On the opposite side of town to the Bohemian North Laine lie The Lanes, a historic, intricate maze of twisting alleyways in Brighton, filled with Regency architecture, 400-year-old fishermen’s cottages, quaint old pubs, brick-paved streets and flint stone walls along with a huge range of boutiques selling everything from antiques to jewellery and homewares to food.
The Lanes also Known As The Lanes In Brighton
As you explore The Lanes, you’ll find charming passages like Meeting House Lane, Ship Street, and Prince Albert Street, each with its unique character. In the 18th and 19th centuries, The Lanes were a bustling commercial centre. They were home to a variety of shops, including fishmongers, grocers, and artisan workshops.
The Lanes were closely connected to Brighton’s fishing industry. Fishing boats would dock nearby, and the catch would be carried through The Lanes to be sold in local markets. The character of the area reflects this maritime heritage.
The South Lanes in Brighton 2023
The South Lanes are conveniently situated in central Brighton, within easy reach of the seafront. The area is known for its narrow alleyways that are too small for cars but perfect for leisurely strolls.
Popular among tourists and locals alike The Lanes are also every foodie’s paradise. In this area you will find restaurants on top of cafes on top of restaurants, serving up everything from pizza to vegan treats, with many places offering irresistible brunch options. What’s more, it’s a great area if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a drink during the day or on a night out.
Best Things to Do in the Lanes:
Although The Lanes don’t offer many attractions, this area is full of art galleries which have many great art pieces on display and often host exhibitions. Here are some things to do and places to visit to visit next time you find yourself wandering in Brightons South Lanes:
- Paxton+Glew Contemporary Art Gallery – An independent contemporary art gallery showcasing artwork based on seasons and current trends. They host regular exhibitions and creative workshops.
- The Secret Comedy Club – A hidden gem of laughter offered in an intimate setting. Shows run 5 days per week from Tuesday to Saturday.
- Sweet Williams Fudge Shop – A sweet haven for fudge and sweets enthusiasts. This shop offers homemade fudge in flavours like eton mess and lemon cheesecake.
Best Restaurants In The Brighton Lanes:
This area is perfect if you’re looking to enjoy a hearty meal at a traditional British pub or savour global flavours at international restaurants whether that be casual or Michelin-worthy ones. With an assortment of options on offer in The Lanes, here are some we’ve tried and think you should visit:
- Coppa Club – An alfresco dining establishment open all day from early breakfast to late evening drinks. The unique feature of this restaurant is that they offer outdoor igloos in which customers can dine.
- The Flint House – The Flint House in The Lanes offers a menu featuring slow-cooked meat, vegetarian, and pescatarian options, with dishes served as small plates and a wide selection of fine wines and cocktails.
- 64 Degrees – An award-winning open-kitchen restaurant with twenty seats serving modern European small plates with amazing wine pairings.
Best Cafes and coffee shops In The Lanes:
If you’re in the mood for a cup of coffee or tea, you’ll find numerous cafes in the South Lanes. These cafes and coffee shops offer the perfect opportunity to relax and people-watch. One’s we think are worth a visit include:
- The Little Tea Shop – This tea shop offers all-day meals, afternoon tea and dessert options. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
- 17 Grams – A cafe dedicated to serving amazing coffee and brunch, catering to both meat lovers and plant-based eaters. They offer a unique atmosphere that blends the spirit of a record store with a cosy cafe.
- The Post House – This hidden cafe offers a diverse menu of homemade dishes. With a vintage-inspired decor, it serves a variety of food options from breakfasts to tapas-inspired dinners and Sunday roasts.
Where to Drink In The Brighton Lanes:
In this bustling area of Brighton, where history seamlessly intertwines with contemporary allure, you’ll find a plethora of charming bars and pubs. Whether you’re a local looking to uncover a new hidden gem or a visitor seeking the perfect spot to grab a drink, here are some of the best places we recommend you check out next time you’re in town:
- Bohemia – A luxurious cocktail bar in an Edwardian building. Within the building, you can find a Scandi-chic late lounge and a rooftop terrace. Their restaurant also serves classic British dishes and they have a Jazz Bar. They have an over-25-year-old policy for Friday and Saturday nights.
- The Font – This chapel converted to a bar offer is popular, especially among students and offers drinks under a glass dome. The bar has a big projector screen for watching a range of live events. Their food menu offers affordable pub meals like steaks, burgers, and roasts.
- The Pump House – This pub is situated in one of Brighton’s oldest and most historic buildings and offers over 150 years of heritage. Here you can find a stone fireplace and eat some British pub menu meals and speciality pies.
Hidden Gems in the Lanes
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, this area has something to offer everyone. Some hidden gems worth knowing about include Munchies Craft, a neon cafe and tapas cocktail bar serving Turkish cuisines and unique brunches including colourful pancakes! They also have a dog named Alex who is always around, what more could you want?
While wandering around The Lanes we recommend you try finding the Alice in Wonderland Graffiti which is painted on the building in which you can find the 17 Grams cafe mentioned above. This graffiti was created by Eelus and is a great spot for some Instagram photos after a filling brunch.
How to get to The Lanes in Brighton?
The Lanes are easily accessible by foot from North Street. If you’re arriving at Brighton station, you can make your way along Queens Road towards the Brighton seafront and once you reach the city “centre” around where the Clocktower is located you can start heading towards the North West and you’ll find yourself in the Lanes.
If you’re taking a bus, the bus stops which will help you get to the South Lanes easily include Old Steine, Old Steine South, Portland Street, Palace Pier and any of the North Street stops but these depend on the bus which you take and where you’re travelling from. If you’re travelling by car there are a few parking options available in The Lanes including The Lanes Car Park on Black Lion Street which has 335 parking spaces and is open 24 hours every day. Find out how much parking here will cost you.
Once you’re done exploring The Lanes you might want to stroll along the seafront before heading to the Brighton Pier for a relaxing walk. While in this area, you can visit Kemptown to get a real feel of the LGBTQ+ scene in Brighton.
