Going out guide: Brighton
Featuring the city's club night, record shop, rapper, DJs, pubs and morning after breakfast spots, all recommended by a local.
Life
Words: Jasmine Kent-Smith
Jasmine is a Brighton-based culture and music journalist.
Best club night
Brighton is heavy on student nights and headline shows with touring artists, so I’d imagine it’s a tricky city for local promoters wanting to make a meaningful mark. That said, Dykes on Decks has achieved just that. Expect body-moving electronic music, up-for-it crowds and the kind of positive energy that rubs off on you.
Local DJs to look out for on flyers
K‑LONE, Patterns residents present and past (Faro, Charles Green, Changing Currents, et al) and the Offie Mag DJs.
Local rapper who could blow up
Brighton (or Sussex, actually) is lucky to have organisations like AudioActive that uplift local emerging artists and young people, with some wicked rappers coming up with their support. For this, though, I’m going to say Dred. His latest single Midnight Gyal is a vibe.
A decent local band
Lambrini Girls, Lime Garden, Squid (they’re Brighton-formed). Big band energy here, to be honest.
Nightlife photographer who you’d want to be snapped by
Saskia Morley Sage.
Best boozer
Brighton and Hove has a lot of pubs – like, more per square mile than London and most other major UK cities. So there’s plenty of choice. Common faves include The Basketmakers Arms, The Pond, Sidewinder, and Lion and Lobster, which are all dotted around town. Seafront spots like Fortune of War are always rammo in the summer.
Bar which serves past midnight
Oculist (great cocktails) or Black Lion, mood-dependent.
Beloved takeaway
VIP Pizza.
Cafe for the morning after
I’m partial to a Breakfast at Tiffany’s, or Pompoko if it’s more like lunchtime.
Shop to get records for your DJ set
RK Bass.
Hyperlocal fashion trend
People love a good layer, a local thrift find and jewellery from North Laine (and The Lanes too – they’re not the same place, which can be confusing if you’re new).
Local hero
Bobby Brown, creative communities producer with the excellent Lighthouse charity crew. But I can’t not mention the late Disco Pete, Brighton’s oldest raver.
LGBTQ space
Legends.
Coolest local radio station
A toss-up between Platform B, 1BTN and Slack City.
An area to beware of
During the warmer months, aka stag and hen do season, avoid the West Street mayhem. IYKYK.
