We return to London this afternoon but we can spend the earlier part of the day in Brighton. We have checked out of the hotel but left our suitcases there till later.
We set out in search of breakfast, first walking through Steine Lane, heading for an area with cafes.
Although it was 9:30, Brighton seemed only to be slowly waking up. Many places were still closed or sluggishly preparing for the day ahead – the Sunday Effect, perhaps.
The weather is cloudy and the temperature moderate – rather a relief after the recent heatwaves.
Photo by Tigger
We found a branch of Caffè Nero and ordered our usual coffee and croissants.
We went to the seafront near the Palace Pier. The sun was trying to shine and managed to do so occasionally.
This view shows all that remains visible of the poor old West Pier, destroyed by fire, possibly deliberately. It is missed by those who remember it kindly.
Where the West Pier’s entrance used to be there now stands this curious structure, called British Airways i360. The tower is 450 feet tall.
Attached to the tower is a doughnut shaped pod which collects passengers at ground level then rises not quite to the top of the tower.
We came into the beautiful Regency Square and sat for a while in its central garden waiting for the pod to rise.
This distance shot gives a better impression of the height of the tower. Symbolically, it it supposed to represent a “vertical pier” to replace the original horizontal one.
Photo by Tigger
There were sparrows in the square and this one came to visit us, no doubt hoping we had food to share. We had to disappoint him.
We sat for some time in Regency Square. That’s not surprising because I enjoy being in Brighton, my once home town, and always feel a little sad when leaving.
Photo by Tigger
In this warm weather you need to stay hydrated and so we eventually set off in search of refreshment. We reached Western Road and there found a Caffè Nero.
Photo by Tigger
Tigger had iced coffee. I wanted tea for a change but they informed me that their hot water machine was broken so tea was off the menu. It had to be coffee!
For lunch we went to Billie’s Cafe. I had my tea this time – Darjeeling, no less.
Photo by Tigger
We had a fry-up style cafe lunch.
After lunch we started back to the hotel to collect our bags. We followed a zig-zag route through the backstreets. A familiar figure appeared at one point.
We followed some narrow lanes where you probably wouldn’t want to go if you are claustrophobic.
We passed the clock tower so, naturally, I stopped to take a photo!
Having collected our bags from the hotel, we caught a bus to the station. Here we settled to wait for our train to be announced. (The photo shows a rare quiet moment at the station!)
Ours is the Cambridge train which conveniently stops at St Pancras on its way. (The rubbish bag indicates that the train is still being “fluffed”, that is, cleared of rubbish from its last trip.)
Photo by Tigger
Photo by Tigger
The train brought us safely to St Pancras but before rushing off to catch a bus
…we stopped off at EL & N, for a last coffee.
A little while later, we caught a 214 bus for home, ending our short but intense trip to Brighton.
Tomorrow we…, no not yet! Tomorrow will come in its own good time and I will tell its story then.
SilverTiger 3 