Brighton man admits one crazy fact you will not believe!

Today we hand over to guest blogger, James Sharp, who has a shocking confession to make.... 

Hello once again, dear readers.

Usually, when you come across a blog posting from yours truly, you’d find some informative, interesting and mildly amusing text about a wonderful adventure I've had in the marvellous city of Brighton. For this small piece, however, instead I bring to you something much more serious: a confession.

I've never eaten a steak.

Shocking, isn't it? Almost to the point of disbelief. I could go into this a bit further here, maybe explain myself or try to justify my situation so you could at least feel a bit of sympathy towards me. But I'm not going to. I'm well aware of the effect it has on people I confide in. The open mouth, the glazed-over expression, the quiet mumbling in the corner of the room as a solitary tear rolls down their cheek.

Instead I shall give you some time to process that critical piece of information, and next time around (when you've fully recovered) I'm going to explain the journey I've faced along with a very tasty and mouth-watering solution.

So stay tuned for the next installment, where the lovely Charlotte Barrow and myself pay a visit to The Coal Shed, a steak restaurant tucked away in Boyce’s Street, where all will be revealed.

What sort of culinary mysteries will be revealed inside?

The Coal Shed 
Address: 8 Boyce's St, Brighton BN1 1AN 
Phone: 01273 322998 

Opening Times: 
Monday to Thursday: 12-4pm, 6-10pm 
Friday to Saturday: 12-4pm, 6-10:30pm Sunday: 12-4pm, 6-10pm 
www.coalshed-restaurant.co.uk 
@TheCoalShed1

Gangsta Granny - giggles galore for all the family!

Currently my daughter's favourite book is Gangsta Granny so when we found out that a new stage production was coming to the Theatre Royal Brighton for a pre-West End run we simply had to go!

For those of you who are not familiar with David Walliams' book; the story revolves around Ben who each week dreads going to visit his cabbage-loving granny while his parents go to their dance classes. However when Ben discovers a biscuit tin full of jewellery everything changes...

As with any adaptation of a beloved book there is always a certain amount of trepidation over how it will be handled. Will the story be as funny and heartfelt on stage as on the page? Well, with a huge sigh of relief I can happily tell you that - yes it is. The production stayed true to the original story while also adding something new with some fantastic dance routines during the set changes.

The whole cast were great but in particular Ashley Cousins and Louise Bailey (Ben and Granny) who had us giggling the whole way through. So if you are looking for an outing for the whole family to enjoy then Gangsta Granny is the ideal choice as it is both funny & heart-warming. And don't forget to buy the book as well!

Gangsta Granny 
Theatre Royal Brighton until 6th March 

Katie

5 Hotels for Weekend Escapes in Brighton and Sussex

Whether you’re craving a weekend of hedonism or retreat, the impartial experts at The Good Hotel Guide have selected five of their favourites from their collection of hotels in Brighton and Sussex.

Best for foodies: Green Oak Barn, Berwick 

Green Oak Barn has got all three sides of the holy trinity of weekend escapes covered: wine, food and tremendously comfortable beds. A refreshing twist on the restaurant-with-rooms concept, the place is primarily known for its shop dedicated to English wine, as well as its Michelin-recommended restaurant. The English Wine Centre stocks over 150 varieties of wine from English vineyards, and does tutored and impromptu wine tastings. Tucked up close by, The Flint Barn Restaurant has a short but interesting menu, which is, as you’d hope, served alongside unusual English wines that you can sample by the glass. Good thing then that you won’t have to stagger far to get to bed. Five smart bedrooms are set in the same landscaped gardens as the wine centre and restaurant, in a reconstructed traditional Sussex barn; the large communal space on the ground floor has sofas, a bar and a baby grand piano.

Best for romance: Drakes of Brighton

To really splash out on a Brighton city break, head to Drakes. The fabulous Feature Rooms have sea views, free-standing baths and super-king size beds, while the four attic rooms have a large balcony accessed by climbing out of the window. The arrival packages are, um, inventive, with options ranging from the romantic to the downright naughty. The only thing you won’t find in your room is a mini bar – the folk at Drakes prefer to mix you a drink from scratch. Call down to order or, even better, sample a few drinks from their excellent cocktail menu as you soak up the atmosphere from the black granite-topped bar. The Restaurant at Drakes, headed up by chef Andrew MacKenzie, is one of Sussex’s finest dining destinations – make sure you reserve a table. If it’s good enough for Kylie…

Best for pets: Deans Place, Alfriston  

Plumped on the outskirts of a pretty medieval village, Deans Place is slap bang in dog walking heaven. It stands on the banks of the Cuckmere River, amid the South Downs National Park. Good thing then that there are dedicated pet-friendly rooms – just ask for one when you book. Note that Deans is ‘pet’ friendly, not simply ‘dog’ friendly; it has been known to house guests’ ponies in its paddock. As you’d expect from somewhere so accommodating, this is a traditional country house hotel with a home-away-from-home feel. Think plenty of nooks and crannies for getting lost in a good book, log fire, and an extensive gin menu that requires at least one evening of your time.

Best for nightlife: A Room With A View, Brighton 

Follow Lewis Carroll and Vita Sackville-West to Kemp Town village, one of Brighton’s most desirable neighbourhoods. The bohemian area is home to some of Brighton’s best bars and pubs and is the heart of the city’s lively Gay Quarter. Strolling along Kemp Town’s genteel Regency crescents and gardens, which are dotted with blue plaques, you’ll find delis, interiors shops, quirky second-hand bookshops and antiques alongside natty independent restaurants and lively pubs, bars and clubs. Then collapse into bed in A Room With A View, in a light, airy Grade II-listed building. Book the attic room and treat your hangover to views stretching the length of Brighton sea front from your own private terrace.

Best for a lie-in: Five, Brighton  

Breakfast in bed – with a sea view – comes as standard at Five, where award-winning breakfast hampers are delivered to your door at a time of your choosing. The wicker hampers contain products from local suppliers and Sussex farms and change according to the season. Expect oven-warm pastries and muffins, local cheeses, cute Kilner jars overflowing with strawberries and condensated glass bottles of fresh milk. Located in a Regency town house a stone’s throw from Brighton sea front, Five is actually more of a B&B, with well-equipped modern bedrooms decorated with local artwork and photography.

By Emma Field for The Good Hotel Guide. 

My Mexican Monday at Las Iguanas

A murky Monday after work/school was the timing of our visit to Las Iguanas.  A good time to eat Mexican food and a great time to visit by all accounts as, for the first half hour at least, we had the place to ourselves.  

I say Mexican but officially the restaurant is billed as South American, offering dishes from ‘Brazil and beyond’ as well as the classic fajitas and burritos. Louis and I started off by sharing a large bowl of nachos loaded with melted cheese, guacamole and sour cream; chillies and salsa came separately as my nine-year old dining companion isn’t so fond of the spicy bits.  The plateful was large – enough for two - and kept on the table for picking at throughout the meal.

Las Iguanas is a chain with outlets across the country so the Brighton USP was our lovely waiter Joe who gave us a warm welcome and knew his way around the menu, answering our questions knowledgeable and helpfully.  He highlighted the two for one drinks deal - in celebration of the restaurant’s 25th year – so I opted for a cocktail, non-alcoholic, to accompany my spicy fare and although not cheap at £3.30 for one, still competitively priced when compared to other eateries’’ beverage prices and positively a bargain for two!

Our main courses included cheese burger with curly fries for Louis and chicken fajitas for me.  A colourful combination of char-grilled chicken, peppers and onions were delivered on a hot skillet with a crisp salad and sauces on the side.  Had I planned ahead a bit better I probably shouldn’t have chosen the fajitas as although very tasty, another helping of the accompanying sour cream and guacamole was perhaps just a bit too much, even for me!  Other options - which I shall explore in future - are Sea bass fillet with spring onion and crab, creamy coconut plantain curry and on-the- bone char-grilled ribeye steak.

Pudding time is always a highlight for Louis and his choice of ice cream and chocolate brownie went down extremely well but what really knocked our socks off was the churros (cinnamon-sugar dusted Spanish-style donuts); omg I actually cleaned the bowl of dulce de leche (caramel sauce) with my finger!  Sorry, but it was just the most moreish combination of sweet unapologetic decadence I’ve experienced in a while.

So, my top tips for dining a Las Iguanas style:

Do, do Mexican on a moody Monday when it’s quieter, it’s a   lovely start to the week
Don’t double up on the dips
Do try the churros with con de Lecce – (I’m going back on my own for this one!)
Do go with friends or the whole family so you can take full advantage of the sharing plates and two for one cocktails!

Las Iguanas, Jubilee Street, Brighton
Foodies can look forward to tucking into a diverse menu inspired by authentic regional dishes from Argentina, Mexico and Brazil. Favourites include Sizzling Fajitas, Enchilada's and Moqueca (light coconut curry). Las Iguanas also serve light Latin lunches, imaginative menus for children and have a tasty tapas selection. www.iguanas.co.uk

Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending

You've met the staff, you've made your choices, you've been measured and you've parted ways with a smile and a firm handshake. The difficult part of the suit process is over and done with and that leaves you plenty of time for self-reflection and devoting your life to pruning bonsai trees and meditative philosophies. Except it doesn't quite work that way. Perhaps it’s the ‘boys and their toys’ mentality, but once you've got your mind set on something you want it as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the material doesn't order and stitch itself into perfection instantly, leaving you biting your nails and watching the days pass by until you receive the phone call letting you know: It’s done.

You get changed behind an organ

Of course there’s just one last step. The final fitting! You get to slip on that suit you've so eagerly been waiting for and have it adjusted to perfection. In my case, adjusting was a couple of small fixes that allowed the jacket to sit on my shoulders comfortably and the sleeves to be shortened just a touch. These were very minor alterations that highlighted just how accurate the measuring was in the first place. Impressive! The second phone call doesn't take as long as the first and before you know it you’re back in the same room wearing the newly-adjusted outfit.

And it fits perfectly.

Tools of the trade

Dear diary: Today I was a human blackboard

There’s something to be said about a tailored set of clothes, but the most noticeable thing for me was that when I tell you it fits perfectly, it’s so much more than that. Your attire not only sits on you comfortably (it was made to measure, obviously) but it shifts with your body’s own movements, not unlike a second skin would. The end result is clothing that looks great and feels enjoyable to wear.
That’s a sentence I never thought I’d end up saying through this adventure.

From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out, the discussion, interaction, options and even the atmosphere really set a standard that has to be the most open and relaxed I've found clothes shopping. A simple thanks doesn't cover it, but I’d like to extend it to Gresham Blake and all at the Brighton store, with a special thanks to Max for being an excellent guide through the world of bespoke tailoring and for answering the myriad of questions I peppered his way every time we met.

Max was quite the jovial personality!

Here’s the finished product! Sharing some camera space with me is the delightful Charlotte Barrow, VisitBrighton’s own marketing marvel, trying her best to conceal her envy. Fortunately for her, Gresham Blake also do women’s clothing as well! I suspect she'd want something in purple, though green would suit!

Options are often illustrated on nearby friendly mannequins.

Thanks also to Mad Hatters, a stylish hat shop situated on Trafalgar Street, for informed advice and recommendations on hat styles and colours. They have a huge range of head wear to choose from, mens and womens, to compliment any and all attire! Certainly worth checking out!

Gresham Blake
20 Bond Street Brighton BN1 1RD
Mon - Thur : 10am - 5.30pm
Fri : 10.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday : 10am - 6pm
Sunday : 11am - 5pm
www.greshamblake.com
http://www.greshamblake.com/contact-us/i51
https://twitter.com/GreshamBlake

Mad Hatters
www.madhattersandfriends.co.uk

Will you find Lady Chastity's wine?

Last night was one of the most surreal nights out we have ever experienced, and considering we work in Brighton that is saying something!

We were invited to experience Handmade Mysteries new game Lady Chastity's Reserve. We weren't sure what to expect, all we knew for sure was that it takes place at The Black Lion pub and that the site describes it as an immersive team game.

Therefore we arrived at the pub feeling slightly confused and with a certain amount of trepidation. However I think this must be the standard entry as we were soon recognised as the group there to play the game!

Now we come to the tricky part of my post as I want to give you an idea of what it's all about without losing the sense of mystery. I guess the first thing I can do is try to reassure you that there aren't any nasty surprises. When I read that there were theatrical elements I had visions of people creeping up on me or trying to grab me in the dark and that idea gave me the heebee-jeebies! There are plenty of moments that will make you jump & scream but most of your time will be spent giggling & shrieking with laughter.

Our host for the evening was Gabriel who cut a dashing figure in his green flock coat and he was on hand to help us throughout the experience. He whisked us upstairs to a private room and after explaining the details of our quest we were left alone in the dark & creepy room to solve the puzzles to try and claim our prize - a coveted bottle of Lady Chastity's Reserve wine. There is a time limit of one hour which is strictly adhered to although Gabriel is on hand to assist if you need him.

Studying the clues...

The time absolutely flew by with moments of confusion and chaos, a few frights and lots of laughter. I'm delighted to say that we did manage to complete the task with just 2 seconds left on the clock! There were four of us in the team which I think was about right as a couple of times we were able to split into two sub-groups to try and speed up the process. It can be played with 2-6 players so in theory you could try this as an alternative date night! However I think this works better for groups, whether it's a team night out; friends get-together or even a corporate bonding session.

The Brighton Divas are victorious! 

If you fancy a night out with a difference then I would highly recommend this, be prepared to get stuck in and make sure you listen to Gabriel - he is there to help not hinder your progress. So if you fancy trying it for yourself then make sure you enter our competition to win tickets for a group of you to play the game.

Charlotte

YHA Brighton - Budget can still be stylish...

A couple of us here at LoveBrighton are actually out-of-towners and so when it came time to prepare for our work Christmas party we decided it would be more fun if we could stay over somewhere. Which led us to the YHA Brighton...

I must confess I hadn't stayed in a hostel before, I haven't been backpacking and therefore the idea of staying at a hostel for a city break hadn't really occurred to me so I was intrigued to see what it would be like. First of all those of us staying were passed the stage of wanting to stay in a dorm so we were delighted to see that the hostel has a range of private rooms, all en-suite, sleeping from 1 person up to 6 with a mixture of single, double and bunk beds.

The room was an impressive size with plenty of room for each of us, with even enough space for a bit of a dance whilst getting ready. The bathroom was also spacious and included both a bath and a shower.

I do have one word of warning though... Bedding is provided, as is soap but towels are not which led to some inventive drying techniques the morning after! Of course we later found out that we could have hired towels but that would have been too simple.

Overall it was a fantastic place to stay, the location was perfect as it's on the Old Steine so right by the seafront and close to the shops and the Royal Pavilion as well. It is also housed in a former Regency hotel so some of the rooms have lovely bay windows and fireplaces.

The YHA was ideal for us and I can see it would also be great for families too, so if you fancy a budget break but still enjoy a touch of style then this is the place for you. Oh but don't just take my word for it as Chris Eubank visited the YHA Brighton for the trailer of Youth Hostelling with Chris Eubank

Rates start from £14.50 for a bed in a dorm and £25 for private rooms. Plus book now for stays between March and September and save up to 33% in  the January sale.

Charlotte