Your Guide To The Scene In Brighton

View of the Brighton (England) seashore, taken from the Brighton Wheel. Garry Knight/www.commons.wikimedia.org

Main Image: Brighton Seashore from Brighton Wheel. Author: Garry Knight. Image Source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

Fatigued by London and looking for a quick break somewhere? Never fear! Jason Reid is on hand to guide you through Brighton’s (in)famous scene.

 


Situated on the South East coast, Brighton has long been known for its fondness of the exuberant and brighter side of life. Unlike some seaside towns around the UK who have found themselves stuck in the past, Brighton is the polar opposite. The whole feel of the town is one of warmth and progressiveness. As hippy-dippy as it sounds, I think this is the key to Brighton’s success. The formula is spot on.

An organic marriage of fun, relaxation and liberation, Brighton is often called London-by-the-sea, no doubt because it has the spirit of a big city, but at a much slower pace. You can bar hop all day long on Sunday, going from one drag cabaret show to another without getting caught up in a manic urban rush.

“Brighton is often called London-by-the-sea, no doubt because it has the spirit of a big city, but at a much slower pace.”

A jewel in Brighton’s crown is the wealth of cabaret bars and shows, offering everything from traditional entertainment to avant-garde performance. The main hub is situated amongst Kemptown and St. James’s Street. Snaking along the seafront, first up there’s Charles Street which is vast in space and known for playing host to some of the towns favourite queens such as Drag With No Name and Myra DuBois. A short hop from there is Poison Ivy; a bar that has to be seen to be believed, with almost every inch of the interior decorated with garish lights and seasonal garb. It’s camp beyond belief. And small, very small. But what it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in ingenuity.

Oh, and if you like karaoke, this is the place for you. Poison Ivy is the Marmite bar of Brighton, with regular cabaret shows throughout the week from a range of performers including Stephanie Von Clitz and Topsie Redfern. Just around the corner from the Ivy is the Marine Tavern. A tiny spit and sawdust traditional pub with a huge beating heart. They do a cracking Sunday roast, too.

Further into Kemptown is the Queen’s Arms – something of an institution on the Brighton drag circuit. The Queens has a gorgeous welcoming atmosphere that hits you the moment you enter. You can see Brighton favourites such as Davina Sparkle and Miss Jason performing here regularly.

One of the newest additions to the Brighton family is Bar Broadway, which is situated off the main drag, in Steine Street. But don’t let that put you off. This place is one of my favourites, for the simple fact that it is bursting with originality. The owners should be very proud of what they’ve achieved here. The decor is slick and fresh, the bar staff are exceptional hosts, musical theatre songs play on video screens all night long, and there’s even FREE POPCORN. Bar Broadway host regular theatrical shows in the loft which they’ve name ‘The Gods’. You must go here if you’re a musical theatre fan. That’s an order.

The Marlborough Pub and Theatre is another venue that I’d recommend making a beeline for. Dating back to 1794 (surely making it one of the UK’s oldest fringe theatres), they offer a huge variety of programming from emerging talents to nationally acclaimed artists and companies. Theatre, spoken word, music and performance art takes centre stage at this renowned Brighton landmark.

Just along the seafront in Rottingdean (about 10 mins in a bus) is The Black Horse, which is run by ballsy northern drag queen Patti O’Dors and hubby, John. Sunday afternoons are divine here. You can enjoy a delicious roast and then kick back, relax and watch the cabaret. They pride themselves in booking some of the best singers and local artists, so you won’t be disappointed.

If you like to take it late into the night then swing by Legends, a modern bar that attracts a mix of ages and genders (also noted for its Sunday marathon drag shows) which is usually open until the wee small hours. Alternatively, The Bulldog offers a much more cruisy late-night feel, but again attracts a diverse mix of regulars. Look out for Linda, who sits happily at the bar sipping wine playing her sudoku. LOVE HER! Great characters make for a great bar in my opinion.

“The whole feel of the town is one of warmth and progressiveness.”

Club Revenge is the place to head for if you are a RuPaul’s Drag Race fan(atic). Stars from the show perform here regularly and the nights get very busy as you can imagine, so book ahead.

A few of my favourite places to eat out in Brighton are Neighbourhood (St.James’s St), which is a funky independent bar-cum-diner, serving naturally sourced and beautifully presented food all day long. The ultimate place for breakfast is LangLee’s (York Place) – great service, a wide-ranging menu, and hearty portions at this laid-back spot serving English and South African dishes.

For accommodation you’re really spoilt for choice, whatever your budget. I would recommend The Amsterdam or Legends Hotel, which are booth are on the seafront. There’s always a warm welcome, and they’re cool with you rolling in at all hours. The rooms are pristine and have everything you need to get a good night’s kip and make yourself look pretty before hitting the bars.

 

WHAT DO THE BRIGHTONIANS HAVE TO SAY?

 

Joe Black

My idea of the perfect day in Brighton would be a stroll around town, taking in the local sights, the sea, the resident eccentrics and The Lanes.You never quite know what or who you’re going to bump into.

For lunch I love the Infinity Foods Cafe, which is an organic vegetarian and vegan place. For dinner I love Neighbourhood in Kemptown. The staff might be a bit disinterested and rude, but I actually kind of love them more for it.

A show and drinks? It has to be the Nightingale Room located above Grand Central pub right by Brighton station. It’s this fantastic anachronism of a venue: a beautiful speakeasy location, above the pub, which you gain access to by going through a plush velvet door inside the building and up some stairs. Booths, tables, table service, amazing shows and fantastic drinks. It’s a gin bar, so they specialise in that particular field and do it ever so well.

 

Dave Lynn

I came to Brighton from London for panto in the mid-90’s and I stayed. It won me over straight away. It’s a unique town in every way, and that’s what I love about it. There’s a huge mixture of people from all walks of life and all backgrounds, and everyone gets along. I love taking my dog to the beach for a walk, and I always meet new people out and about. Brighton is total acceptance. A town where you can have a whale of a time, be outrageously potty, stagger from one drag show to another on a Sunday with ease and without judgement.

Main Image: Brighton Seashore from Brighton Wheel. Author: Garry Knight. Image Source: www.commons.wikimedia.org

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