Following the result of 2016' s polarising EU referendum, cities and towns all over the country were declaring their results as a victory for Brexit, transforming most of the map of the British Isles Brexit-red. However, in the Southeast corner of the country, the unified city of 'Brighton and Hove' bucked the trend from it's city neighbours, and voted overwhelmingly, remain. The referendum result is a fair representation of the general attitude of the people of Brighton (and Hove), it's warmth, all-inclusive attitude towards, tourists, visitors and immigrants. This city itself has been the reason so many come down for the day, to study at university, and decided to stay permanently. The city's vibe has a very clear unspoken message:
"We don't care who you are, or where you've come from, you're welcome here."
It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is that draws so many towards this city, whether it's a southern location, the eccentricities of the locals, or a city that perpetually feels as if it's ready to 'pop-the-cork'. Anyone who has spent a sunny weekend in Brighton will be able to testify that there's a perpetual 'buzz' and energy on the streets. This is a city that has continued to evolve, adopting various architectural trends over the centuries, evident today in the Georgian seafront terraces that amalgams along the seafront into beautiful Regency era architecture marking the cosmopolitan Kemp town district. As well as the historic buildings, a number of modern structures can also be found around the city. Paying tribute to its many influences and eclectic architecture, over the centuries.
There's a beach...although it's not the tropical sandy beach, you might see as a prize on a game-show. If you were hoping to emerge out of the sea gracefully like Ursula Andress in Dr No; due to jagged rocks, coarse shingle, and pointy pebbles, expect to do so whilst donning a garish pair of Crocs or even jelly shoes, thwarting your attempts of a homage to 007. Barefoot, it is like literally walking on broken glass.
Although lacking in sand, Brighton compensates with almost 6 miles of glorious, coastline, boasting stunning panoramic views,and plenty of fresh sea air to fill your lungs. In addition to multiple shopping choices, you'll find everything from designer boutiques found in the upmarket Brighton Lanes, to independent hipster, retro, vintage shops of North Lane.
British Airways i360
Ten years in the making, the installation of this 531 ft observation platform helped Brighton achieve global recognition;- in the same way Westminster is synonymous with London, the British Airways i360 is now iconic to the city, being the world's first vertical cable car and is also expected to appear in 2017's Guinness Book of records earning itself the somewhat contrived accolade of; "the world's tallest, most slender tall-tower . At 162 metres tall, the observation tower has a rising fully-enclosed viewing pod offering visitors stunning panoramic views across Brighton, the South downs and out towards the English Channel.
On clearest of days it offers views of Beachy Head, 17 miles east and the Isle of Wight (49 miles to the west). The project was initially conceptualised as a vertical pier at the site of the ever diminishing ruins of the Victorian West pier.
The £42 million pound project includes a major revamp and extensive modernisation of the original site at the entrance to the pier. The i360 includes facilities for events, meetings and corporate functions, combined with a ride into the clouds aboard the observation pod. It is able to hold 200 passengers and features a bar, allowing visitors to enjoy a glass of bubbly whilst ascending slowly to experience the breathtaking views.
From the top of the observation pod westwards along the coastline towards Hove seafront, you may notice a sizeable queue snaking around a building decked with a large green canopy and crowds gathered on the promenade with ice creams.
Marrocco's
An icon of its local history, Marrocco's in Hove on King's Esplanade, has been a stalwart of Hove's seafront since opening it's doors in 1969. The brainchild of Italian immigrants, Renato and Maria Marocco, who arrived, ".. in search of a better life in England..." in 1962. The couple opened a small café in the Brighton Lanes before relocating to its seafront position in Hove. The site of a former beach café, they laboured tirelessly to achieve their objective of reinventing the cafe as Marocco's, an ice cream parlour that serving authentic Italian ice creams made from a secret family recipe and capitalises on their location on Hove seafront.
Marrocco's allows visitors to enjoy the tradition of an ice cream by the seaside and has achieved a loyal customer base over the years, gaining popularity and establishing itself as a Brighton (and Hove) institution. Families regularly gathered on Sundays to enjoy a walk along the promenade, frequenting Marrocco's as part of their regular rest stop. So successful was their endeavour, that in 1998, the café expanded into a full Italian restaurant and Pizzeria, whilst maintaining their signature ice cream kiosk, and continuing their legacy today, 47 years later. Marrocco's is truly a legend of it's own right, its popularity resonating throughout the years, and for many more to come. Brighton attracted 7.5 million visitors in 2015/16 and is the most popular seaside destination in the UK for overseas tourists and has been often dubbed the "hippest city" in the UK, and in a recent poll was named the "happiest place to live in Britain"
Comments