So despite it being Saturday, and despite both Laura and I having had a busy and tiring week our alarm went off at 6:30am! BLARGH BLARGH BLARGH!!
However, our sleep in was thwarted for good reason. We were heading out of London, driving south to the beach. (and yes, I did pack my togs!)
Last time we drove in London it took three hours from the outskirts to centre to drop off the car. This time we decided to perform an experiment; head to the outskirts to pick up our car. Since it only takes an hour to get to Heathrow we picked this as the best spot, and our theory was proved right, we saved two hours whilst dropping off the car by simply rolling in to the dealers and jumping straight on the tube back home. But I'm jumping ahead of myself.
I won't go into too much detail about the ordeal we went through to pick up our car, mainly brought on by useless staff, needless to say we won't be using that particular company again.
Anyway, with Laura driving (me still being too young) we hit the motorway and had a sudden flashback to our trip through America, induced by our GPS poorly pronouncing simple place names over the sound of slurping Starbucks.
The rain fell as we sped towards the coast, but when we came within sight of the ocean the worst has subsided and sun was busting a gut to shine through the dull cloud layer.
Let me tell you one thing that I have found rings true almost every time you check in to a new hotel. You are always surprised. This is to say the room is never what you expect. And I mean this both ways; you either walk in and it's not quite as nice (provided you haven't booked an absolute crap-hole, which you learn not to do fairly early on!) or, the place is amazing.
In our case... the place was amazing! This was probably one of the nicest rooms we have ever booked. Fully renovated, sea views, and four, that's right four, of those little spiced biscuits that you dunk in your tea. Luxury!
Beach time...
... with our puffer jackets on, because although the sun was intermittently shining it was 5˚C. The temperature didn't put us off though. Just to hear the seagulls squark, and smell the salt air warmed my soul.
Now, minus the Art Deco, Brighton is essentially Napier. Steep pebbled beach, cute band stands and statues, small town feel. But it does have one thing that Napier doesn't, and that's a Victorian pier with amusement rides and arcade. Walking along eating freshly fried churros, taking in the bright flashing lights, and sounds of laughter felt like it must have for the last 100 odd years.
At this point I'm going to retract my previous statement, because there is one more thing that Brighton has that Napier doesn't. And that's The Laines. The Laines are Brighton's answer to Yorks' Shambles. A mass of the tightly packed alleys, shops, stalls, colour, noise.
Laura and I were lost in the buzz of hipsters and alternative art / vintage shops. We treated the rest of the afternoon as a taste test for the next day when we planned to properly explore The Laines.
To finish off our first day in the small coastal town, after an afternoon nap of course, we decided on seafood. But more than that we decided on Italian seafood. But even more than that we decided on Jamie's Italian... Jamie Oliver's very own.
If I only get to recommend one restaurant in my life I think it might be this one. This was the best dining experience I have ever had. The food was incredible, the service was amazing, and the overall vibe made you feel like you were sitting at home totally in your own space.
We started with Italian Nachos, which were fried tortilini wth a spicy salsa, then I had squid ink pasta with mussels, whilst Laura opted for prawn carbonara. Incredible. And to really solidify this as the best dining experience ever, the bill came to a good £30 cheaper than we were expecting!
Day two was spent walking around The Laines, and once again taking in the sights and sounds. Our imaginations racing with interior design ideas. So many boutique shops to see and so little time.
After getting our fill we decided to head back to the Capitol, leaving just as the sun began to dip below the horizon with a bright red glow. Saying goodbye to the ocean, we knew we would be back soon.
Cute street and Kombi Vans!
Sunset over the pier.
Wonky tavern sign.
Laura at the beach.
And guess what... it's me at the beach!
The pebbles made it feel like you were Antman walking on regular sand!
