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.

What makes this area so special? It could be the lively, holiday atmosphere, at its peak at weekends when some of the roads are closed to traffic, and stalls, tables and chairs fill the tarmac. It could be the community spirit of the local traders who bring such a diverse range of hospitality and goods to the area. Or it could be the presence of creativity everywhere you look, from street art to street performers to the variety of people passing you by. Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt the North Laine has got that special something.

A good tip when visiting the North Laine is to bring plenty of shopping bags and come hungry! You’ll find everything you could possibly imagine here from art galleries to specialist shops, vintage stores to designer boutiques, not to mention gift shops, antique centres and painting pottery cafés. As for food, there’s a head-spinning variety to choose from, including Mexican, Indian, French, Japanese, Spanish and Italian to name just a handful – plus loads of cafés, bakeries, ice cream parlours and places where you can grab takeaway! If you’re looking for veggie, vegan or gluten-free options, then don’t worry – eateries in the North Laine, as in most of Brighton, are pretty dietary inclusive!

To get to the North Laine, exit out of Brighton Station onto the front concourse and make your way down Trafalgar Street, the road that goes downhill beneath the station. This is where the North Laine area begins. Sydney Street, Kensington Gardens, Gardner Street and Bond Street form the central stem of the North Laine, but the area also encompasses Upper Gardner Street – where you’ll find a flea market on Saturdays – as well as Jubilee Street, Church Street, North Road, New Road and many offshoots beyond.

Once you reach the end of the North Laine, you’re then just yards away from The Lanes – another unique and wonderful part of Brighton.