Brighton’s unique and vibrant district, North Laine. Representing a colourful mixture of small and diverse shops and independent traders. Whether you’re looking for clothing, fashion, gifts, services, arts, crafts, entertainment, shops, pubs, bars and cafes you’ll find it all here in the North Laine, Brighton.
North Laine is an area that grew up in the 1830s. When Brighton first became famous because the Prince Regent(later George IV) turned a modest farmhouse into a glittering exotic royal palace. 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? You can discover the most individual, laid back shops. You can 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 and there’s even a vegetarian shoe shop! You won’t however find many of the high street chains.
One of the less shopping-oriented streets, Upper Gardner Street, is closed to traffic every Saturday for an on-street market. Amongst the houses of this street are several antiques dealers.
The area was originally set for demolition to allow for high rises, a flyover and carpark, until Ken Fines, who was the Borough Planning Officer, had it designated North Laine Conservation Area in 1977. As a result of his efforts the save the area, tourists and locals will continue to enjoy the charm and history of this unique bohemian shopping area riddled with entertainment venues.
Bohemian shopping
North Laine shops are nearly always locally run by their owners who individually source the eclectic mix of stock. 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.
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 passing show.
