Monday 25 April 2016

Brighton Rocks

Birthday Girl


It was my 57th birthday on Friday so we decided to take a trip to Brighton for the weekend. Being on a bit of a budget due to forthcoming trips we stayed in a small hotel in Kemp town called The Limehouse with what was described as a room with a sea view but technically turned out to be in my opinion a sea peep. However the room was quirky clean and comfortable and we weren't in it for long spending most of our time wandering, exploring and eating and drinking.
Massive delicious Rhubarb and Ginger Gin

Kemp town is historically known as an actors and artists quarter and is characterised by a network of quirky streets with specialised shops, hotels cafes bars and pubs. The first port of call having checked in and deposited our bags was a little cafe called The Manor which lured us in by advertising speciality gins. Rhubarb and ginger gin with juniper berries and a light lunch of fish cakes and salad hit the spot nicely as we had a meal booked for that evening and it was already past three o'clock.

 That evening we went to La petite Maison. Set in the heart of Brighton's lanes where they focus on serving quality fresh sussex produce. I do remember enjoying my dinner and its accompanying bottle of red, however, I do not have a pic due to too much Gin.

Saturday saw more wandering and exploring the Lanes and more eating and drinking. There were lots of quirky interesting shops to explore and many examples of street art which apparently rival the remains of the Berlin wall for sheer beauty and extraordinary creativity. A reproduction of Banksy's Kissing Coppers is located on Trafalgar street which I stupidly forgot to take a pic of, however here is  selection of some of the art I did remember to photograph.





I found all of the street art fascinating, and the scenes I saw were stunningly beautiful and striking and its apparently all down to the forward thinking of the Green Party Council. During our exploration of the Lanes and North Laine I a came across lots of interesting little shops, below are just a few.
The sewing machine shop (not)
The front, side and rear windows of this shop in East street are entirely filled with an array of antique sewing machines so that at first glance it is impossible to make out what the shop is selling. It actually sells very expensive clothing from The British All Saints Spitalfield brand. The name All Saints was inspired by both the All Saints Road in Notting Hill and 60's TV icon Simon Templar as the Saint. I've had to look this up but I do remember the Saint, perhaps thats why there is a street art version of the Saint.
Gorgeous chocolaterie
Fabulous irregular choice shop window. Having bought a pair of these as my wedding shoes online I was thrilled to find an actual shop in Brighton. Those yellow ones with the red flowers have my name on them, however, I was good and didn't buy a pair.



 Only in Brighton. We could see this chap opposite from our hotel room, it scared me to death until I realised what I was looking at.
Brighton pier

Beach

Brighton wheel
Brighton pavilion

The weather was absolutely bitterly cold but it was a fun birthday weekend.







19 comments:

  1. I was in Brighton on Friday! happy birthday. It's certainly my favourite place to spend birthdays. The hotel looks lovely. Betty

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Betty I love Brighton it's a fab place to wander it was bloody cold and wet on Friday though

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy belated birthday. I've never been to Brighton but it looks as though I'd enjoy it there. I love the mix of quirky shops and that street art is fabulous, there really are some talented people, aren't there?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you would enjoy it. Each time I go there's always something new to see and explore its a fab place.

      Delete
  4. Thanks for stopping by my blog, it is rather weird only wearing one contact isn't it. Saves a bit of money though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I've got used to wearing one now it means I can see distance and close up at the same time. I have an eye test this morning so we will see what the damage is lol

      Delete
  5. I keep adding places on ny UK list and Brighton/Kemp soubds perfect for me. I hope your birthday was special. How soon until your next adventure?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sam we are off to Lille in France on 10th May this is to celebrate my mums bday she's gonna be 86 I'm very proud of her she's amazing. Then on 26th May we fly to Athens for two nights then on to Samos and a few other Greek islands for six weeks. I'm very excited.

      Delete
  6. I reached the same birthday a month ago, but no celebrations as my husband was recovering in hospital after surgery for his broken leg. I've decided that if the Queen can have two birthdays then so can I - I'll have an "official" birthday when he is more mobile!
    Your birthday trip sounds great as do the next two trips you have planned.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Absolutely Willow have your bday when it suits you and your husband is up to making sure it's a good one lol

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love street art, I will have to take a trip up to Brighton!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You will have to visit and not just for the street art its just great fun

      Delete
  9. Happy Birthday, you look amazing.
    And I really did laugh when you said sea peep.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the compliment. Truly a little peep of sea from the corner of the window lol When we checked in the lady said ah yes you have our best room with the sea view, nice room but sea view? not really.

      Delete
  10. The street art in Brighton is fab isn't it!
    Arilx

    ReplyDelete
  11. It is and I don't think I saw half of it. I need to go again and hunt for more.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Happy late birthday! It looks like you had a great weekend, those eating and drinking my way around are the best!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love Brighton - Looking at the pictures you had a lovely time.

    ReplyDelete