings Road Arches right by the beach. Sumo, just off the Kings Road, is one of the latest venues, with a trendy basement bar, which stays open well after the normal pub closing times. It's one of the chicer bars in Brighton. Close to Sumo's is the fabulous Plaza bar and brasserie for the more mature crowd. It is a great choice for a delicious meal, but is equally apt for a quick cocktail.

There are several clubs along West Street, but the real buzz happens at the Kings Road Arches, just across the road and down the stairs onto the beach. It is hugely popular during the day for light snacks accompanied by a pint or two, as it is to the evening when this area really comes to life. The Gemini Beach Bar, amongst others, attracts a lively, and quite bohemian crowd. On second thought, perhaps Brighton is more the UK's answer to seventies San Francisco than Miami. . .







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Bowlplex


Multi-lane 10-pin bowling complex
Marina Way
Brighton Marina
Brighton, East Sussex BN2 5UF
United Kingdom
+44 1273 818 180
http://www.bowlplexuk.com/bowl...
Bowlplex is a complete entertainment complex incorporating 26 bowling lanes, including children's bumper lanes, sports bar and grill, American pool pit, video world and dance floor. The accent is on family fun and the atmosphere is definitely one of chilling out and enjoying a little friendly competition. The late licensed bar serves reasonably palatable food.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Brighton Marina


The UK's biggest yacht harbour
Brighton Marina Village
Brighton BN2 5UF
United Kingdom
+44 (0)1273 69 3636
http://www.brighton-marina.co.uk/
The UK's biggest marina incorporates harbourside bars, cafes and restaurants including the Brighton Pagoda, Bowlplex, a 26-lane bowling alley, UGC Cinema with eight screens, an Asda hypermarket, factory outlet shopping and boat trips. There are regular weekend events here throughout the summer, including French markets, craft fairs and street theatre. The Marina is home to many impressive and expensive yachts. The Undercliff Path begins here, which takes you along the bottom of the chalk cliffs to Saltdean.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Brighton Marina photo by Henry Law
Photo: Henry Law
Brighton Marina photo by Antonina Mamzenko
Photo: Antonina Mamzenko
Brighton Marina photo by kazzimba
Photo: kazzimba
Brighton Marina photo by Cathy Lloyd
Photo: Cathy Lloyd
Brighton Marina photo by cgt
Photo: cgt
Brighton Marina photo by Lee Walton
Photo: Lee Walton
Brighton Marina photo by David Tanser
Photo: David Tanser
Brighton Marina photo by A Walker
Photo: A Walker
Brighton Marina photo by Lucas Arruda
Photo: Lucas Arruda
Brighton Marina photo by Chelsea Blue
Photo: Chelsea Blue
Brighton Marina photo by Dave_Sim
Photo: Dave_Sim
Brighton Marina photo by Nigel Hudson
Photo: Nigel Hudson
Brighton Marina photo by wainsworth@rogers.com
Photo: wainsworth@rogers.com
Brighton Marina photo by Graham Hamilton
Photo: Graham Hamilton
Brighton Marina photo by jamsb512
Photo: jamsb512
Brighton Marina photo by Alexis Cabrera
Photo: Alexis Cabrera
Brighton Marina photo by PurpleProbe
Photo: PurpleProbe
Brighton Marina photo by tony
Photo: tony
Brighton Marina photo by Kerrie Finch
Photo: Kerrie Finch
Brighton Marina photo by Stuart Pinfold
Photo: Stuart Pinfold
Brighton Marina photo by Martin Kokeš
Photo: Martin Kokeš
Brighton Marina photo by rogerthemoose
Photo: rogerthemoose
Brighton Marina photo by Abhishek Sharma
Photo: Abhishek Sharma
Brighton Marina photo by Phil Snelling
Photo: Phil Snelling
Brighton Marina photo by jenny sanderson
Photo: jenny sanderson
Brighton Marina photo by cah44
Photo: cah44
Brighton Marina photo by .:Caro Urrego:.
Photo: .:Caro Urrego:.
Brighton Marina photo by BasL
Photo: BasL
 

 
Browns Restaurant & Bar


Colonial chic
3/4 Duke St
The Lanes
Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1AH
United Kingdom
+44 1273 32 3501
http://www.browns-restaurant.com
Browns has been a favourite local restaurant for well over ten years - its eclectic well-presented food and relaxed atmosphere continues to pull in the crowds. The decor at Browns creates a fresh and exclusive feel. Light wooden floors and pale walls are separated by a generous interjection of palm trees that takes its diners back to the colonial era. One thing about Browns is that you can always rely on the menu to include some good staple pasta, salad and meat-dishes. Prices for main courses tend to hover around the £10 level, but servings are generous, often making a starter superfluous. Service is attentive and friendly, although some of the waiters can get a little stressed during the busy periods.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
English's


Glorious fish
29-31, East Street
(The Lanes)
Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1HL
United Kingdom
+44 1273 32 7980
http://www.englishs.co.uk
Set at the edge of a quaint square in The Lanes, this could well be a contender for the best Brighton restaurant. If a full blown gourmet meal is not your preferred choice, the small but stylish oyster bar, annexed to the restaurant, has space at the counter for about six diners. The menu is rather traditional with Dover sole, Grilled Tuna and lobster high on the list. The quality is excellent and the service attentive, making the whole dining experience a real joy.

Review © 2007, Wcities
English's photo by Nick
Photo: Nick
English's photo by Louise Lindgard
Photo: Louise Lindgard
 

 
Food For Friends


Feasts for friends
17-18 Prince Albert St
The Lanes
Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1HF
United Kingdom
+44 1273 20 2310
http://www.foodforfriends.com
This locals' favourite restaurant has an airy feel from the many tall windows and bright, green walls. Parents can rest assured that children are most welcome in this warm and friendly find. They have an excellent self-service selection of pick 'n' mix salads, bakes, pasta and rice dishes, and a collection of roasted/stuffed/fried vegetables of all kinds. The food here is exclusively vegetarian and vegan, and if you have diabetes, an allergy, or are on a gluten-free diet, then there's something on the menu for you. There is a healthy selection of organic wines, beers, ciders and soft drinks.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Food For Friends photo by Amanda Kay Riley
Photo: Amanda Kay Riley
Food For Friends photo by Lori Amor
Photo: Lori Amor
 

 
Gemini Beach Bar


Beach party time
127-132 King's Road Arches
Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2FN
United Kingdom
Set under the Arches right next to the beach, Gemini's is one of the many bars/clubs jostling for attention from large groups of twenty-something students and party crowds that congregate in Brighton each weekend. Like many of its local counterparts, Gemini's is all about garage and hard house - so if your cup of tea edges more towards disco - look elsewhere! Bottled beers and ready-mixed alcoholic drinks are most popular with the clientele - presumably as dancing with a glass of wine or pint of beer requires much better balancing skills. Snacks are also available for the hungry party-goer. Prices are reasonable and in line with most of the competition, with bottled beers just over the £2-mark.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Granville Hotel


A home from home
124 Kings Rd
Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2FA
United Kingdom
+44 1273 32 6302
http://www.granvillehotel.co.uk
Just a few yards down the road from the luxurious The Grand, lies the far more individual Granville Hotel. Expect a warm welcome, whether it be from the owners or from their very cute cat and dog. Each room is individually designed, with the Balcony Room at the front of the building being the epitome of luxury, fully fitted with a jacuzzi bath. The service is discreet (so discreet you often have to go down to the bar to pick up your own drinks!) and all adds up to a relaxing stay in this vibrant city.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Granville Hotel photo by jenny jenny
Photo: jenny jenny
 

 
Lanes


Picturesque heart of old Brighton
East Street
Brighton
United Kingdom
+44 (0)1273 29 2589 (Tourist Information)
This series of narrow alleys and cobbled streets make up the oldest and most historic part of Brighton. One of Brighton's most popular attractions, The Lanes are where you can wander, window-shop and watch the buskers, enjoy a meal in one of the many bistros, cafes and restaurants, or have a drink in one of the excellent pubs in the area. It is also famous for its antique and jewellery shops, as well as a number of fashionable clothes shops.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Pizza Express


Pizzas with pazzaz
22 Prince Albert Street
The Lanes
Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1HF
United Kingdom
+44 1273 32 3205
http://www.pizzaexpress.co.uk
A firm favourite across the whole country, Pizza Express always satisfies and rarely disappoints. If the comfort of a nationwide chain, but with plenty of individuality is for you, look no further. The decor is sleek and chic, with clean modern lines throughout. Despite dark flooring; the strategic lighting and bright touches gives the interior a warm, but elegant feel. In some branches (Hove), the pizzas are prepared and cooked in an open plan kitchen so you can see what is going on. As far as clientele goes, it attracts just about everyone but seems particularly popular with the younger generation. My personal favourite is the American Hot, fabulous succulent pepperoni, with a beautifully crisp base. Add a drizzle of their spicy oils and hey presto! Of course, the selection of Italian and French wines will help to put out the heat. The branch at Church Road, Hove, has jazz music sessions at 7:30p every Tuesday.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Sumo


Late Night Lounge
9-12 Middle St
The Lanes
Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1AL
United Kingdom
+44 1273 74 9465
Sumo is another one of Brighton's trendy bars and with its futuristic decor, weekend DJs and garage music, it's unlikely to disappoint. The walls are gunpowder grey, the spiky walls orange and the furnishing white. The ground floor houses an Internet cafe with ISDN terminals and printing facilities. Internet access costs approximately £2 per hour to customers using the bar. There are also two Playstation consoles should you wish to shoot some baddies.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Sumo photo by Gavin
Photo: Gavin
Sumo photo by Holly Erskine
Photo: Holly Erskine
 

 
Terre a Terre


Fantastic meatless dishes
71 East Street
Brighton BN1 1HQ
United Kingdom
+44 (0)1273 72 9051
http://www.terreaterre.co.uk
This vegetarian restaurant has achieved national acclaim for its fine cuisine. Unlike many vegetarian restaurants, Terre a Terre presents dishes that are made with a light, sophisticated touch. The decor is chic and modern, but takes on an altogether more romantic tone with candles and dimmed lighting in the evening. The food is simply superb—it is beautifully presented, the Twice Baked Camembert Soufflé is divine. This is a deservedly popular restaurant. Be sure to book in advance.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Terre a Terre photo by Gail Durbin
Photo: Gail Durbin
Terre a Terre photo by ecoescape
Photo: ecoescape
Terre a Terre photo by backward square leg
Photo: backward square leg
Terre a Terre photo by Amelia Torode
Photo: Amelia Torode
Terre a Terre photo by Kevin Bennett
Photo: Kevin Bennett
 

 
The Lanes


Brighton
United Kingdom
From the Clock Tower turn east down, confusingly, North Street. A short way down is Ship Street on the right. This is a good place to enter The Lanes area. Packed with bars, restaurants and shops, all I can say here is explore - there is too much good stuff to mention. Don't miss the Cricketer's pub, Food for Friends and Terre a Terre veggie restaurants and Casablanca nightclub.

Review © 2007, Wcities
The Lanes photo by Christine Ng
Photo: Christine Ng
The Lanes photo by Mary Gerard
Photo: Mary Gerard
The Lanes photo by Ian-S
Photo: Ian-S
The Lanes photo by Spike Padley
Photo: Spike Padley
The Lanes photo by aethendas
Photo: aethendas
The Lanes photo by Dan M
Photo: Dan M
The Lanes photo by Vanessa
Photo: Vanessa
The Lanes photo by Dawn Bailey
Photo: Dawn Bailey
The Lanes photo by Miss Sarah Storer
Photo: Miss Sarah Storer
The Lanes photo by HIAB-X
Photo: HIAB-X
The Lanes photo by NEWCagneyandLacey
Photo: NEWCagneyandLacey
The Lanes photo by Heather Roberts LRPS
Photo: Heather Roberts LRPS
The Lanes photo by aaronabend
Photo: aaronabend
The Lanes photo by Wayne Gao
Photo: Wayne Gao
The Lanes photo by Trisna Theijs
Photo: Trisna Theijs
The Lanes photo by Abby Thompson
Photo: Abby Thompson
 

 
UGC Cinema


Marina cinema multiplex
Marina Village
Brighton Marina
Brighton, East Sussex BN2 5UF
United Kingdom
+44 0871 200 2000
http://www.ugccinemas.co.uk
A giant beast of a multiplex out in Brighton Marina. This frankly ugly building is where you can come and see all your favourite Hollywood blockbusters. The place has the added advantage of showing films at the civilised hour of 9pm-9.30pm giving you a chance to get dressed up or down depending on the film. Tickets £5 upwards. See local press for details of films being shown or call the cinema. Call for programme details.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Volks Railway


Britain's first electric railway
285 Madeira Drive
Brighton BN2 1EN
United Kingdom
+44 1273 29 2718 / +44 (0)1273 68 1061
Built and opened in 1883 by local inventor Magnus Volk, this was the first public electric railway in the UK. It runs from Brighton Pier to Black Rock, near Brighton Marina, considerably more than its original quarter-mile journey. The track is right next to the beach and it is a lovely little ride along the seafront in open-sided carriages. A long running and ever popular attraction.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Volks Railway photo by Les Chatfield
Photo: Les Chatfield
Volks Railway photo by Henry Law
Photo: Henry Law
Volks Railway photo by Nikki Acott
Photo: Nikki Acott
Volks Railway photo by Stuart Boreham
Photo: Stuart Boreham
Volks Railway photo by 5olly
Photo: 5olly
Volks Railway photo by Tim Baker
Photo: Tim Baker
Volks Railway photo by roweeena
Photo: roweeena
Volks Railway photo by Stephen Cannon
Photo: Stephen Cannon
Volks Railway photo by Green Explorer - away from the PC for a while
Photo: Green Explorer - away from the PC for a while
Volks Railway photo by Clarissa Carim
Photo: Clarissa Carim
Volks Railway photo by James Gardner
Photo: James Gardner
Volks Railway photo by moluki
Photo: moluki
Volks Railway photo by Charlotte Saunders
Photo: Charlotte Saunders
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Brighton - Dining & Drinking"
Brighton
Brighton - Historical Background
Brighton - Neighborhood Guide
Brighton - Where to Stay
Brighton - Art & Entertainment

Other nearby cities:
London (79 miles)
Southampton (88 miles)
Oxford (128 miles)
Cambridge (155 miles)
Bath (165 miles)
Bristol (185 miles)
Birmingham (221 miles)
Cardiff (227 miles)
Paris (273 miles)
Plymouth (287 miles)

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