Is it just me or has Brighton gone downhill?

[Newmeagain]

I was there for a weekend about 15 or 16 years ago. I have memories of lots of interesting, independent shops and eating places, particularly in the lanes and around that area.

I went today and was really disappointed. No interesting shops, restaurants were mainly chains. Some nice independent coffee places but that’s about it.

Has it changed or are my memories clouded?

People have been saying that about Brighton for at least 40 years.

It's like everywhere: retail is fading as quirky, niche stuff is available online. I think it's still one of the better spots for independent eating, especially if you're a vegan.

I think it’s always been a bit nasty to be honest. Has a buzz though. I think all retail and restaurants/ cafes struggling right now.

It’s still got some very good restaurants.

Guess it depends on what you want, but personally I thought it was pretty tatty, with lots of begging and scruffy looking people around.
"The Lanes" are still quite interesting but nothing like it was a few years ago. Parking is expensive and hard to find, and traffic can be solid when the sun comes out...

I'm sorry,OP - Brighton just IS horrible, in my opinion.

I've never seen the attraction - it's like the Blackpool of the south: very tacky and tatty and with a bit of an unpleasant edge.

But then lots of people like Blackpool.

I remember it in the 80s and 90s and it was a bit rough … improved a lot in subsequent years but gone downhill again.

i’ve never liked brighton, don’t understand why everyone raves about it

Was and remains a S hole

I was there in January. Yes the Lanes are nice and maybe the seafront but that’s about all.

Maybe there are some nice restaurants outside of the central area but we couldn’t find anything good in the centre. Just thinking about it, I guess the reason why it was mainly bars, cafes and pretty average eating places rather than what I was expecting is that it was full of hen groups, etc who were not there to browse in shops.

Anyway, was originally planning to go for a whole weekend, so glad I just did a day trip.

I went to Sussex in 1978 and dropped put after a term because I thought it was a dreadful place and my course was chaotic. Some nice shops and restaurants in the centre, dreadful beach, stunning pavillion but all fur coat and no knickers and a bit seedy. I had never seen poverty like it in the UK, and it sprawled. Before, or since. It was a glossy Stoke afaiac.

I love it for the vegan restaurants,

Terre a terre is amazing and honestly sometimes Zi go just yo eat there,

https://terreaterre.co.uk/

Brighton went irrationally 'upscale' due to its train connections with London, It was always a shithole with interesting bits

I think it has some nice bits, but Brighton has always been a bit seedy. Good for a day. But you might want to avoid the stags and hens that fill it at weekends

I thought it was great when I was in my twenties and considered moving there, but every time I visit now, I’m put off by the crowds, stag dos and aggressive begging. Must be my age.

It's such an odd mix of ex Londoners, middle class Greens and druggies. Was there in October and was appalled by the amount of homeless young men. Was walking down the high street and there was a young black guy, just passed out on the pavement, with a bottle of alcohol next to him. Was really sad.

"Tacky" is what comes to my mind when I think of Brighton. Just my opinion, though, and I respect the fact others may have a different view.

Hove is much nicer by church Rd but i wouldn't ever stay a whole weekend anymore, Brighton is dirty, smelly, overpriced qnd tacky now. I used to like Kempton but the hotels there are going downhill.

Yes, exactly. I am a North Londoner so used to a bit of urban grunge but this felt worse.

My son has just finished Uni there and loves it. I don’t see the appeal and just cannot understand why it’s so bloody expensive to live there!!

My friend has lived there for 20 years on the White hawk estate, I sometimes stay with her but am not too keen on her flat with pets. I like the charity shops and there are some good ones in Hove.

I hate Brighton. I work there but could never live there.

Yabu. There are loads of excellent independent restaurants in Brighton!

I second the recommendation re Terre a Terre. A lovely vegan restaurant as good if not better than any you will find in London.

my brother went to uni in Brighton and now lives there in a gorgeous garden flat on a beautiful square overlooking the beach. That part of Brighton is quite nice however I myself have never really understood the attraction, I’ve been there / stayed there at least 20 times over the past three decades and I really don’t see it. However parts of the beach are beautiful and there are some quirky bits and nice lifestyle bits eg the nice swimming pool on the beach and the lovely wooden walkway etc … each to his and her own!

Same . I can handle a day trip every few years and that is about it now.