By Katie Wilson
Just down the road from the main strip of Brighton, you’ll find Hove, or ‘Hove, actually’ if you’re talking to the locals.
This quieter part of town is still close enough to all the action, has some great pubs, restaurants and independent shops.
And if you’re travelling by car, you can park on the seafront for £6 a day at the weekend if you know the right spots.
Where to stay in Hove
The Ginger Pig is a restaurant with boutique rooms, which is easily the best place to stay in Hove.
Check-in was quick, easy and contactless. There are 11 double rooms to choose from, but the biggest is the Luxury Double with Bath. This comes with a freestanding tub, rainfall shower and his n’ hers sinks.
Thoughtful extras in the rooms include fresh milk bottles in the mini fridge for tea and coffee, and homemade ready-to-drink Negroni and Old Fashioned cocktails.
An array of Cowshed and Bramley products are on hand to make bubbles in the huge bath. We also loved there was a guest bag with two towels and mats inside ready to take to the beach.
Parking can be found on nearby Princes Crescent. Brighton Pier is a 15-minute walk away.
Rooms start from £120 a night
Book a room at The Ginger Pig, Hove
Where to eat in Hove
As The Ginger Pig is also a restaurant, we must mention the food – as we ate there twice when we visited.
This is a place where you can order oysters for breakfast should you want to. We chose the Full English (£11) and the Crushed Avocado on Toast with Poached Egg and Crème Fraiche (£8.50). Both delicious.
The coffee is good, but those nursing a hangover should order a Roasted Bone Marrow Bloody Mary (£9).
If you only eat here once, pick a Sunday roast. Although it’s called The Ginger Pig, the meat comes from Sussex suppliers rather than the famous London butchers. It’s just as good and was the kind of roast we didn’t want to end. We ordered two Sirloin Beef with all the trimmings, including extra gravy (£16.50).
This was washed down with one of their signature Pig Cocktails. I tried the refreshing Ginger’s Lost Island (£10), a mix of Rhubarb Gin, Aperol, Lemon & Ginger Syrup and Soda.
Book a table at The Ginger Pig
Other great spots for food and drink nearby include Rockwater Hove, a beautiful roof terrace restaurant on the seafront. We also loved The Better Half Pub, a trendy boozer with trippy artwork on the ceilings. Both are within a five minute walk of The Ginger Pig.
For fine dining head to etch. by Steven Edwards or The Little Fish Market by chef Duncan Bay.
While we didn’t have time to visit ourselves, Wolfies near Hove train station is said to do the best fish and chips, with specials like soft shell crab and gluten-free options alongside traditional fish suppers.
Marraccos is where to head for homemade ice cream if you can avoid the queues.
What to do in Hove
Being walking distance from the sea, one of the first things you should do in Hove – providing it’s not raining – is take a walk along the beach. If the weather is nice, it may even warm enough to go for a swim.
One big tip for visiting any of the beaches along the Brighton & Hove coastline is wear suitable shoes. All the beaches are made of pebbles and are not always easy to walk on. Jelly shoes or something you can keep on your feet if you go in the sea are perfect.
Independent shops can be found a short walk away on Portland Road. Check out Sutherland & Sadler for gifts and homeware, Found Studio is a cool art and jewellery store, or head to Bobby & Dandy or Department Flea Market for vintage clothes.
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