A Beginner’s Guide to exploring more of Brighton.
Everyone is typically familiar with the north and south lanes, pavilion, seafront, and pier; different areas of Brighton are teeming with events and spaces that make Brighton so unique. Alongside bustling student life, it sometimes slips one’s mind to venture to new places.
Kemptown boasts a plethora of charity shops, pubs, and cafes, rivalling those on London Road and Western Road. St James’s Street and George Street are home to the antique-filled Brighton Flea Market, similar to Snooper’s Paradise in the Laines, a lesser-known yet equally as eclectic and intriguing. Kemptown is also home to various international cuisines. Popular student restaurant Pompoko also recently opened a new branch on Manchester Street; the cash-only restaurant serves many students its delicious rice bowls for about a tenner. Thai restaurant Sawadee serves up classic Thai cuisine, and is a lovely spot for a post-beach trip dinner.
Alfie Ordinary, whom you may have seen around, is a prevalent character in Brighton’s queer scene. I got the chance to speak with the award-winning drag artist and queer historian, who said, “Like so many others, [he] came here seeking fun, laughter, and community, and that’s exactly what I found in Kemptown! St James’s Street is the epicentre of queer Brighton, with gay bars, drag shows, queer book shops, saunas, and even a memorial for those that Brighton lost to AIDS in the 80s.”
Marine Parade recently hosted the Pride Street Party, one of the main Pride Festival events held alongside Pride in the Park, located at Preston Park. However, pubs such as The Zone, R-Bar, and the Queens Arms consistently hold events throughout the year.
“If a good night out is your thing, The Queens Arms has drag shows (for free) every night of the week. There’s pop-up club nights above Charles Street, theme nights at Revenge, show tunes in Bar Broadway, great cocktails and a friendly welcome at Affinity Bar, and drink deals and drag bingo at R-Bar. Your options are endless. If you prefer more chilled-out vibes, there’s a sun terrace at Legends overlooking the pier, or grab a roast at The Camelford. Speaking of food, there’s a mixture of delicious places to eat like Purezza, Red Roaster, and a few great breakfast cafes, all with excellent vegan options, may I add.’’ – Alfie Ordinary 2025
If you do end up exploring Kemptown, be sure to pick up a Revealing St James’s Street flyer! The project allows for a walking street tour of Kemptown from the locals themselves, with interviews hosted by Afie Ordinary and other drag icons such as Alex Fincher and Billie Gold. The project tells stories of the people and various venues that are safe spaces for many in the queer community. More information can be found on the Queer Heritage South website, a digital archive hosting a plethora of posts that tell the stories and research of local writers and community members.
Another article you may enjoy: https://thebadgeronline.com/2025/10/brighton/
