Draping in Brighton Retreat Venues and Places
Brighton
For the nine day Retreat we’ll be based in Brighton, a vibrant seaside town full of quirky streets and Regency buildings. Brighton became a fashionable resort in the Georgian era and was visited frequently by the Prince Regent (later George IV) who build the Royal Pavilion and spent much time there. Only an hour from London the cosmopolitan town has been labelled ‘London by the sea’. During the retreat we’ll take some time out to walk along its pebbled beaches and breath in the sea air and visit some of Brighton’s best restaurants who use delicious fresh ingredients.
Artist residence
The Artist Residence is a boutique townhouse hotel in Regency Square. Each of its 24 rooms has been stylishly designed with quirky artworks, each from a different artists who has stayed at the hotel. The hotel is a stones throw from the sea front and the iconic West Pier. Each room has crisp white bedding, a luxurious bathroom, complete with delicious smelling, natural Bramley products, mini fridge stocked with local artisan produce and limited edition art prints. Breakfast will be served downstairs at The Set from 8-11am. artistresidence.co.uk
The Regency Townhouse
A 10 minute walk from the Artist Residence is The Regency Townhouse, built in the 1820s as part of architect Charles Busby's 'Brunswick Estate'. The building is being slowly and lovingly restored and retains many of its original features and all contribute to the building’s charm. Our workroom is bright and sunny and the large Georgian windows overlook Brunswick Square and the sea. It’s perfectly situated to take lunch breaks and afternoon walks to the beach to catch a breath of sea air.
rth.org.uk
The Set
For our welcome meal we’ll gather at stylish restaurant The Set with exposed brick walls, hanging pendant lights and reclaimed furniture. You can expect a delicious, locally sourced menu including vegetarian and vegan options put together by head chef Dan Kenny. After our meal, if you have chosen to stay at the Artist Residence you’ll have just a short trip upstairs to bed before the start of our workshop the next day. thesetrestaurant.com
I gigi General store and the chard
Zoe Ellison and Alex Legendre founded i gigi General Store in 2003 in a former grocer’s shop. Once inside you’ll find muted tones, beautifully crafted objects including ceramics, lovely linens, reclaimed homewares, antique and reupholstered chairs and sofas laid out as if they are already in your house. The shop is a destination place for interior designers and those with an aesthetic appreciation. We’ll climb the sweeping staircase in the middle of the shop for a delicious lunch from their sister restaurant The Chard. igigigeneralstore.com
The Lanes and North Laine
The Lanes are a collection of narrow lanes and alleyways in Brighton and are well known for their numerous antique and vintage shops. From Ship Street to Prince Albert Street. Head north and you’ll reach an area known as North Laine, full of even more boutiques and shops to search for vintage treasures. You can explore at your own pace and using your own sense of direction. Or for those who prefer some guidance we’ll provide maps of the area with some of our favourite shops noted.
Rye
Just over 1.5 hours from Brighton by train is the hilltop, historic town of Rye. With its cobbled streets, charming shops and pubs and timber framed buildings you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a period drama. It was the setting for the fictional town of Tilling in BBC’s adaptation of EF Benson’s Mapp and Lucia. It will also feature in the third series of The Crown, filming took place earlier this year. The town is steeped in history and for those who like a view we recommend climbing the bell tower at twelfth-century St Mary’s Church for views across Rye’s pretty red rooftops.
Merchant and Mills
A trip to Rye wouldn’t be complete for any textile lover without a trip to Merchant and Mills. Founders Carolyn Denham and Roderick Field’s stylish shop offers patterns, fabrics and tools that allow the creation of a desirable functioning wardrobe. They travel the world in search of unique and beautiful fabrics, finding aesthetic and practical inspiration along the way. Merchant & Mills products are stocked in the world’s most respected outlets and the company has successfully collaborated with London’s V&A Museum and Alexander McQueen. merchantandmills.com
The george, rye
Located in the centre of Rye, The George dates from 1575 and has kept many of its original features. From an Elizabethan galley to the original stone fireplace in the restaurant. A Gill Parliamentary clock still ticks, dating from the 1700s and a cupboard resembling a dumb waiter is actually an 18th century wig store. We’ll dine in The Benson Room, a 17th century long gallery which was once used as a masonic lodge. Look forward to a modern European menu full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Chapel Down wine from less than 10 miles away comes well recommended. thegeorgeinrye.com