WHY A WEEKEND IN BRIGHTON IS BEST SPENT AT THE GRAND HOTEL

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Brighton has enormous potential at any time of year. If you’re looking for inspiration for a windy winter break, where you can take a brisk stroll on the Downs or you’d prefer to experience the fresh, bracing air of the English Channel; perhaps you’d prefer to cosy up in front of a log fire with a mug of hot chocolate after watching this season’s blockbuster ‘Wonka’ at one of the arthouse cinemas, or go Christmas shopping in the North Laine’s boutique shops that span from Bond St to Kensington Gardens and Sydney Street. Boasting a carnival-like atmosphere at weekends, the roads and pavements are filled with cafe tables along with an abundance of vintage and independent stores. Whereas the intricate South Lanes are a maze of teeny shop fronts, many selling antique jewellery.

This is a place synonymous with Graham Greene’s underworld novel Brighton Rock and, latterly, best known for bonkers beachfront raves and outrageous drag acts. An exemplar of the counterculture, it prides itself on openness and inclusivity — its wordplay nickname ‘B-right-on’ infinitely more apt than the slightly sneering ‘London-on-Sea’.

I stayed at Brighton’s Grand Dame, the iconic Grand Hotel which takes pride of place on the seafront. Situated opposite the crumbling West Pier, my room on the fourth floor had floor to ceiling windows and a balcony for a bird’s eye view of the channel, pebbly beach and i360- a state of the art, moving, viewing tower. With such a great location, it would have been an easy option to curl up on my room’s comfy sofa with a book whilst the winds kicked up the waves outside.

The hotel oozes classiness and elegance, with rooms designed to accentuate the Regency period that represents Brighton’s seaside heyday. However, being Brighton, guests can expect some quirky touches, such as the addition of the unique teapot-shaped kettle! Plus a very modern bar and Cyan restaurant, serving an extensive menu of locally sourced food.

There is always something going on in Brighton, and the Grand’s beachside location means you can take in the elegant arches of soon to be restored, Madeira Drive, scream if you wanna go faster rides on the Palace Pier, a sandy volleyball court – and popular (even in winter) outdoors saunas on the beach.

Start your evening in a vegan or Michelin starred restaurant and end with a nightcap at a speakeasy or dancing til dawn at one of the LGBTQ+ bars in Kemptown; and if you’re looking for something less hectic on day number two, enjoy a Willy Wonka inspired Afternoon Tea at The Grand. Featuring plenty of chocolatey treats alongside festive savoury favourites, it is served in the sea-facing terrace. Expect homemade chocolate marshmallows with popping candy, a chocolate, praline and orange choux, and festive mini sherry trifle. The menu also features a specialty mini “Grand” marbled chocolate bar, providing guests the chance to discover a golden ticket and win a bottle of Champagne.

Britain’s original destination for a dirty weekend, Brighton has had a reputation for licentiousness since the Prince Regent (later King George IV) started bringing his mistress Maria Fitzherbert here in the late 18th century. The construction of his coastal party pad, Brighton Pavilion, sealed the deal and started the transformation of this sleepy seaside town into a fashionable destination for the Regency elite.

The Grand might not be as palatial as King George’s party pad (aka The Pavillion), but it represents the magical and historic heritage of the time; and whether you’re visiting with your gal pal for shopping and laughs, or are planning a romantic weekend with your partner, the prime location means that it’s a gateway to Brighton’s unconventional fun.

FACTBOX

Inspired by December’s release of cinematic masterpiece, Wonka, The Grand has launched a Festive Afternoon Tea experience priced at £38 per person.

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