Brighton has some of the very best shopping in the UK with a fantastic mix of unique and independent shops in the Lanes and North Laine combined with the very best of the high street at Churchill Square. Explore Brighton & Hove’s districts to discover even more great shopping: markets and outlet stores at Brighton Marina, quirky stores and antiques in Kemp Town and women’s fashion boutiques on Western Road, Hove.

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Get a true taste of the city and explore the winding lanes and ‘twittens’ of Brighton for great shopping, pubs and restaurants...

Shopping in the Unique Brighton area is not just about retail therapy but, moreover, an excursion through a fascinating assortment of very different streets. This bustling area encompasses the North Laine, North Street and The Lanes of Brighton, and boasts the largest selection of independent retailers on the South Coast. It’s a colourful, vibrant area with a diverse range of shops, restaurants and bars. In fact, over 350 independent shops, bars and restaurants are part of the ‘Unique Brighton’ area, making it a great destination for both shopping and relaxation.

North Street runs from the clock tower, at the junction of Queen’s Road , down the hill to Old Steine. This is a busy thoroughfare with many high street shops catering for the everyday needs of the community. Chemists, sportswear, discount stores, furniture shops, burger bars and mini-marts are all to be found. Squeezed between them are also several designer clothes shops, pleasant cafés and inviting little eateries. Heading down North Street the eager shopper is lead in the direction of both The Lanes, to the south, and North Laine to the north.

The labyrinth of old Brighton is more commonly referred to as ’The Lanes’; it was once the original fishing quarter, formerly known as Brighthelmstone. This small sector of the city, with its narrow passages and tightly packed buildings offers many fascinating and enticing shops, bars and restaurants. You will find many jewellery shops selling an assortment of antique rings, necklaces and watches.  There are also shops selling ladies and gents designer wear and accessories. Many cosy and relaxed cafes can be found along with some of Brighton’s oldest, and most haunted, pubs.

North Laine is generally considered to be Brighton’s bohemian quarter. It would hardly be an exaggeration to suggest you can find just about anything you could possibly want there, from architectural salvage and designer clothing to stockists of fine Havana cigars and Sussex sausages!

You’ll also see an ever-increasing number of retro clothing shops, and much in the way of ethnic crafts, jewellery, second-hand stores, art galleries, and shops selling comics, records, clothes, fancy dress and assorted bric-a-brac. At the hub of this lively quarter you will discover many inviting little cafes offering exciting and varied menus to suit all tastes from vegetarian to gargantuan burgers. Moreover, there are plenty of pubs and bars where the weary shopper can slake an angry thirst.

Experience Unique Brighton online at www.uniquebrighton.com and bring the charm and quirkiness into your home. All 383 shops are listed in a directory that is classified alphabetically, by location and by sector to help you find whatever it is you’re looking for.

Brighton Marina is a family friendly destination with an eclectic mix of daytime and night time entertainment. You’ll find a multiplex cinema (with 3D), bowling alley, and casino, so you can play whatever the weather. For those wishing to try their hand at at a bit of sea fishing, you can join one of the frequent charter boats – it’s great fun! For those who simply like to dream of a high life on the seas, a wander along the Waterfront boardwalk will not disappoint. The Marina’s imposing assortment of yachts and cruisers is always popular with kids and parents alike.

You’ll find plenty in the way of restaurants and bars at the marina too. Lovers of Italian food are well catered for with tasty offerings including Strada, Pizza Express, Zizzi, Presso and Bella Napoli alongside the likes of family favourites Cafe Rouge and Frankie and Benny’s. Seafood fans will enjoy the catch of the day at Brassiere Fish & Grill. The cool crowd may want to check out the sun-drenched terrace at Karma – one of the most fashionable bars in the city. Most venues offer stunning views of the boat moored in the Marina – all 1600 of them!

The Marina also offers some great waterfront shopping so you can combine browsing boutiques whilst grabbing a bargain, with many stores offering a whopping 50% off normal high street prices! You’ll discover a host of designer wear such as Calvin Klein, Bijoux for sparkles and jewels, Pavers for shoes and bags, Pilot has hot fashion, Reebok for sports lovers and TOG24 specialising in outdoor clothing and accessories. Plus don’t miss Fiery Foods, the UK’s first dedicated chilli shop where, if you’re brave enough, you can give the world’s hottest chilli a whirl.

Every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday you’ll also find the Mermaid market, which hosts over 50 stalls jam packed with arts, crafts, alternative gifts, eco and fair trade wares, plus Jems famous fish stall. Early birds will catch the bargains at the giant Sunday morning Giant Sunday Boot Market. Here you can rummage through 200 stalls showcasing arts, crafts, furniture, books, bric-a-brac, vintage items and all things nostalgic.

Brighton Marina is only a short distance along the seafront from central Brighton with easy access by foot (approx 10-15 minutes walk from Brighton Pier).However, if you don’t fancy a bracing walk, you can save your legs and jump on the number 7 bus or the Volks electric railway (which runs from April to October), or alternatively there’s extensive free parking.

Whatever you do when you visit Brighton Marina, ensure you take a moment to enjoy the wonderful nautical vista. With the sun shining, it’s glorious and you’ll feel like you’re on the Spanish Riviera! 

www.brightonmarinashopping.co.uk

Churchill Square is the most popular shopping destination in the city, attracting over 12 million people a year with top retailers and leading brands.

With over 80 shops and stores all situated in a modern, covered shopping mall, it’s easy to see why Churchill Square is Brighton’s number one. Situated on Western Road at the heart of the city centre, it makes for a welcoming shopping experience whatever the weather.

Home to top High Street names and international brands including Apple, Debenhams, Bhs, HMV, Next, Habitat, Zara, Miss Selfridge, Jane Norman and H&M, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. Children are also well catered for by the Disney Store, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Mothercare, Lego, H&M Kids and Pumpkin Patch.

Shopping in this relaxed, inviting atmosphere is a pleasure. From the convenience of 1,500 car parking spaces and easy access to all key bus routes, through to the wide precincts of the mall itself, it’s a comfortable and stress-free shopping experience. Moreover, there are plenty of places to take a welcome break: choose from a range of cafés and eateries such as Quiznos, Café Giardino Eat, and McDonalds to name but a few.

If you’re stuck for a present then Churchill Square has its own Gift Card Scheme, available from the Customer Service desk. Ranging from £5 to £500, the cards can be spent in all the Churchill Square’s – a perfect gift for your friends and loved ones.

Open daily • www.churchillsquare.com

Packed with top fashion & beauty brands, Dukes Lane is without doubt the most stylish shopping area of the city. Tucked away in the Lanes between Ship Street and Duke Street, this Brighton ‘twitten’ is a shoppers paradise.

Choose from top beauty brands including Kiehls, shu uemura, Aveda and MAC, alongside head-turning fashion. Dukes Lane is home to premium high street favourites such as Fred Perry, Ted Baker, Fat Face and Oasis, alongside homegrown Brighton stores like Profile, View, Moottoo and Streetwalkers.

Check out quirky clothes, gifts and accessories from Plain Lazy, skatewear and street style from Addict, and unique jewellery from Jewel Thief.

After all that shopping you’ll probably need a rest and refuel so pop into TFI Lunch for a range of hot drinks, sandwiches and pastries – on a sunny day sit out in the square and soak in the Brighton atmosphere.

Dukes Lane – it’s as individual as you are!

www.dukeslanebrighton.com

Hove, to the west of the city, has changed. Once thought of as the ageing maiden aunt to Brighton’s bustling youth, the old dear had shed her dusty image and emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

Still retaining her chic backdrop of Regency squares, green open spaces and tree lined boulevards, Hove can compete with the very best Brighton has to offer. With easier access, better parking and a fresh sense of style, she might just pip her cooler neighbour to the post when it comes to upmarket, sensational shopping.

Hove now boasts some of the best boutique shops in the city and waiting around every corner is a great discovery.

Velvet’s flagship store on Church Road has over 2000 square feet of mouth watering ideas to turn your house in to a delicious home. If it’s eco-chic you are after, then Lulu & Hitch on Church Road should definitely be on your itinerary. By reconditioning second hand goods and making them even better than the original, this little shop is a gem waiting to be discovered. Another surprise is Cocoon on George Street which stocks everything you need to create beautiful knitwear. The sumptuous yarns will inspire you to start knitting – check out the handknitted oranges on the tree outside!

But it’s not just the humans that get looked after in Hove, couture culture meets man’s best friend at Doggy Fashion in George Street. With an invite to bling up your Bichon and pamper your Pekingese, your prize pet will be spoilt for choice.

If it’s something for the kids, then The Book Nook on First Avenue won’t disappoint.  The recent winner of several awards including Hove’s ‘At Your Service Award’ for outstanding customer service and the Sussex Business award for Best Independent Retailer, there is a packed diary of readings and events from celebrity children’s authors and illustrators to art activities and theatre…and there’s a great café too.

If you are feeling like a more adult pastime, Hove has become a Mecca for foodies over recent years.  From family friendly gutsy Italians like Topolino Duo, to sophisticated French dining in L’Eglise, the choice is endless; Japanese, Turkish, Thai, British, Greek and Spanish, all with a sensational twist. With plenty of café’s and delicatessens serving up devilishly delicious morsels, you’ll have more than enough energy to keep you going.

And after a hard days shopping and eating, the west of the city comes to life after dark with some of the best bars in town.  Safely tucked away from the rowdy city centre hostelries, there is a huge choice of grown up bars and pubs where you can rock out, chill out or just hang out. For the younger crowd, Bar 9 and Misty’s on Church Road offer a great range of cocktails and bottled beers, the Foragers is a modern take on the traditional pub and the kitchens at the Ginger Pig and The Connaught in Hove Street are fast garnering city wide recognition for great food. 

Times have changed; the west of the city is waiting for you. If you love shopping, you really will love Hove.

www.hovebusinessassociation.co.uk

Artists’ Quarter

The South Coast, particularly Brighton, has long been a haven for artists; John Constable even painted here. The dazzling coastal light and wide skies have made for many a striking seascape. It seems fitting, therefore, that an artists’ quarter should be clustered snugly beneath King’s Arches looking out on the azure waters of the Channel. The whole ambience of this quarter is extremely alluring, due to its location and of the many little cafes, eateries and bars close by. A leisurely hour or so perusing the inspired exhibits can prove both relaxing and uplifting. The cool, cathartic, white-washed interior of Castor & Pollux exudes an undeniable spiritual calm. This delightful little gallery specialises in prints and illustrations by both local and international artists. Close by you will find the artist-led gallery of Two Kats and a Cow, exhibiting the diverse works of Katty McMurray, John Marshall and Kathryn Matthews. Works include John’s famous ‘cow’ paintings, Kathryn‘s colorful coastal villages, and Katty’s delicate coastal scenes.  Next door is the Open Studio, where you can find professional artists working in ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, tapestry and photography.

Fiveways

Located to the north east of the city, Fiveways is one of Brighton’s most sought after residential areas.  Street upon street of delightful, well-maintained Victorian terraces adorn the area. These sanctified streets exude a serene detachment from the more bustling downtown areas. Houses are airy and spacious with the addition of a highly prized and sought after garden. This makes the area particularly popular with young professionals and their families. Whilst fraught husbands hasten to the capital, radiant yummy-mummies sit in meditative composure supping their lattes or Pinot Grigios - and there are several good establishments in which to sup!  For simply watching the world go by there is the serene North Village Cafe in Ditchling Road. For good ales, wine and substantial fare, the Preston Park Tavern comes highly recommended. The area also hosts shops that cater for the everyday needs of the community with a bakery, deli and butchers. Aimed more specifically at the surfeit of incorrigible breeders in the area, Wigwam has all those truly adorable little things for the yummies’ youngsters and babies.

Hove residents have always sought to distinguish themselves from their more vivacious neighbour. Emphasis of their residential status, by adding the proverbial ‘actually’ after the town’s name, has now become almost hackneyed. However, there exists a degree of substance to such arrogance. Wander along Western Road and the discerning stroller will, at once, begin to distinguish when they have entered this hallowed haven. The ubiquitous jumble of high street names start to disappear and a sedate air of exclusivity emerges. Once you pass the majestic Palmeira Square even the air begins to smell different, with a softer, more refined fragrance about it. The selectiveness is evident in the number of small, independently run businesses including: quality couture, art galleries, hushed tearooms and an excellent bookshop. The wonderful Old Market hosts an eclectic mix of events such as jazz, classical, dance and theatre. Moreover, in true Hove style, there are the frequently held Sunday Coffee Concerts with a string quartet. For dining, the broad sprawl of Church Street offers a surfeit of international cuisine from Thai to Mexican; all worth a visit – actually!

Seven Dials

They say all roads lead to Rome; in Brighton, it’s Seven Dials. This intrepid junction is like trying to manoeuvre around the Arc de Triomphe in miniature; sometimes you just have to put your foot down and go for it!  It’s seems inevitable that a community, with its own identity, should have grown up around this spot. Perched high above the town it has a lofty air of detachment, like a village within the metropolis with Monpelier Crescent acting as the village green. It’s hardly surprising that, in years gone by, windmills and market gardens stood on this breezy spot. Today there are friendly little shops, which cater for the everyday needs of the community. There are also galleries, wine bars and a number of good restaurants. You can also find great takeaways. Le Gourmet Deli offers a wide range of fine foods, bread from Real Patisserie and Italian specialities. In contrast the interesting Murasaki, offers a superb Japanese menu using top quality ingredients. Seven Dials also houses the fascinating and, often overlooked, Booth Museum of Natural History with its extensive collection of birds, butterflies, fossils, bones and skeletons; much of which is brought to life with interactive displays and ‘hands on’ activities. Entrance is free.

Kemp Town

St James’s Street is said to be the oldest shopping street in Brighton.  It climbs steadily from Old Steine to the heart of Kemp Town and was built by Thomas Kemp to service his estate. This whole area is a nucleus of creativity with a host of artists, writers, performers, musicians and film-makers having taken up residence there. This eclectic mix of individuals has, in part, been instrumental in determining the ambience of  St James’s Street and ‘The Village’.  This bustling thoroughfare has a character and appeal all its own offering an interesting and diverse miscellany of shops, from quirky to downright kinky.  You will find wonderful florists, lifestyle shops, art galleries, excellent deli’s and, like its neighbour Hanover, many friendly pubs. Kemp Town even has its own brewery at the Hand in Hand on Upper St. James’s Street, and is certainly well worth dropping in for a pint. There are also a number of good charity, antique and bric-a-brac shops. For a fantabulous camp cuppa one really must visit the regally kitsch Tea Cosy. This delightful establishment pays homage to all things royal and, moreover, that Queen of Hearts, Princess Di. Further along St James’s Street you will find the stylish Metrodeco, Brighton’s only 1930s Parisian –style tea salon. Both establishments are quintessential examples of the area’s stimulating diversity.

Brighton Fashion Week kicks off this month and organisers are pleased to announce the names of some of the designers who will be showcasing their new collections at the shows, set to take place at Brighton’s Corn Exchange from Wednesday 9 - Saturday 12 June.

At the Couture Show, Andrew Bannister’s progressive label, studio_805, promises to deliver a collection fusing cunning cut, clever colour and choice cloth. Bannister honed his pattern cutting skills whilst on placement at Vivienne Westwood and launched his menswear collection at London Fashion Week in February 2009 as part of Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s first ever ‘ones to watch’ initiative.  Also joining him at the Couture Show will be internationally renowned designer Nikolo Bertok, who some have called the next Valentino, Sarina Poppy, who uses silks, pure wools and vintage fabrics to create one-off pieces, as well as womenswear designer, Jo Fleming, whose beautiful designs ooze femininity.

Visitors to Brighton Fashion Week can also enjoy an exclusive VIP launch at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, the UK premier of Jez Eaton’s critically acclaimed Trashion Show, and, of course, the Brighton Fashion Week closing party.

Now in its sixth year, the Week is the South’s leading fashion event and has won plaudits in the past from fashion heavyweights such as Grazia, Vogue and The Independent. This year promises to be the year for Brighton Fashion Week, with bigger shows, better headline names and, of course, oodles of glamour.

For those in the know, Brighton has long been seen as one of the top destinations outside of London. Dubbed London-by-the-Sea by many people, visitors flock to the famous seaside resort, drawn by its laid-back, cosmopolitan atmosphere, great shopping and bustling nightlife. So it’s fitting that Brighton will be taken over once again by Brighton Fashion Week, transforming venues across the city into stylish temples of fashion.

Talking about 2010s Brighton Fashion Week, organiser Liz Bishop says, “We’ve been on an incredible journey since launching six years ago. Every year the event has grown, and this year we’ve attracted big name sponsors who can ensure that we can keep staging the innovative catwalk shows and fashion-related events we’re renowned for,” she says.

“Brighton Fashion Week 2010 will be bigger, better and brighter, attracting designers and visitors from all over the UK and beyond,” she continues. “Brighton is the perfect place to stage such an event as it’s vibrant, edgy and not afraid to be a bit different, and the week will definitely reflect this.”

For full event listings visit www.brightonfashionweek.co.uk