Baroque named Boutique Retailer of the Year

Of course we love our independent retailers but it's always great to hear about local businesses achieving national recognition. Last week Baroque Bespoke Jewellers in the Lanes won the "Boutique Retailer of the Year" Award at the Retail Jeweller UK Jewellery Awards 2012, and here's a snap of the guys collecting their award...

The Awards are the Jewellery industry's equivalent to the BAFTAs and Baroque were originally shortlisted back in April along with 7 other jewellers across the country. The voting process consisted of interviews and a mystery shopper to judge the team's selling & customer services skills. The judges were impressed by the shops individual identity as well as their support of British talent.

Congratulations to the Baroque team from everyone here at LoveBrighton! 

So whether you are looking for a bespoke piece or a designer item pop into Baroque for an award winning experience.

For more details on Baroque go to: www.baroquejewellery.com

Charlotte

Brighton Olympic Torch Relay - 17th July 2012

Being a little disappointed (well very actually!) that for one reason and another I missed the Olympic Torch last night, I got up bright and early to get to the Pavilion for 7.20am for this morning's Torch lighting.

As the bus veered off course into Preston Drove at 7.07am, I had visions of missing it again. Neither a diverted bus or my feet were going to get me to the Pavilion in 13 minutes! Oops.

The torch is alight!

The Olympic Torch Lighting at the Royal Pavilion

I jumped off anyway, and started running down London Road frantically pushing my one year old in her buggy, whose hair by this time was vertical in the wind. I only made it to Preston Circus before we heard the distant sounds of what must have been the relay, so we stopped and stood in what turned out to be a great spot near the Duke of York's Cinema.

As the Torch came by a bit of lump came into my throat - there is something about a large crowd of people all turning out together for a common cause that is quite emotional.

Especially when your one year old is waving a flag with a big smile on her face, as she bounces around to the Freemasons...God speed Olympic Torch!

Oh and thanks to a more organised colleague we did capture the Torch lighting at the Pavilion above, not to mention the rather fabulous patriotic punks below...

Thanks John!

The Olympic Torch as it passes down London Road

The Torch runner - London Road

Patriotic punks turn out for the Torch!

Thank You GB Coca Cola lorry

Dandy Dick at the Theatre Royal Brighton

Every time I go and see a show at the Theatre Royal I think I mustn't leave it so long before I come again. The theatre always has such a lovely atmosphere & it's also a good place for some people watching especially if you happen to be in a box on the Royal Circle.

Last night a couple of us went along the see Dandy Dick, which is the first play to be staged by the new Theatre Royal Brighton Productions and as the play was originally written in Brighton it was certainly an appropriate choice. The story is based around a village vicar who is strongly opposed to gambling, however his quiet home life is disrupted by the arrival of his estranged sister who definitely doesn't share his views on horse racing.

For me the play was pure escapism - this is traditional English comedy at it's best. Don't get me wrong I am a big fan of modern comedy and am already looking forward to the Brighton Comedy Festival in October. However I am also pleased to see that there is still a place for farce and comical misunderstandings. No one is cruel and you know that everything will turn out alright in the end, in a similar style to Jeeves & Wooster or the Ealing Comedies.

Of course the two lead stars - Patrica Hodge & Nicholas Le Prevost - are well known faces and their performances were as good as you would expect them to be, but I am pleased to report that the rest of the cast were excellent as well, and the set design helped to capture the mood.



If you are looking for a night out with no mention of the banking crisis, dodgy politicians or that big sporting event coming up soon then this is for you. The play will be on at the Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday, of course that is the best place to catch it although if you can't make it then you'll be pleased to hear that the production will be touring the country as well. Go to the Theatre Royal's Facebook page to see more of the production shots.

Charlotte

Image credit - Dandy Dick - Sir Arthur Wing Pinero - Ambassadors Theatre Group © Robert Workman

Be afraid... Be very afraid!

It's always exciting when a new attraction opens up and the latest additon to the city is FEAR Brighton, a live action horror maze.

So it was with a certain amount of tripedation that a group of us went to visit yesterday. Naturally we were told that we were not allowed to take any photos once inside the venue as part of the fun (terror!) is not knowing exactly what to expect. Which will make writing about it a little challenging so I'll just tell you briefly how we got on and try to avoid too many spoilers.

The creepy effect starts as soon as you arrive as the maze is housed in a gothic building complete with gargoyles then once inside you are greeted by a rather sinister looking monk - although I feel I should point out that afterwards when he stepped out of character he was actually very friendly and helpful :)

After the monk had given as a couple of warnings it was time for us to enter the maze & I had the dubious pleasure of leading our group but then I guess someone had to! Logically, of course, you know that you are perfectly safe and nothing will actually hurt you and anyone you see is just an actor in make-up; however once inside, when it's dark and you have no idea what or who will meet you as you go round the next bend, logic goes flying out the window and you start squealing & screaming with your heart racing. Although once you get over the initial shock the screams are quickly replaced by giggles.

All credit to the organisers as the whole ambiance was very effective, with creepy decor and even authentic smells and the actors all added to the terror. So if you enjoy getting the adreniline pumping and giving yourself a fright then you will love FEAR.

To find out more go to: www.fearbrighton.com you can also follow & like them on Twitter @fearbrighton and www.facebook.com/Fearbrighton

Charlotte

Brighton & Hove TAKEPART Festival 2012

Fancy having a go at zumba, basketball or tai chi? Then you'll want to get down to Preston Park on Saturday!

Brighton & Hove's annual sports celebration, TAKEPART, is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors to the Park on Saturday 23 June. The free launch day is designed to give people a chance to try a wide range of activities on one day and in one place. The event will see more than one hundred sporting activities, with everything from Aikido to British Military Fitness, taking place across the park. 

Zumba Challange

One of the key events will be a Zumba challenge, which  kicks off at 3pm combining dance and aerobics in a fast-paced fun exercise. No previous Zumba experience is required & everyone taking part will be guided through the moves. The challenge will raise money for the Argus Appeal, supporting local charities across the city. 

Amazing Zone

The TAKEPART Amazing Zone will also provide taster sport sessions for disabled adults, parents and carers, with activities including wheelchair basketball, tai chi and table tennis. See the map below for all the different zones & activity areas.

The TAKEPART Festival offers a fortnight of activities beginning on Saturday 23 June and ending with Europe's largest FREE beach & watersports Festival, Paddle Round the Pier, on 6-8th July.  The full range of free and low cost TAKEPART activities are featured in the TAKEPART brochure or you can join TAKEPART on Facebook or visit their website.

The TAKEPART Festival is funded by Brighton & Hove City Council and organised by the council’s Sports Development Team

Hope to see you at the Zumba Challenge!

Sarah

Sussex Day

Did you know that tomorrow (16th June) is Sussex Day?

Of course Brighton & Hove has a lot  to keep visitors happy, with everything you'd expect from a city with the added bonus of being by the sea. However Brighton also makes a great base for exploring Sussex as just a short bus ride takes you into the stunning South Downs countryside, perfect for a ramble, a picnic or a pub lunch. If you fancy exploring the countryside but are not sure where to start then activity company So Sussex can help with guided walks, they also arrange cycling and fishing trips.

It's not just about the countryside though, a 10 minute train ride from Brighton takes you to the historic and picturesque town of Lewes which is well worth exploring. Step back in time at Anne of Cleeves House or simply explore the range of boutiques and shops. A tip for fellow book worms: seek out the 15th Century book shop - a treasure trove of literary delights! Also in Lewes you'll find the gorgeous Pelham House Hotel & Restaurant, this 16th Century townhouse makes a pretty spot for lunch or afternoon tea.

For more suggestions check our Beyond Brighton pages or the Love Sussex website.

Charlotte

Do you know this woman?

Brighton Fringe, a photo by simonburgess7 on Flickr.

Last week we annouced the winner of our May Flickr competition was Simon Burgess with this vibrant photo of the Brighton Fringe poster wall.

However we don't know who the woman is? Is this you or do you know who this is? If so please let us know either by tweeting us @Love_Brighton or by e-mailing media@visitbrighton.com

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning our June competition then make sure you join our Flickr group and add your Love Jubilee, Love Brighton inspired photos.

Charlotte