insideKENT Magazine Issue 88 - July 2019 | Page 124

GETAWAYS
Grand Victorian architecture and sophisticated
Italian influences at
THE GRAND,
BRIGHTON
IT’S HARDER TO FIND A MORE ICONIC SEAFRONT THAN THE PROMENADE AT BRIGHTON. THE
FLASHING LIGHTS OF THE PIER TO THE EAST, THE TASTE-BUD TINGLING SCENT OF FISH AND
CHIPS, AND THE RINGING BELLS OF CYCLISTS WINDING THEIR WAY PAST THE i360 ALL SET
AGAINST THE ICONIC BLACKENED REMAINS OF THE WEST PIER. BY SAMANTHA READY
And standing centre stage amongst all of this is
Brighton seafront’s original grand dame – the striking
The Grand Hotel. Designed by architect John
Whichcord Jr., The Grand opened its doors in 1864,
flying the flag for the elite as the upper classes checked
in for seaside jaunts. Fast forward to the present day,
and following a multi-million pound refurbishment
completed in 2013, The Grand is as elegant and
luxurious now as it ever was.
Pulling up outside, we were swiftly met by a friendly
and efficient concierge team – we were relieved of
luggage, the car was taken to be valet parked, we
knew the weather, what was happening locally and
the football results before finding ourselves right at
the reception desk ready for check in.
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So smooth was the journey from car to desk, that
we actually about turned and ran back across the
forecourt just to stop and stare up in wonder at the
building in all its sunkissed glory. This is a dame
with features in all the right places; ornate
plasterwork, stunning cast iron railings, and balconies
that offer uninterrupted sea views.
Of course staying at The Grand with its enviable
seafront position meant we simply had to bag
ourselves one of its seaview rooms.
Our spacious deluxe sea view room not only
afforded us a huge and comfy king-sized bed with
crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, it also gifted us two
huge windows and a sundrenched balcony; the
perfect place to enjoy a quick Brighton Gin and
tonic before dinner.
One G&T down it seemed only right to begin
our evening in the plush Victorian Bar. By day, the
place to take a seat on the sunlit terrace to enjoy the
hotel’s award winning afternoon tea and by night a
place where guests, visitors and even the occasional
four-legged regular combine to create a hubbub
of excitement and atmosphere, with expert
bartenders mixing up signature cocktails (The
theatrical Columbus 1493 with copper pineapple
and dry ice is a must-see) amidst the sounds of the
resident jazz quartet.
Happily sat along the marble bar, it was only the
draw of the GB1 restaurant menu that prized us
from our prime position to a windowside table in
the main 2AA Rosette dining room across the lobby.