Cosmopolitan? Yes. Funky? Yes. Atmospheric? Definitely.
Tucked under the Victorian Arches, on Brighton beach, the ‘Fortune of War’ bar is the place to go.
Hip at any time – but give it a whirl on the longest night of the year, the winter solstice, and you will not regret it.
Buy a good hot mulled wine or two to get into the festive spirit and then walk down to Madeira Drive to watch Brighton’s annual ‘Burning the Clocks’. Amazing and unique, paper and willow lanterns, in all shapes and sizes, are carried in a parade through the city, illuminating the spectators, and then burnt on the beach. Tradition has it that all the hopes and dreams of the lantern makers are passed into the fire.
Followed by a great firework display over the sea, the festive mood has been set, so back inside for another mulled wine or two. Happy Christmas!

157 Kings Road Arches
Brighton and Hove BN1 1NB
+44(0)1273 205065
Google map: bit.ly/vEzlSw

Burning the Clocks
www.visitbrighton.com/whats-on/burning-the-clocks-p372371

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It has the most incredibly friendly staff. They will help will all sorts of things, not just waitering, and the chips come in little silver buckets. They also know the area and can tell you where to windsurf, theatre etc. The food is inventive, healthy and cheap, and the range of coffees is superb! I've joined the local poetry group escapeshute who meet there once a month (the date changes but you can find it on their website) and I've just discovered you can book either the downstairs or upstairs room if you're having an event. I find that if I sit in the first few seats near the doorway people at neighbouring tables will strike up a conversation with me as a matter of course! Definitely a supportive environment for anyone new to Brighton. And they have free WiFi. Enjoy!

www.kobauk.com/
135 Western rd, Brighton, East Sussex BN3 4FF
+44(0)1273 720059
Google map: bit.ly/v7pxiv

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Brighton has been a home for embracing all things weird and wonderful for years. Every year hirsute gentlemen enter the World Mustache Championships held in the city and those who want to show a bit more can join the annual naked bike ride. Most unusually the musical among us can enter The UK Air Guitar Championships held in a local club. Want weird and wonderful? Come to Brighton!

www.visitbrighton.com
Google map: bit.ly/raKjtN

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Red Veg is where vegetarians and vegans should go when they are craving some fast food - burgers, hot dogs, fries, wedges, falafels and even cake too. It is really reasonably priced and you can eat in or take away. It is as simple as that really ... don't miss the spicy babycorn firesticks!

21 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UP
+44(0)1273 679910
www.redveg.com
Google map: bit.ly/hSSoYJ

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