TOWNSPOTLIGHT
BRIGHTON & HOVE cont .
Brighton Pavilion British Airways i360 Curry Leaf Cafe Brighton Fringe
Things to Do
Brighton Pavilion Once a hospital for the ‘ limbless men ’ of WWI , the exotic and remarkable Royal Pavilion at Brighton is now a fascinating museum in which you can see the flamboyant interior design tastes of King George IV in the banqueting room , great hall , bedrooms , salon , and much more besides . There are all sorts of temporary exhibitions and displays held here , and this month the grounds play host to a beautiful outdoor ice rink .
Hove Lagoon Whether you ’ re a natural water baby , or you need some persuading to have a paddle , Hove Lagoon has something for you . It ’ s a unique watersports location that caters to both beginners and experts , and since it can be found at the end of the Brighton and Hove promenade , you get to breathe in the fresh sea air en route . With no current or tide , waist-high water , a wide range of lessons and excellent staff , Hove Lagoon is a professional place to learn with a lovely , laid-back charm .
British Airways i360 Take a voyage to the skies and see Sussex like you have never have before . The British Airways i360 is the world ’ s first vertical cable car , in which visitors glide up slowly to 450 feet in a futuristic glass viewing pod to enjoy breathtaking 360 degree views .
Sea Life Centre The Sea Life Centre is open every day , and is right next to the famous pier , so you ’ ll be able to continue the fun after your visit . Here , you will be able to travel back in time to the Jurassic period and learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed the land – feed a plesiosaurus if you dare ! You will also be treated to a huge array of weird , wonderful and beautiful creatures , have the opportunity to touch a starfish , and even find out what it ’ s like in the rainforest . It ’ s a full and fun-packed day for the whole family .
Brighton Dome Brighton Dome is a gorgeous events venue , consisting of the Concert Hall , the Corn Exchange and the Studio Theatre . Thanks to a big push in support of the arts across Sussex in recent years , the Brighton Dome is now an important venue that holds some pretty spectacular shows for those who enjoy music , live drama , talks and more .
Booth Museum of Natural History A true hidden gem , not everyone knows that this wonderfully eccentric place exists , but it should definitely be on your to do list when in Brighton . Free entry gives you unparalleled insight into some of the world ’ s most incredible animals . Once a Victorian collector ’ s private museum , it is now open to all and showcases such diverse items as butterflies , bones , birds , and fossils . The displays are interactive , so hands on learning is encouraged . It may be small but it is perfectly fun .
Dining Out
The Salt Room The Salt Room is a more recent addition to Brighton ’ s restaurant scene , but already it ’ s become a firm favourite with seafood-loving locals . Serving dishes including the ‘ Surf Board ’ - a fresh selection of seafood such as prawns and langoustines ; a South Indian fish burger with green chilli slaw ; and lamb rump with aubergine , yoghurt , and cracked wheat , the menu has as much modern flair as the dining room itself .
Curry Leaf Cafe Colourful , rustic and imbued with a character that ’ s part Indian street stall , part restaurant and part craft beer bar , this original Lanes cafe has put a very modern , yet authentic spin on the experience of eating Indian food . No brown leather chairs , white table cloths or overly formal waiters in sight … just smiling people , good tunes and a small , perfectly formed menu of regional South Indian dishes paired with the city ’ s most extensive range of craft beers .
Food For Friends Although this is a vegetarian restaurant , meat eaters will enjoy Food For Friends too – the quality of food served and the inventive menu will more than make up for a lack of meat or fish - the restaurant has won awards , so the proof really is in the pudding . The ethos behind the food is tasty , affordable , honest cooking , and everything is homemade . What ’ s on the menu ? Dishes include za ' atar battered courgette flower ; confit king oyster mushroom and egg yolk ; and raw mango and cashew cheesecake . There ’ s a great menu for little ones too .
The Jetty In terms of both food and staffing , The Jetty has clearly sourced the best in town and it shows . Serving inventive dishes like octopus , dandelion and seaweed tartare ; classics such as hot or cold ‘ fruits de mer ’; and modern ‘ surf and turf ’ options like ‘ duck and squid ’ – an Asian-inspired combination of flash-fried chilli squid served with duck and a refreshing , crunchy salad , it ’ s an exceptional restaurant in terms of service , food and setting and the next door bar is wonderful too .
Annual Events
Pride // Aug A glorious , life-affirming spectacular fuelled by pride , love and campaigning , Brighton Pride takes place annually to promote equality and diversity , and to advance education to eliminate discrimination against the lesbian , gay , bisexual and transgender ( LGBT ) community .
Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival // May & Aug With local producers , growers , restaurants , bars and food retailers firmly at its heart , The Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival is a showcase of the fantastic food , drink and hospitality to be found in the city and surrounding Sussex .
Brighton Fringe // May / June England ’ s largest arts festival and one of the largest fringe festivals in the world , Brighton Fringe sets out to stimulate , educate and entertain a diverse range of people through a diverse range of art forms .
Top Spot
Brighton Pier is a wonderful place to visit . It is iconic , historic and wonderfully lit up at night too . This Grade II listed structure is a place to enjoy funfair rides , fish and chips on your lap , and an electric atmosphere .
Did You Know ? Brighton has been known by over 40 names in its long history , the first of which – Bristelmestune – was recorded in the Domesday book in 1086 .
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