Brighton has always celebrated independence, so it’s no surprise our shops reflect that. With a wide range of quirky boutiques to celebrate, there is no better time than Small Business Saturday this 6 December, to put the spotlight on some of our treasured retail areas!

North Laine Area

No trip to Brighton & Hove is complete without seeing the North Laine, a vibrant, colourful hub of independent restaurants, pubs, cafés, shops and outdoor stalls that are an essential part of Brighton’s gregarious personality.

Late night shopping: Enjoy longer to explore in the North Laine area on Thursday 4th, 11th and 18th December until 8pm. Organised by some of Brighton's best independent shops you can enjoy music, drinks and nibbles, all under the beautiful Christmas lights. 

Where to Shop: 

Posh Totty Designs - Discover personalised jewellery, decadent gifts and beautiful pieces in this unique, independent shop. 

Pen to Paper - Explore a world of art, artisans and quality together in their wide range of stationery products. The perfect place to get your gifts, wrapping and cards all in one place.

Snoopers Paradise - Not your regular shopping experience, Snoopers Paradise is a true destination. Enjoy getting lost in their maze of stalls and find upcycled, sustainable second-hand and recycled treasure.

Where to Eat:

The Dorset has been serving Brighton since 1819 and is one of the city’s oldest pubs, providing a warm welcome for more than 200 years. Set in the middle of the North Laine, it remains a landmark meeting point where locals, shoppers, theatre-goers and visitors all come together.

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The Lanes

The Lanes are a famous part of Brighton & Hove. Nestled between the North Laine and the seafront, this quirky labyrinthian area is a joy to wander around with its narrow alleyways, hidden squares, exciting shops, legendary jewellers and plenty of places to eat, drink and watch the world go by.

Where to Shop:

Nancy Meiland Perfumes - Nancy Meiland is a perfumer and trained nose who shaped her career designing signature scents for those coveting something highly individual and special. 

Baroque Bespoke Jewellery - Brighton's premier Bespoke Jewellers, this award-winning store can be found in the Lanes, formally a fisherman’s cottage, where the talented team of goldsmiths design and produce engagement rings, wedding bands and bespoke creations from their on-site workshop.

Trading Post Coffee Roasters - Alongside being a favourite dining spot for those shopping in The Lanes, Trading Post also sell their signature coffee beans, alongside tools for making your coffee at home as lovely as it is in their cafes. 

Where to Eat:

Lost in the Lanes - Once you've bought some unique gifts, take the weight off at Lost in the Lanes and enjoy delicious drinks and food, we defy you to resist their cakes! If you've shopped up an appetite the menu boasts seasonal dishes in a styish, contemporary and independent restaurant.  

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Hanningtons Lanes

Hanningtons has a rich history as one of the most important retail destinations in Brighton, and is home to a wide range of exciting independent and high street brands. Beautifully designed and curated, the pedestrian only Hanningtons Lane is home to makers, designers, food artisans and pioneers. 

Late-Night Shopping & Christmas Windows: Every Thursday in the festive season, the Lane’s boutiques will stay open late for festive browsing with drinks, music and twinkling window displays.

Where to shop:

FAIR – With a focus on natural, organic and chemical-free materials, FAIR has a fabulous range of womenswear, accessories and a developing selection of menswear. Their handcrafted home décor and jewellery is made by refugees across the world and is part of their ongoing collaboration with MADE51, which is brought to life by UNHCR.

Paxton & Glew - Artist Pam Glew leads festive “Make an Icon” peg-doll workshops at the gallery on the 3 and 4 December. Guests can create their own Christmas icons – from Bowie to Taylor Swift – while enjoying mulled wine and creativity in a friendly, art-filled space.

hugo & green - Give the gift of green this Christmas, or choose some houseplants to liven up your space at hugo & green, the houseplant experts. Much more than just a houseplant shop, they’ll help you find the right plant for you and your indoor space.

Where to Eat: Flint House boasts a modern two-storey venue with counter-level dining, a first-floor restaurant and cocktail bar, and a rooftop terrace. The menu focuses on small plates made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, ideal for sharing or enjoying solo.

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London Road

London Road was recently voted one of Time Out's 7 Coolest neighbourhoods in the UK, and has long been a go-to for those seeking independent, small businesses that offer something more than the high street. London Road area has an arty, original vibe that gives it an intriguing edge other parts of Brighton don’t have.

Where to Shop: 

The Open Market -  On the 29 November and 6, 13 & 20 December, The Open Market will host Christmas markets, each featuring 40 pop-up stalls, this year’s celebrations will showcase over 200 unique makers, artists, and traders alongside the market’s much-loved permanent independents. 

UnBarred - If you want a beer related gift that has been made with passion from an independent brewery, than look no further than UnBarred. With a great range of beers, IPA’s and Stouts on sale, this is the perfect place to try before you buy. Look out for our seasonal favourite, the Stoutzilla!

Jimbobart - The perfect place to pep up your festive crockery with a hand painted, one of a kind piece. Jimbobart offers original works based around woodland animals, we defy you not to smile at their beautiful works of art. 

Where to Eat:

Presuming Ed - This brightly painted building is just as vibrant inside as out, with a range of hot drinks, sandwiches and snacks to keep up your energy for shopping!

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Trafalgar Street

Just a stones throw from Brighton Station, Trafalgar Street is just as diverse and quirky as you would imagine. With a great range of independent shops, pubs and attractions such as the Toy & Model Museum, take time to explore this vibrant area's shopping credentials. 

Where to Shop: 

Bluebelle & Co - Don’t miss this independent Brighton boutique, which offers a treasure trove of gorgeous gifts, homeware, accessories & children's wear. We’ve got our eyes on their cosy fox socks.

All about Audrey - This is a gold mine of handmade and bohemian clothes, with a wide range of 1970's vintage items, perfect for finding a unique gift for someone else or yourself! 

Rarekind Records - An independent, real world record shop, specialising in Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, Reggae and a whole lot more, you can buy merchandise or tickets for that mustn't miss gig. 

Where to Eat: The Real Patisserie, a Brighton institution that always puts on a show at Christmas, with iconic pastries and filled baguettes, a wonderful spot to sit and watch the world go by as you tick items off your list.  

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Hove

Across the UK, Brighton’s name might be more well-known, but Hove – or “Hove Actually” as it’s known locally – is both synonymous with Brighton as well as having its own distinct and equally striking identity. Along Church Road, you’ll find independent shops galore from fashionable boutiques to book shops, from delicatessens to chocolateries to colourful bookshops.

Where to Shop: 

Velvet - Just a short bus ride from central Brighton, Velvet is waiting to become your new favourite shop. This award-winning independent store, located in Hove near the seafront, spans two floors and is filled with a carefully curated selection of stylish fashion, homeware, and lifestyle products.

Madame Jennifer - Nestled in the heart of Poets Corner, Madame Jennifer Distillery has been producing popular local spirits and liqueurs since 2018. All of their products are hand-made, bottled and labelled in the distillery using their very special 100 litre still. Their unique small-batch approach allows them to work with great botanical flavours and produce products with distinction.

Book Nook -  The Book Nook is a specialist independent children’s bookshop with a breadth of knowledge regarding children's books. They stock a diverse range of inspirational, inclusive and quality children's books for all ages which they sell to schools and families across the world. Look out for their wonderfully creative window displays. 

Where to Eat: Nostos is a great place to sit while you enjoy a delicious, leisurely meal after a day's shopping. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, Nostos delivers remarkable Greek-inspired & carefully selected menus.From astonishing starters, to extraordinary sides, spreads and irresistible desserts.

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Brighton Marina

Less than an hour’s walk or a ten minute bus journey from Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton Marina is a self-contained food, shopping and entertainment haven set against a backdrop of yachts bobbing up and down on the big, blue sea.

Where to Shop: 

Elctrc - This family run bike specialist is your first stop for buying a new bike in Sussex. They boast a wide range of electric bikes from Raleigh, Haibike, Gocycle, Tern, Advanced, Riese & Müller and other leading brands.

Hatt Adventures - A cornucopia of great gifts for any outdoors lovers in your life. The team are passionate about the outdoors and when you pop in store, you’ll be sure to get some expert advice, along with your new kit. They only stock equipment they've tried, tested and trusted.

Pretty Neat Gallery and Studio - Throughout December, the gallery transforms into a winter wonderland filled with original art, handmade Christmas gifts and an exciting array of creative workshops. Enjoy late night shopping Thursdays 4, 11 and 18 December, with mulled wine, festive snacks, and plenty of Christmas cheer at the Gallery. 

Where to Eat: Laughing Dog Cafe -  Laughing Dog Brighton has been running for 15 years, providing the area with an exceptional quality café & a beautifully curated store.They are naturally dog friendly, serving lots of doggy treats, and some free snacks also! 

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Brighton Seafront

Nestling underneath the Victorian beachfront arches are some fabulous independent shops, offering authentic Brighton produce, made by locals. This is Christmas shopping away from the hustle and bustle, with a beautiful backdrop. 

Where to Shop:

Bird & Blend - Bird & Blend Tea Co. is an independent, award-winning, tea company on a mission to spread happiness & reimagine tea! Discover unique blends and delicious cuppas, great for gifting or sipping yourself!

Brighton Photography - Brighton Photography is Brighton's most popular photography gallery & is located in the West Pier Arches. The gallery features the very best photography of Brighton and the South Downs by some of the city’s favourite photographers.

Atelier Beside the Sea -  Atelier Beside the Sea is located across three iconic seafront arches containing two galleries, a teaching workshop and a shop. From one off pieces of art and pottery, to cosy knits and workshop vouchers, this is a great stop for the budding artist in your life. 

Where to Eat: Riddle & Finns on the Beach sits in a prime location, sitting in-between the two piers and over looking the beach. Treat yourself to relaxed dining paired with quality seafood and an extensive champagne list. 

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Kemptown 

A glorious blend of elegant seafront squares and grand Regency crescents with lush green gardens, Kemptown has a lively, generous hub of independent shops, delis, vintage stores, indie and second-hand bookshops, restaurants, cafés and pubs centring on St. James Street and St. George’s Road. 

Late-Night Shopping: 4 and 5 December, from 5pm - 8pm, a unique two day Christmas event, with festive gift ideas, mince pies and even a visit from Santa!

Kemptown Trading Post - Kemptown Trading Post is an eclectic and bohemian market where you can find a large variety of collectibles, antiques and furniture. Boasting a large choice of vintage clothing and accessories, as well as second hand designer clothing and European imports.

Kemptown Book Shop - Kemptown Bookshop is Brighton’s oldest independent bookshop. Established 50 years ago, it has three floors of books for adults and children, fantastic stationery, toys and games, gifts, fine art, and a newly-refurbished cafe.

Hunter Florist - Brighten up your Christmas table with flowers from a well established, independent florist. From a humble houseplant to a teachers gifts at the end of term, Hunter Florist offers it all. 

Where to Eat: Cup of Joe is a stylistic and unusual cafe located in the vintage antique market Kemptown Trading Post. It is designed to be a chilled out place where you can listen to some music, work on your laptop or just enjoy some very good quality coffee, as well as sample the large selection of Nova Teas and English cakes.

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Small businesses need our support more than ever this Christmas, so this Small Business Saturday choose a more authentic way to shop and buy locally. To discover more about how the city is getting behind Small Business Saturday on the 6th December, find out more.

Caroline