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When you think of Brighton’s musical heritage of the last two decades, there’s no way that Adam Freeland and his Marine Parade legacy can’t loom large. Pioneering the nu skool breaks sound in the latter half of the ‘90s and later blending in electro and rock with his excellent band Freeland, he’s been a major figurehead in the city’s musical tapestry. There’s no-one better to give us an intimate guide to Brighton than the man himself, who returns this month with a hot new solo single.
Where’s the best place to eat?
Pricey: Due South on the sea front is quality, you'll likely need to book. Drakes, Under Drakes Hotel, a bit stuffy but great food.
Cheap: E-Kagen-Sushi Noodle bar. above Yum Yum food market on Sydney Street.
It looks like a truck drivers diner but by far the best Japanese in Brighton, a hidden gem. Also the Thai above The Pond pub on Gloucester Roadd near the station.
What’s the best club in town?
I love the Concorde for its unique vibe right out on its own by the sea in Kemptown. Great soundsystem and good music programming. Digital has great line-ups too. Check out a swing night at the Hanbury Ballroom for a low key kind of club experience.
Should we worry about dresscodes etc when clubbing there?
It’s so laid back, you don't ever need to worry about what you are wearing, but you may sometimes worry about what other people are wearing. Brighton could do with a bit of London input to its fashion. But I tend to forget it s actually quite a small place a is doing very well considering.
Where’s the best place to go and chill out?
The beach. There's loads of bars on the seafront between the piers, but if you want a more quiet chill, grab a bottle and head left (East) past the pier towards the Marina. Further in town Kemptown (East of town centre) has some nice chilled spots like the Hand In Hand pub which brews its own. Past there is Ground cafe on St Georges Road - it has the best coffee. There's also some great parks, Preston Park, Queens Park, Hove Lawns…or you can get a bus or short drive to the South Downs, Try Devil’s Dyke or Ditchling Beacon.
Where’s the best place to people watch?
Have a drink outside the Mashtun Pub or anywhere in The Lanes and watch the world go by.
Is getting around easy? Good transport etc?
Very. Great bus services. Lots of cabs. Although I rarely use either, I walk and cycle everywhere, it's all very compact.
What are the people like there / their attitudes / lifestyle?
Brighton has the biggest artist and biggest gay populations per capita in the country. A big part of the rest are students or hippies. The streets are just as full on the weekdays as on the weekends as most people I meet don't actually have 'proper' jobs. In fact I'm not sure if i know one. It’s a place where leftfield or and creative types gravitate to. So it's all very loose here.
What should you never say to a local?
Where's Starbucks?
Where’s a good place to buy records?
Resident Records on Kensington Gardens and Rounder Records on Brighton Square. Both are excellent record shops.
What about other shopping? Where’s good to go?
The Lanes is where it’s at. No chain stores, all independent and quirky stores from fashion to music, books, art, vintage clothes - whatever you want.
What other cultural highlights would you recommend in the city?
Check out the art shows at the university. Especially at the end of terms. Come for the month of May for an onslaught of culture for the Brighton Festival. The Great Escape happens then too. You may feel like a tourist but it’s really worth a wonder round inside the Pavillion. See a film at the Duke of York’s - Brighton's oldest and best cinema. Check listings at the Dome, Theatre Royal and Komedia. There's always so much on.
Any other tips we should know for getting the best out of the city?
It's best to go out in Brighton on weeknights. The weekends can be fun but attract more provincial townies, but on the weeknights you will meet the more interesting people that live, study or pass through here. Explore the North and South Lanes. Avoid the shopping mall area in Western Road where all the chains are, it actually resembles what a 'normal' English town has become. Get a bike.
Adam Freeland's new single How To Fake Your Own Life is out soon. Get a free Etienne De Crecy remix of it at http://www.datatransmission.co.uk/ViewNews/5197/
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