In the Spotlight... Brighton

June 04, 2018

Let us take you on a whistle-stop tour of our favourite UK holiday destinations. Brighton is the ultimate seaside destination. To find out more, we’ll hand over to Ebony, one of the crew at FatFace Brighton…

Ebony, who works at the Brighton FatFace store, wearing FatFace clothes as she chills at by Brighton Pier

Brighton is big, bold and beautiful – and it’s certainly stolen my heart. I’m from Australia and although I love big cities, I hated London. The day I decided to go home for good, I was offered a job at FatFace in Brighton. I packed my bags and headed south determined to give things a go for six months. Six years later, I’m still here.

The seaside resort with a unique twist

Brighton is exciting. I love the diverse mix of people and the fun, sociable vibes they bring with them. And I love the mix of art, culture, food and music. There’s always something happening, whether it’s something big like Brighton Pride in August, a beach party or the little events that pop up all year round.

The team at Brighton FatFace, hanging out in their FatFace clothes by Brighton Pier

Let’s start on the beach

The wide pebbly beach at Brighton is fun and sociable, whether you’re there with the kids during the day or soaking up the party atmosphere at night. You can’t beat just sitting on the beach with an ice cream in the sunshine, but if you do want something more energetic then there’s kayaking, paddle-boarding and beach volleyball nearby. And if you’re after a bit of traditional seaside fun, the enormous pier has everything from fairground rides and penny slot machines to live music and restaurants.

Wander the Lanes

Our FatFace store is on Ship Lane, in the Lanes – Brighton’s historic quarter. It’s full of little narrow side streets packed with a unique mix of independent shops, jewellers, cafés and restaurants. There’s a real vintage and bohemian feel round here and every Saturday in North Laine there’s an antique and flea market on Upper Gardner Street. When I’m out exploring I’ll choose some classic FatFace cuffed trousers and a knotted shirt – and then add my favourite sparkly boots for a Brighton twist.

The colourful brick lane of Brighton, where there are loads of local shops and flea markets

Vegan, veggie, whatever

Brighton has long been a destination for vegetarians and vegans. Marwood Bar and Coffeehouse is next door to our store and I love calling in there for coffee, chai and veggie food. For a vegetarian restaurant with a great reputation, try Terre à Terre. Or if that isn’t your thing, then go to Burger Brothers on North Road for amazing burgers to take away. For more amazing street food head to the Street Diner weekly market. And let’s not forget the fish and chips. Bardsley’s are my favourites.

Ebony from the FatFace Brighton store, wearing her FatFace clothes outside one of her favourite coffee shops, Marwood

See the sights

Brighton is packed full of beautiful Regency buildings. Queen of them all is the Royal Pavilion. This exotic looking palace and its beautiful gardens couldn’t be more Brighton if it tried. Admire the opulent interiors and then enjoy a picnic in the gardens. Another Brighton must-see is the British Airways i360. This futuristic looking observation tower, which opened a couple of years ago, has a glass pod which glides up and down into the sky. The views from the top are breathtaking.

Taz and Danny, who work at the FatFace Brighton store, playing frisbee in their FatFace clothes outside the Royal Pavilion

Danny from the FatFace store in Brighton, looking up to the i360 - which the locals call the 'spaceship'

Getting away from it all

When I’m looking for a slower pace, I’ll hop on a bus to Hove. While I’m there, I like to call in at Real Patisserie on Weston Road for amazing cakes and Tropical Sushi for the best sushi in town. The walk under the cliffs at Rottingdean is another favourite. And if I really need peace and quiet, I go five miles out of town and head out for a walk at the Devil’s Dyke. Climb to the top for stunning views across the South Downs.