Living in Brighton & Hove

Brighton & Hove is a city of diverse neighbourhoods, each with their charm. Aside from the famous Brighton Beach, the area is known for its colourful culture and local entertainment. With pastel beachfront huts, a bustling promenade and historic architecture, Brighton is a vibrant place to call home. 

A Brief History of Brighton

The city had small beginnings as a fishing community, made of four streets: North Street, East Street, West Street and South Street. In the 18th century, the rejuvenating quality of coastal life saw the small settlement become a health resort and eventually the thriving city we see today. The Lanes connecting the main streets are now home to an array of shops, cafes and jewellery stores. 

Brighton is known for its inclusive vibe, sustainable focus and LGBTQ+ culture, giving the city its unique spirit. If you’re thinking of making a move, Brighton is a fun, creative place to live and the perfect choice for all walks of life.

Shoppers Paradise

If you love boutique shopping, Brighton is the ideal location for you. Be sure to explore NOLA, or Wolf and Gypsy, which offers beautiful vintage clothing. Interior design fanatics will also enjoy shops like Hold and Dowse, which sell ornaments and prints for your new home.

Best places to eat and drink in Brighton

Cafes and Coffee Houses

Brighton has an abundance of great cafes and coffee houses for brunch. Mange Tout boasts the best eggs benedict in town, while Starfish & Coffee offers a full English breakfast with a brew, or something a little stronger.

If you prefer to work with your caffeine supply close by, Bond Street Coffee is a hub for freelancer workers. Meanwhile, Coffee at 33 roasts its own beans and an impressive variety of teas. 

Fish and Chips in Brighton

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to fish & chips in Brighton, so the best spot is up for debate. One of the city’s oldest fish shops is Bardsley’s of Baker Street, which has been open since 1926. 

Bincho Yakitori

Celebrated by locals and visitors, Bincho Yakitori is a Japanese restaurant with a menu made of grilled meat, fish and plant-based alternatives.

Shelter Hall

This covered food hall is home to seven kitchens and two bars. It offers everything from Neapolitan pizza to Vietnamese-inspired bao, all served with a sea view.

Fatto A Mano

Open since 2015, Fatto A Mano serves authentic wood-fired sourdough pizzas.

Bars in Brighton and Hove

Ten Green Bottles is perfect for wine lovers, and you can pair your vino with a delicious cheese board. Meanwhile, Plotting Parlour gives the dusky vibes of a speakeasy bar, serving the classics and some more experimental cocktails. Craft beers are readily available at Bison, The Pond and The Independent. Down at the seafront you’ll find The Fortune of War where you can enjoy drinks with a side of live music.

Getting Around Brighton

Brighton and Hove make up a relatively small city, so many explore the architecture, retail and restaurants on foot. If you cycle, Brighton also has several bike lanes that allow you to navigate the city easily. 

Commuting to London is a breeze with the ‘fast train’ services taking just 55 minutes to London Victoria Station. Brighton is also well-connected with main roads providing convenient access to nearby cities.

Brighton and Hove Education

Hove boasts some excellent schools, colleges and universities, including City College and the University of Sussex. Most institutions are accessible from Home X, our shared ownership property development on Lewes Road.

Fun Things to do in Brighton

Beach Day

The Palace Pier is a great day out but can get busy during the summer. If you prefer a quieter locale, the Hove Lawns or Kemptown are a popular seaside alternative for locals. 

Gallery Hop

Brighton is well-known for its art scene and is packed with galleries. Phoenix Galley offers several free entry exhibits annually. Fabrica Gallery also hosts contemporary art shows, with three main exhibitions throughout the year. There’s even a gallery called the Dog and Bone, set inside two old red London phone boxes in Seven Dials.

Movie Night in Brighton

Brighton has many cinemas, including the Duke of York's Picturehouse which is a single-screen theatre in the London Road district. The Picturehouse has been open since the 1990s and specialises in arthouse films and documentaries, although it also shows select mainstream films.

Secret Garden Brighton

In Kemptown, there is a garden displaying sculptures from local artists called “The Secret Garden”. The large houses in the area each had an elaborate garden, accessible by a private tunnel from the house. This Kemptown hideaway is the last of these secret gardens to remain. 

Buy a property in Brighton & Hove with Southern Housing New Homes

We offer a range of countryside houses and city apartments across the south of the UK, ideal for a first-time buyer or those moving up the property ladder. 

Start your homeownership journey and explore our Shared Ownership properties in Brighton & Hove.