20 January, 2017
Blanch House transports you back
to a time when Brighton was the vivacious
playground of the Georgians. Tucked away down a sleepy side street
just a stone’s throw from the seafront, you will find an
inconspicuous black door, behind which awaits this gorgeously
renovated boutique hotel. Just 12 bespoke guest rooms make for a
comfortable home away from home where cheerful staff are quick to
welcome guests with both cocktails and charm. Settle in at the bar
to pick the brains of the knowledgeable staff, who are quick to
help you personalise and plan your stay. The hotel’s friendly
atmosphere and close proximity to both the city’s sights and
flourishing restaurant scene will have you feeling like a local in
no time.
Each of the bedrooms have been uniquely designed around quirky,
enchanting and exotic themes, such as Moroccan, Renaissance or
Sakura. The tall Georgian windows let in the fresh sea breeze –
exactly what’s needed to brush away the cobwebs if you’ve spent the
previous evening discovering Brighton’s heady nightlife. Bathrooms
are simple and calming, with old-school roll-top baths and powerful
rain showers. Don’t forget to open the cupboard – it’s a portal to
traditional homemade biscuits and tea.
Home-cooked made-to-order breakfasts are served each morning in
the townhouse until 10:30AM. Fill up on eggs Benedict and scotch
pancakes or keep it simple with a croissant and plenty of coffee.
The homemade granola bars are a perfect grab-and-go snack if you’re
off to explore.
For lunch, take a stroll up and down the lanes to Food for Friends. Enjoy colourful, flavour-packed
vegetarian food from local suppliers in a relaxed atmosphere. Down
by the sea you’ll find an abundance of fish and chip shops for a
cheap and cheerful traditional lunch.
Yes, a charming champagne and cocktail bar-cum-lounge serves up
a list of classic and locally inspired tipples. The Brighton gin
and tonic with a twist of orange, is a Blanch House favourite.
The boutique hotel caters for weddings as well as also doubling
up as a business centre for small to mid-sized conferences, making
for a much more personal space. Parking permits can be collected at
reception for a small cost, while there’s also complimentary
WiFi.
Rooms get booked up quickly in the summer so be sure to reserve
well in advance.
One of the best things about Blanch House is that nothing is
very far away. Brighton Pier is precisely 14-minutes walk down the
hill (we timed it) and the Royal Pavilion is an 11-minute walk (and
that too). Even closer you’ll find plenty of independent coffee
shops and other charmingly idiosyncratic which Brighton has become
known for.
