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.
