Many people have tried to define the famous North Laine area of Brighton but words cannot really do justice to this cosmopolitan mix of unusual, often unique and sometimes downright wacky shops and watering holes.
North Laine is an area that grew up in the 1830s when Brighton first became famous because the Prince Regent turned a modest farmhouse into a glittering exotic royal palace. In the mile between the Pavilion and Brighton station you will find 300 shops, 37 cafes, 22 pubs, 4 theatres and a world-class museum. North Laine is also home to the cultural centre of Brighton with the new library and piazza in the jubilee complex.
What more could you need for that perfect day shopping by the sea? Discover the most individual, laid back shops and buy everything from the latest designer fashions to retro 50s wear. From oriental and Balinese furniture to cutting edge interior design. From unique jewellery to shops specialising in kites, musical instruments, beads, organic health foods there's even a vegetarian shoe shop! You won't however find many of the high street chains.
North Laine shops are nearly always locally run by their owners who individually source the eclectic mix of stock, and you won't hear the usual high street mantra of "if it's not on the shelf we probably haven't got it". - in the North Laine we value our customers. As well as the fabulous bargains that can be picked up all week, on Saturdays you can browse at the flea market and many of the streets are closed to traffic creating a Mediterranean style outdoor shopping experience.
One thing is for sure, once you discover North Laine you will come back for more of the bohemian shopping, or maybe just to hang out at one of the excellent cafes or bars and enjoy the...
Read moreDon't shop at The Black Pearl on Kensington Gardens!!!!!
Absolutely shocked by the Manager here. The Black Pearl was one of favourite shops, not anymore. Having spent hundreds of pounds over the years, bought for friends and family and recommended to lots of people, I am disgusted by their lack of respect and service when you actually need help. I bought a pair of trousers a week ago, wore them once then put in a cold hand wash in the washing machine with other items of black pearl clothing. All the clothing came out fine, apart from the trousers that had shrunk. I took them back expecting an exchange, but was confronted by a torrent of abuse - the Manager immediately got his back up, telling me it was my fault, my machine must be broken and he can't help. He held up my trousers saying ' what am I meant to do with these?!' - when I said so you can't you can't me at all? He suggested I buy something for discount. He kept on interrupting amd not listening to anything i had to say. My partner and I have worked in retail and customer service for many years and have never treated anyone like this. He said 'good for you' when we said this, and then when we said he unfortunately has lost some loyal customers he said 'oh well have a nice day' . I cannot believe the attitude of this Man, I'm so upset and most of all disappointed - what ever happened to help your fellow man? This really is what's wrong with the world today. All I wanted was a one off help, and I'd have carried on being a happy customer recommending the shop to all, but instead he's lost a very loyal customer, and will be telling this shocking story to all. I will be in touch with trading standards - he clearly does live up to his pirate title. You...
Read morethis place is a must!! i went here on a random wednesday as my first trip driving myself somewhere and thought the roads would be quiet. i googled what to do in brighton as i normally only go there when somethings happening like pride and this popped up on my tiktok. after walking around a bit i found it and walked in, to your left is a little room all alone, which has some cabinets, lamps, mirrors, and some old school bottles. then you follow it round and theres some stairs that lead up to a small room thats got some art and clothing bits. then coming back down you go back through the room and down a little slope there are mirrors on one side and cabinets with jewellery and some other bits and bobs in. at the end of the slope it opens out into a big room that's full of different stools and stands, they all have different vibes and you can find anything from lighters to cameras, tiffany lamps to old school dial phones. there is something for everyone. more clothing upstairs and another room off to the right. the man i spoke to was very happy to help, and let me look at various jewellery pieces, he spoke about some of the sellers and how busy it is on a weekend. i spent just over two hours here, got 7/8 different things and it was under £100, what more could i ask?! i will defo be coming back to see what else i...
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