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?

Brighton Rock is one of my favourite books so always had a soft spot for Brighton. Used to go for weekends in the 90s too - clubbing at Zap. Even then there were some very rough parts and it’s always had issues with homelessness and drugs. I’d love to back for a look but maybe I should stick with my good memories.

I feel the same as you - I live in North London, my sister lives in Brighton and loves it but I’ve never understood why (though I did like going to Brighton in the 80s). I’m just back from Manchester where one of my children lives - way prefer it to Brighton.

I went a few months ago and didn't like it. Lots of graffiti and litter and it seemed quite run down. The sea was nice.

Yes it takes forever as there are no motorways to Norfolk which is why I love it. Sadly, since covid it has been discovered more by Londoners who are buying up second homes and it will be spoilt soon I expect.

spent a lot of time in Brighton over ten years ago. I loved its relaxed laid back vibes. And loved all the different areas. Because I was young, we used to enjoy getting a beer on the sea front and then going to one of many indie clubs or bars. I went back about five years ago and it felt much more a hen and stag do destination. I assume Margate and Hastings is where all the cool kids are going now

I don't know why people are surprised at people taking drugs, where do you think people take them?

Been going to Brighton for years. Was there last week in fact. I’d love to live there. I can’t quite put my finger on why but I love the place ❤️

Yes, this is it. It’s so free and easy. Something for everyone. Magical

This might not be the right way to look at it, but as someone who still has a house further down the coast in Sussex my approach to parking in Brighton was to always just park near the seafront on the Hove side on one of the many streets that are controlled parking, and if I got a ticket just pay. As of last year it was £35 if you paid in 14 days, which isn't that far off what a days parking will cost you anyway, and of course there's no guarantee you'll get a ticket! Well, perhaps on a bank holiday weekend there is, but the rest of the time? 1 in 3 I reckon. A money saving tip worthy of Martin Lewis :)

I went about 15 years ago and thought it was rough then… Coastal areas usually are because they don’t have much to offer beyond tourism so not much investment is ploughed into them. Some areas are nicer than others like Whitby or Robin Hoods Bay but many are frankly dilapidated. Don’t think this is new, didn’t Morrissey sing about the coastal towns they forgot to shut down?!

Why did you feel the need to mention he is black?

Why not? Why did you feel the need to intervene and question her description? Looking to stir up trouble?

I grew up there in the 70s and 80s and it was fantastic. Great nightlife, places to eat etc. etc. I spent another few years back there in the 2010s caring for my aging Dad - and it was still a great place, though not without its faults. I rarely ventured outside the North Laine, though - that's the best part for sure - and I agree with PPs - the Chilli Pickle is wonderful! (see also Indian Summer in East St). It's a place for the young, I think, and I grew out of it. Nowadays I like the rural life!

You must have been in the wrong part - Brighton is very similar to how it was 20 years ago as I was a student about 25 yrs ago and moved back much later and I don't think it's changed much at all.

The north Laine - is the area that famously has lots of independent shops - and it has no chains at all. It's almost identical to when I was a student in the late 90s/early 2000s.

I also find it baffling when people complain about lack of parking (a constant winge about brighton_) - its a well lived in busy city with a beach - it would be even more jammed with traffic than it is if larger numbers of people drove here.

To be honest the main unpleasant thing about brighton is the fact that the main coast road runs along the top of the beach. We really don't need more traffic!

Before we settled in Brighton we looked at some of the other places mentioned on this thread like Hastings and Margate and if anything they were worse. The picturesque / arty old town in Hastings is tiny and outside of that is a town with serious social problems and angry Brexiteers. Ditto Margate. At least Brighton has quite large chunks of loveliness (The Lanes/ North Lane/Seven Dials/ Kemp Town etc)to offset the grunginess. I live just off the Western Road with it's full on grubbiness at one end of my street but at the other end is the Clifton conservation area which is packed with beautiful regency town houses and peaceful garden squares.

@Puppylucky this is so true. brighton isn't all lovely ( I don't like the central area much myself around churchill square) but it has many stunning areas - clifton/ kemp town at the eastern end/ I love hanover myself with its colourful houses...I'm v grateful it's not quite been gentrified! it feels very unusual and unlike anywhere else.

Also many amazing views from the hills.

I can't think of many parts of the UK that have such beautiful independent -dominated streets so definitely not true Brighton has gone down hill in that regard.

also- what brighton has is vibe! It's just somwehere that always feels a bit magic and sparkly- but you do have to avoid the grotty bits as with anywhere

I went to worthing recently and it felt so drab in comparison to brighton.

Ah, it’s a bit sad to read so many people slagging my family’s home town! Been visiting there regularly since the 70’s. It’s do agree that it’s not what it was in many ways though.

I loved being there in a succession of my sisters dives in the 90’s - you could be poor and still have fun with loads happening. Bit like living in London in the 80’s - having v little money was not an automatic barrier to culture. There was a homemade scene in Brighton, which does still exist to some extent I believe..

I agree the poverty on display is v upsetting alongside the ridiculous house prices. V uncomfortable.

I lived there for a few years in the late 90s. Couldn’t understand the appeal even then. There were a few nice shops and restaurants but the beach was awful, it was over populated and a lot of the people were so up themselves. 30 years later and it’s not ever been somewhere I thought about revisiting.

Its the same as clacton southend and great yarmouth ive never seen the hype for it.

Brighton has always been very seedy, I thought that was part of its appeal! I live locally and went to University there in the late 70s but these days I might go once a year at most.

Brighton has many, many faults and issues, but a lack of independent shops and restaurants is not one of them - statistically it has one of the highest rates of both in the UK. There’s a generic shopping centre/high street, but outside of that the best majority of restaurants are independent ones?

And North Laine/the lanes is almost all independent shops.

It sounds like you just didn’t research where to go?

I went 25 years ago and found it like London on sea. I mean I like London but I thought Brighton would be this cool, relaxing place but it was just as if not more busy and frenetic. I go to the coast to chill out not for more busyness and stress so I wasn't that keen on that basis.

I must admit I like it too for the odd weekend - yes it’s very grubby in parts but at least has a vibe , I went last June and actually thought it far tidier than last time I went there about 7 years ago - went to a lovely indie restaurant in Hove and Tonkatsu in laines ( love this small chain) - stayed at the leonardo on the front ( lovely) - husband pottered around record and junk shops in the Laines. Went to a nice cocktail/wine bar called blossoms -I may have hit a good weekend but it was a bit less’weed’ Dominated too than last time I went - fun time had!! The hens and stags didn’t bother me as I live in Bath- so I just accept that’s part of what keep certain places lively and busy -

Totally agree - went to a superb indie restaurant in Hove -