Wander the Many Shops and Eateries in the Brighton Lanes

Set on a pebbled beach along the English Channel, the seaside resort town of Brighton is famous for its lively pier, buzzing cultural scene and dynamic LGBTQ population. But perhaps the attraction it’s the most famous for is its pedestrianised, maze-like Brighton shopping area called The Lanes. This labyrinthine destination is filled with hip vegan cafes, chic jewellery shops and historic pubs, plus vibrant murals, historic tales and festive events.

Tucked a block back from the seafront between East Street, Ship Street and North Street, The Lanes date from the sixteenth century. Affectionately known by the locals as “twittens”, which means a narrow path between two walls, The Lanes are set in the area of Brighton known as the Old Town. Prior to the 1500s, Brighton was a small fishing town called Brighthelmstone, but the thriving fisheries brought population growth by the latter part of the century. The resulting increased need for housing led to buildings being tightly packed together, with the warren of small alleyways between houses creating the area now known as The Lanes. Over time, the ground levels of many of the historic homes were converted to commercial spaces, and after World War II the area experienced a surge of popularity as people flocked to its wide variety of restaurants, pubs and specialist shops.

Particularly acclaimed are the antiques and jewellery shops in The Lanes, many of which have been in operation for decades. Centred around Meeting House Lane you’ll find the Jewellery Quarter, a concentrated cluster of over 40 contemporary and antique jewellers selling everything from vintage engagement rings, antique watches, gold and silver jewellery, and even bespoke treasures. One of the most notable of these boutiques is Fetheray. Set in the bewitchingly named The Witch Ball, which also sells antiquarian maps and prints, this quirky store specialises in antique and vintage jewellery, making it an ethical choice for anyone looking for unique pieces. With pre-loved treasures dating from all historic periods, Fetheray is the perfect destination store for couples looking for distinctive engagement or wedding rings. Other popular jewellers include Fidra, which features Victorian and Edwardian jewellery and has a workshop on the premises that can resize rings, and Baxter & Hanks, focusing on high-end antique diamond engagement rings.

In addition to jewellery, The Lanes is also known for its unique boutiques and vintage stores. The Attic at Snoopers Paradise on Kensington Gardens features a wide array of thoughtfully sourced vintage clothing, jewellery and headwear, with a special emphasis on floaty 1970s boho dresses. Purveyors of anything from sequinned clutch bags to up-cycled denim and embroidered shawls, Flock Vintage & Handmade on Sydney Street also has a nice line in honey-scented soaps handmade locally. Also not to be missed is North Laine Bazaar, just north of The Lanes. This indoor flea market is a veritable cornucopia of vintage clothing, antique housewares, books, hats, lighting and trinkets to keep you mesmerised for hours. There are also a number of independent boutiques for fashion, confectionery, contemporary jewellery, and one-of-a-kind trinkets perfect for gifts or souvenirs.

From vegan fast food to upscale French dining, and bohemian cafes to storied pubs, the dining scene in The Lanes has got all your bases covered. Food for Friends on Prince Albert Street is a long-standing vegetarian restaurant and local institution known for its quality organic produce and seasonal ingredients. Comforting dishes include vegan burgers, Thai noodle salads and sweetcorn ribs, with stars of the much-loved weekend brunch menu being fluffy pancakes or avocado on sourdough toast. For a Continental fine-dining experience, a visit to Petit Pois is in order. This charming French bistro on Ship Street transports diners to the French countryside, with escargots, meat and fish dishes, plus a carefully curated wine list. Dating from 1917, The Ivy in The Lanes is a boho-chic cafe and restaurant on Ship Street that features whimsically decorated dining rooms, Art Deco style accents, and a vibrant, festive atmosphere. There’s an all-day dining menu with options ranging from Asian to classic British, and there’s also a vegan and vegetarian menu.

Shopping is thirsty work, but fortunately, there’s a plethora of pubs in The Lanes to keep you well-hydrated during your visit. In fact, The Lanes is home to some of the oldest pubs in Brighton. Although The Black Lion on Black Lion Street now features contemporary pendant lighting and industrial-style décor, the pub is over 500 years old and retains a hint of its old-timey charm. In fact, The Black Lion is thought to stand on the former site of one of the world’s oldest breweries. Nowadays, it’s a popular pit stop for classic gastropub fare, Sunday roasts and a lively beer garden, plus regular late-night DJs. Another charming, historic pub is The Cricketers, also set on Black Lion Street. This quaint establishment dating from 1547 features Victorian interiors, and a menu of locally sourced pub fare with a modern twist.

Brighton has long been known as an artistic hub, a moniker that is apparent through its many and varied examples of street art. These vibrant murals celebrate and showcase Brighton’s creative energy and artistic spirit. While colourful murals can be found across the city, some of the best examples are in The Lanes and North Laine. One of the most famous pieces of street art is Banksy’s “Kissing Coppers” in North Laine. While the original is gone, a replica can still be seen at 28 Frederick Place near Brighton Station. Hanningtons Lane in The Lanes also features an ever-changing mix of some of the city’s most eccentric murals.

While you can visit The Lanes any time of year, it’s particularly famous for The Brighton Festival which takes place over three weeks each May. This vibrant arts festival features a collection of music, dance, theatre, film, art and literature events set in various areas throughout Brighton, including The Lanes. Another arts festival is Brighton Fringe which also occurs in May. The largest Fringe Festival in England, Brighton Fringe features hundreds of events at dozens of venues over a four-week stretch. Perhaps the most renowned of all Brighton’s annual events is Brighton & Hove Pride, which takes place each August and features drag shows, live performances, musicians and other events, with many occurring in The Lanes. There are also food tours and ghost walks of The Lanes in Brighton, which take place year-round.

The shops and eateries in The Lanes are open all year, with summer and Christmas being among the busiest seasons. Whenever you visit, consider staying overnight—there’s so much to see and do in The Lanes that one day is never enough. Fortunately, there are a variety of hotels nearby. Only a 6-minute walk from The Lanes is the colourful ibis Brighton City Centre near Brighton railway station, which offers a modern, affordable hotel option. There’s also the Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel 15 minutes’ walk away, an elegant choice set in a grand Victorian building with period features and views of the beach.

Whether you prefer unique dining, eccentric boutiques or lively events, be sure to place a visit (or three!) to The Lanes on your upcoming Brighton itinerary.