The setting of Drakes of Brighton is right out of the top drawer – in trendy Kemp Town, slap-bang in the middle of a row of Georgian townhouses on Marine Parade. Exuding grown-up glamour, the imposing premises and sleek, polished interiors are in stark contrast to some of the town’s scruffier, bohemian elements without coming at the expense of any of Brighton’s trademark laid-back vibe.
The real draw at Drakes is that nearly all of the 20 bedrooms offer what Brighton specialises in: endless views over the beach, the pier and out to the rolling waves beyond. The enormous floor-to-ceiling Georgian windows pour light into the chic surroundings (where splashes of red bring a sense of drama to the huge beds) while sink-into lounge chairs, techno offerings such as Dab radios, speedy WiFi and iPod docking stations and wet rooms filled with soft white robes and White Company bath products provide plenty in the way of home comforts. Even these, though, play second fiddle to the giant baths which, standing in the very centre of some of the rooms are more than big enough for two and have some of the best views in the house.
Once you’ve finished luxuriating in your room, there’s some pretty impressive food waiting downstairs in the restaurant. Head Chef Andy Mackenzie has perfected a (double AA-starred) menu of clean, subtly flavoured and locally produced food, paired with a selection of very good wines and champagnes. After dinner, the cocktail bar is the place to pull up a chair at the long black marble bar and ask the barman to mix you any combination of drinks you can think of. A warning, though: open 24 hours to guests, it’s all too easy to be there some time...
What’s hot?
- The sea views from the rooms
- The helpful waitresses who will pair the perfect wine with your dinner
- The relaxed 24-hour bar – where they’ll shake you up any cocktail you fancy (on the menu, or not)
- The giant baths – for soaking in with a glass of champagne while looking out to sea
What’s not?
- Room service can be a little on the slow side
- There are only a few parking spaces at the hotel and it costs from £12 per night
Need to Know: Drakes
Number of rooms: 20
Check-in/check-out times: 2pm and 11am
Room service: Yes
Swimming pool: No
Spa: No. But there’s a full selection of in-room massages
Dogs welcome: No
Eating and drinking: The restaurant at Drake’s is one of Brighton’s best places to eat. From pan-roasted local scallops to perfectly cooked salt marsh lamb, the menu offers locally sourced dishes of subtle flavours. There’s a variety of options on offer – from the five-course tasting menu to the three-course lunches or the delicious Sunday lunch menu. The bar doubles as reception, and is open all night and offers every type of cocktail you can think of.
Near to? Located right in the heart of Brighton, Drakes is perfect for getting about the city centre. Brighton Pier and the beach are just a short walk away, as are all the quirky boutiques and vintage shops in the Lanes.
Getting there: It’s a 20-minute walk (or a 10-minute taxi ride) to Brighton Main station. From here, it’s an hour’s journey to London and half an hour to Gatwick Airport.
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