Get away this half term to Brighton

BY PALOMA LACY

South London dwellers don’t have very far to go when they fancy some time beside the seaside. Brighton remains a firm favourite for very many reasons. Seaside towns can be bleak places in mid-winter but Brighton never loses its heart and soul, which makes it a great bet for families this half term.  Paloma Lacy takes a look at ways the whole family can enjoy themselves at this much-loved South Coast resort.

Where to stay:

We were lucky enough to get an early check in at the Premier Inn.

At noon, some three hours early, we were shown to our room, leaving us the whole day to explore. The rooms are so comfortable, with award-winning beds and blackout blinds.

While luxury isn’t the order of the day, functionality and practicality is, which is just what’s needed on a family break.

Located in North Street, the hotel is right on top of all Brighton has to do, see and eat, with the winding, cobbled streets of the famous Lanes, just across the road.

What to do:

A two-day trip to Brighton can be filled in any number of ways but we decided old fashioned fun was the order of the day.

My daughter had the first say in what we did and unsurprisingly chose all the fun of the fair.

We headed for the Palace Pier and quickly discovered very many attractions for our pre-schooler.

We bought her a wrist band, which covered soft play (a four-floor fun palace) and most of the rides.

Little one was a shade under height for a couple of rides.

Best of all, the usual £12 ticket fee was reduced to a tenner, as a few rides were closed.

On this blustery day, activities partially under cover were welcome.

Those in need of refreshment can take afternoon tea or tuck into fish and chips and fresh doughnuts.

Bright and sunny winter days lend themselves rather well to strolling through the Lanes.

Whether it’s an opportunity to while away a few hours or to hunt for a momento, from a coveted fridge magnet to unique pieces of jewellery, it’s a shoppers’ paradise.

There are plenty of places to visit and play tourist, including SeaLife Brighton, which claims to be the world’s oldest aquarium, BA360i, the viewing pod 450ft up in the air on the seafront, and of course Brighton Pavilion.

A finer example of regency architecture you’d struggle to find.

We fancied nipping into Brighton Toy and Model Museum but it was closed as it was Sunday.

For a full rundown of fun activities in the city, check out www.visitbrighton.com

Where to eat:

Japanese café, Pompoko, has long been a favourite of ours and I’m pleased to report both high food quality and price point remain the same.

Located in view of the Dome, it feels very Brighton, which adds to the excitement of the dining experience.

This is the perfect spot for a quick lunch that won’t break the bank.

We shared chicken katsu, teriyaki sesame chicken don, a couple of starters and watched as my daughter attempted to master a few firsts – the art of eating with chopsticks and consuming edamame beans without catapulting them on to the table next to us.

Once again, Pompoko delivered far more than the cost might suggest.

It’s at 110 Church Street, BN1 1UD.

---

Given Brighton’s long-held royal association, the new kid on the restaurant block, Monarch, is rather aptly named.

Sitting opposite the seafront, I shouldn’t imagine there’s a better a terrace to base yourself on a sunny day.

To say it exceeded expectations is a huge understatement.

Two words sum up the design, feel and most importantly the food: on point.

We were pretty struck by the décor – murals and prints draw the diner into the whole Brighton experience with giant seagulls and bright colours.

Then the realisation that green velvet chairs, matt gold trim and art deco font had a rather familiar feel – inspired by the Ivy, perhaps?

There is of course an Ivy restaurant in Brighton but you’d do well to save your money and head to Monarch.

The front of house team is a friendly bunch, serving winning cocktails with a smile – pre-lunch Aperol Spritz, anyone? Yes, please.

The open kitchen, run by The Melting Pot, with a familiar face at the helm, Prakash Pushpakaranvimala.

He’s cooked his away around Brighton and our paths have crossed more than once. And what’s cooking in his kitchen?

As it was a Sunday, Little One and I shared the butternut squash nut roast, with all the trimmings.

My husband had tunnel vision for surf and turf – rib-eye steak, resplendent with garlic king prawns and served with Bernaise sauce.

These guys can cook and no drama from the kitchen – seamless service, during which everyone seemed to be enjoy it.

The desserts were excellent – vanilla cheese cake and lemon tart.

The menu brings comfort, from the expected to the surprising – bhaji burger is on my list for next time – spiced Indian bhaji, brioche bun, red pepper ketchup and sambal, pickles.

The familiarity of Monarch is part of its charm but so too is the promise of a different experience with every visit.

We can’t wait to see you again, Maam.

It’s at 46/48 Kings Road,  BN1 1NA

---

Best Pubs:

Brighton has its fair share of watering holes.

The Evening Star – conveniently located near Brighton railway station, this was the birthplace of the Dark Star brewery.

The pub still showcases the finest selection of ales from around the country, including some unusual choices.

It has an almost cavern quality to it and, although slightly tucked away, remains a favourite of many.

The Lord Nelson Inn – also a stone’s throw from the station, this is one of the four Harvey’s pubs in Brighton, and possibly the best.

Pop in here for a relaxing pint from perhaps the most famous brewery in Sussex.

The Basketmaker’s Arms – often called the best pub in Brighton, this is truly a pub worth seeking out.

Located in Gloucester Road near the North Laine quarter of town, it has a special feel to it, whether you’re enjoying the carnival-like atmosphere when it’s busy or the comfort of its living room feel at quieter times.

A Fuller’s pub but which serves a variety of ales, this is a truly unique pub.

The Walrus – run by the former owners of the famous Brighton outpost The Lion and Lobster, this is always a good choice if you’re around the beachfront near the historic Ship Street.

A large pub which feels cosy because of its dark atmosphere and nooks and crannies, it has a seasonal high-quality menu as well as a decent range of drinks.

Main Pic: Brighton Pavilion