Weekender: Brighton

Get a flavour of this laid-back, southcoast city with micro-roast coffees and crunchy rabbit croquettes

1

Caffeine hit Meander through North Laine to Pelicano, an espresso bar and microroastery where hip locals hang out over coffee and homemade cakes. Huddle inside or shelter in the courtyard with a cup of Brighton blend. pelicanohouse.com

2

Open secret Via the back of the train station (away from the sea) is The Open Market, home to meat, fish and bakery stalls as well as beauty, art and local crafts. Sit in little Greek café Kouzina for hearty home-cooked classics such as moussaka and spanakopita, or grab a falafel and some hummus from Smorl’s to take to the beach. brightonopenmarket.co.uk

3

Counter culture Sit at the counter at Cin Cin to watch staff carve smoked speck and Tuscan finocchiona, pour sparkling sbagliato aperitivos and plate up tasters such as crunchy rabbit croquettes. Choose from the bar’s rotating pasta menu (black squid-ink pappardelle, perhaps, or Tuscan sausage gnocchi), then order a refreshing sgroppino (lemon sorbet, vodka and prosecco). cincin.co.uk

4

Amazing grazing At elegant restaurant Pascere, dishes reflect the seasons. Share small plates such as chicken béchamel croquettes with caramelised chicken skin mayo, or go à la carte and tuck in to slow-cooked beefcheek pappardelle followed by buttermilk sponge (a lighter sticky toffee pudding). pascere.co.uk

5

Brunch spot Colourful art, sackcloth cushions and a large breakfast bar liven up brunch at The Set, as do the spicy bloody marys. Watch chefs prepare seasonal dishes in the open kitchen – heritage tomatoes with salty seaweed pesto, super-crisp pork on squidgy potato waffles, and eggs covered with Marmite hollandaise. thesetrestaurant.com

6

Licence to swill Stop off at tiny off-licence Trafalgar Wines to stock up on quaffable souvenirs. Though it also sells wines and spirits, it’s especially big on craft beer. Choose from local Sussex brews (Brighton Bier, 360 Degrees, Hastings Brew Co) or explore the world via Sweden’s Omnipollo, the Kiwi Yeastie Boys or Stone from the US. trafalgarwines.co.uk

7

Salt and sugar Many people head to

The Salt Room to enjoy the catch of the day with a view of Brighton’s original West Pier but we recommend going for the afternoon tea. It’s a step above the norm with its comforting crumpets, crisp mini toasties and a sweet stand heaving with chocolate pebble truffles, scones with elderflower jam, and sticks of candyfloss to take away. saltroom-restaurant.co.uk

8

Pot luck The Bluebird Tea Company creates unique tea blends ranging from spiced banana bread chai to tropical pineapple. Choose a pretty tin for a Valentine’s Day gift or perch on a yellow, patterned cushion in the rustic tea bar and order your cuppa of choice. bluebirdteaco.com

Flour power

9

Brighton and Hove’s mini baking empire, Flour Pot Bakery, specialises in artisan breads, inventive bakes and fresh pastries. Try a piece of banana bread at the original Sydney Street branch, or head to the Hove outpost for a huge slice of carrot cake in Scandi surroundings. flour-pot.co.uk

10

Chic shack Hidden in a townhouse on Regency Square, The Cocktail Shack is a dinky bar buzzing with tropical vibes. Wiggle to a hopping soundtrack of reggaeton, ska and reggae while folk in patterned shirts shake up cocktails with tongue-in-cheek names like Rye ’n’ Gosling or Banana Del Ray. cocktailshackbrighton.co.uk