When in... Hove
When in... Hove
Neptune Hove is our second store to open in Sussex and is just a 15-minute drive from kaleidoscopic Brighton. So for our Neptune Hove store guide, we've compiled some of our favourite places from both locations. It's the perfect excuse to take in both areas, because after all, they're united as one city, despite their very distinct differences...
To do
Hove beach huts
The long lines of brightly coloured beach huts on the Hove Promenade have become a bit of an icon for the area. In fact, they've become such an integral part of the seaside's identity, that these little wooden cabins are rather strictly guarded and can only be owned by Brighton & Hove residents with colour guidelines that are regulated by the local council. Regardless of the time of year that you visit, they're one of the most cheerful sights in the area.
Royal Pavilion
This is one of Brighton's most impressive buildings and one of the most dazzling in the United Kingdom. The palace of George IV is a real spectacle, both inside and out, with a historic display of furniture and art. (Psst..residents of Brighton & Hove enjoy half-price entry providing you take along a piece of ID.)
Undercliff walk
If you pop a pair of walking boots in your car, you might like to take to the footpaths of Brighton & Hove and explore some of the beautiful landscapes that surround the area. One of the most popular walks is the Undercliff Walk between Brighton Marina and Saltdean, and inland over the Downs. It's approximately three miles long. Longman walks is a great source of other local walks if you're looking for something a little longer.
Rathfinny vineyard
Not too far away from our new Hove store lies a sprinkling of vineyards, producing some of most delectable English sparkling wines for you to try. Our absolute favourite is about a 30-minute drive away on the Rathfinny estate. You can book a tour and tasting and explore its Rathfinny nature trail with little ones nestled. Bluebell Vineyard Estates is another favourite of ours, but is slightly further away.
To eat
The Salt Room
Set on Brighton's seafront, this super cool fish restaurant opened in 2015 and is headed by the same team that brought us Brighton's award-winning The Coal Shed Restaurant. While it's a fabulous spot for lunch, we love it most for an early-evening supper.
The Little Fish Market
The Salt Room may be our favourite Brighton-based seafood restaurant, but we just couldn't leave out this miniature fish house in Hove. All the ingredients are sourced locally with the menu changing on a daily basis. Even the walls are adorned with artwork by Brighton & Hove artists.
The Ginger Man
This is our go-to 'gastropub' in the area. Not only is the food delicious, but the staff are wonderfully pleasant too.
Small Batch Coffee
With a few locations (Wilbury Road and the original Small Batch cafe next to the Goldstone Villas), this family-run coffee company serve the best coffee in Hove as far as we're concerned. The setting is quite raw and edgy, and we love their utter commitment to producing the best-tasting and the most fairly and carefully produced cups of coffee you could wish for.
To shop
North Laine
Another of Brighton's vibrant shopping areas, North Laine has a collection of more than 400 independent shops from clothes to stationers.
I Gigi
This little treasure trove in Hove does a little bit of this and a little bit of that from clothing to homewares, and even has a small cafe where you can perch on antique wooden chairs and be served scrumptious cakes stored under bell jars.
The Open Market
The London Road area of Brighton is full of specialist and independent brands and has gone through extensive regeneration in recent years. It's home to Brighton & Hove's only covered market – the Open Market – with over 50 of the most exciting local producers
