Brighton: A Vintage Shopper’s Paradise

04Sep
by Cherryl

A Vintage Shopper’s Paradise on the Sussex Coast

It’s true, Brighton seems to be a vintage shopper’s paradise these days, and quite a bit more than just somewhere to go for a seaside day out.

I mentioned Nottingham had quite a few vintage shops, which is true, but I think Brighton more than tops that! 🧐

If you’re travelling by train, veer down to the left of the main rail station as you exit and you’ll find a cluster of streets, dotted and lined with all sorts of quirky independent shops, many of which are vintage/retro types along with cafes, restaurants etc…

Streets include:

  • Kensington Place
  • Kensington Gardens
  • Gloucester Rd
  • Sydney Street
  • Kings Rd
  • Vine Street

There’s probably nothing there that you actually need, but lots of things to pass the time browsing.

If you’re a certified vintage lover, you might already know these haunts, and won’t be disappointed if you decide to visit.

Would you try your luck here? ☕️

You could probably spend all day browsing, it’s definitely a vintage shopper’s paradise.

….another man’s treasure!

Street art

Down by the sea

After all that browsing, a dose of sea breeze is always in order.

Down on the Brighton beach

Now that’s a first – puts a whole new meaning to a drop top convertible. Looks watertight and easy to replace – easy to customise with different umbrellas lol 😆

Is this Mr Chips from Catchphrase? No, I didn’t think so 📺

25 thoughts on “Brighton: A Vintage Shopper’s Paradise”

  1. kagould17 – Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement. I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure. I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.

    kagould17

    Seaside towns everywhere all seem to have a least one street that seems to be shouting Hey, look at me! Brighton seems to have this figured out. Also, truth in advertising often attracts attention, like the sign reading JUNK. The umbrella top car may not be too aerodynamic, but it too attracts the eye. Happy Saturday Cherryl. Allan

    Reply
  3. Sheila Landry Designs – Meteghan River, Nova Scotia, Canada – I am an artist and designer of decorative painting patterns, woodworking patterns, needlework and embroidery kits and patterns, and original artwork. My Painting and Wood Surfaces for Decorative Painting is at my "Tole Painting Designs" Website My partner Keith Fenton and I sell our scroll saw patterns at our Scroll Saw Pattern website: "Sheila Landry Designs" My needlework patterns and supplies are available at my Etsy shop: "The Stitching Kitty"

    Sheila Landry Designs

    Wow, that looks busy. Reminds me of areas in Chicago where I grew up. Busy and so many different shops! I am late to the blog here because I had my nose in my work the past two weeks. I am finally up for a breath of fresh air and time to read some posts. I always love your posts, Cherryl. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Awakening Wonders – Everyday life is filled with wondrous things and embraceable moments, but only if we allow ourselves to be fully awakened. I invite you to join me as I share passionate life adventures and ramblings that awaken my spirit. I look forward to awakening your senses to the simple, joyous wonders that are all around us. I feel that we are destined to become soulful adventurers!

    Awakening Wonders

    Oh, I do love those quirky independent shops and the striped beach chairs are so sweet! What a fun adventure!

    Reply
  5. Ellie Carpenter – United Kingdom – Writing my memoirs, musings, a little fiction and a lot of poetry as a way of exploring and making the most of my life ... ... Having had a break from writing my blog for more than three years, I decided to return to write my memoirs, some day-to-day observations, views and feelings. My passion is non-fiction poetry. I have a disability and use an electric powerchair called Alfie and let nothing get in the way of living life to the full. I believe that you can never do a kindness too soon and should give credit where credit is due. A smile or a kind word could make the difference between a good or bad day for a person - we never know what's going on for another soul. Those little things, perhaps, practised daily like a mantra, could mean so much to someone else. Thank you for visiting my blog and reading a little more about me. Please, make yourself at home here. You are very welcome. Ellie x 😊

    Ellie Thompson

    Another fantastic post, Cherryl. It’s great to see Brighton as it is today. I’ve only visited there once, and that was very many years ago. If I recall correctly, I went there with my Mum, which puzzles me now as she had terrible agoraphobia, so how on Earth she managed that trip, I honestly can’t imagine. I loved it then and know I would love it more if I could get there today. The vintage shops are amazing – such a variety of ‘stuff’. I’d be in my element. I love the pebbles on the beach in your photos. I love stones in general. Is that bird a baby seagull, as it looks like it still has its fluffy feathers? Another love of mine is beach huts with all their variety of colours. As for the sea – was it really that colour? It’s stunning. Who needs the South of France when we’ve got Brighton. Give me Brighton any day.

    I was also interested and surprised to see the Extinction Rebellion logo sitting just above the owl amongst the street art photos. Believe it or not, and it may come as a surprise, I’m a member of Extinction Rebellion (XR as we call it) and have been on several protests, only one in London. However, I hope to go to London again for the upcoming XR festival next week. That’s providing I can face the train journey up there. It’s not easy with a wheelchair. It does depend on the weather, too, as I can’t drive Alfie (my wheelchair) and hold an umbrella up at the same time. We shall see. If I go, I’ll write a post about it when I get back. Looking forward to seeing more of your travels next time. Your blog is a real treat … Ellie xx 🦢🥰🕊

    Reply
    1. Cherryl – UK – This and that, an all rounder!! If it amuses, entertains, inspires or proves useful to just one person then it's doing its job! God bless x 💛🔆🌴🎨🌼✈️

      Cherryl

      Thanks Ellie – yes the sea was that colour, it always looks more vibrant on a sunny day. The seagull – I have no idea, but I’d guess it probably has some more growing to do. Safe travels if you do head into London next week – bearing in mind the planned rail strikes!! 🤗💛

      Reply
      1. Ellie Carpenter – United Kingdom – Writing my memoirs, musings, a little fiction and a lot of poetry as a way of exploring and making the most of my life ... ... Having had a break from writing my blog for more than three years, I decided to return to write my memoirs, some day-to-day observations, views and feelings. My passion is non-fiction poetry. I have a disability and use an electric powerchair called Alfie and let nothing get in the way of living life to the full. I believe that you can never do a kindness too soon and should give credit where credit is due. A smile or a kind word could make the difference between a good or bad day for a person - we never know what's going on for another soul. Those little things, perhaps, practised daily like a mantra, could mean so much to someone else. Thank you for visiting my blog and reading a little more about me. Please, make yourself at home here. You are very welcome. Ellie x 😊

        Ellie Thompson

        Thanks, Cherryl. I will definitely check when the rail strikes are before setting off. Xx 🥰

        Reply
  7. jennygracespoetryandcreativewritingtechniques – I am a published poet and short story writer. I have been published in SNHU's the penmen review. https://penmenreview.com/author/jenny-andrews is the link where you can find my poetry and a short story. Currently, I am writing a collection of short stories, and a collection of poetry. I am trying my hand at writing a novel. Well, not a novel, actually. Make that two novels. My passion is writing. My inspiration is Franz Krafka because he managed to see the absurdity of life. Life is all about perspective and who is telling the story. We all see this life through the lens of our experiences. Literature should inspire us to think, to analyze, and to get lost in unfamiliar worlds in which we learn something new about this human existence. It is my hope that my writing challenges the reader to think, and to see a different perspective, as well as be entertained. My faith in Jesus strengthens me and gives me the courage to survive the twists and turns of this life. My faith influences a lot of my writing in that goodness always triumphs over evil, in that love conquers all. I hope you enjoy reading my blog.

    jennygracespoetryandcreativewritingtechniques

    Really inspired me to visit England! But, I’m not so sure about Bad Luck Coffee. . .I’m not sure why they named it that. . .Not that I’m superstitious (kind of am),. . .but I think it should be Good Luck (I need all the good luck I can get!) Beautiful post. Have a wonderful week. . .

    Reply
    1. Cherryl – UK – This and that, an all rounder!! If it amuses, entertains, inspires or proves useful to just one person then it's doing its job! God bless x 💛🔆🌴🎨🌼✈️

      Cherryl

      Lol, That coffee shop is not doing itself any favours with that name!! 🤔 Yes, Good Luck might have been a better choice💫
      Thanks Jenny, I hope you get to visit the one day – have a lovely week ahead too ✨🔆

      Reply
      1. jennygracespoetryandcreativewritingtechniques – I am a published poet and short story writer. I have been published in SNHU's the penmen review. https://penmenreview.com/author/jenny-andrews is the link where you can find my poetry and a short story. Currently, I am writing a collection of short stories, and a collection of poetry. I am trying my hand at writing a novel. Well, not a novel, actually. Make that two novels. My passion is writing. My inspiration is Franz Krafka because he managed to see the absurdity of life. Life is all about perspective and who is telling the story. We all see this life through the lens of our experiences. Literature should inspire us to think, to analyze, and to get lost in unfamiliar worlds in which we learn something new about this human existence. It is my hope that my writing challenges the reader to think, and to see a different perspective, as well as be entertained. My faith in Jesus strengthens me and gives me the courage to survive the twists and turns of this life. My faith influences a lot of my writing in that goodness always triumphs over evil, in that love conquers all. I hope you enjoy reading my blog.

        jennygracespoetryandcreativewritingtechniques

        Thanks. And, hopefully next Spring I’ll be able to visit England. I’m reading your blog for some ideas. I do love vintage stores. I might just check out Bad Luck Coffee (or not!) Depends. . .Have a lovely week ahead.

        Reply
  11. junedesilva – I am a total Francophile. I love the language, the food, the culture, the fashion, the wine and that’s just for starters! With an anticipated move to France, on the horizon, I intend to share my passion for everything French and my prospective journey from suburban Surrey to lively Languedoc Roussillon. Do I think France is perfect? Of course not! The French can be arrogant, chauvinistic and rude but equally, they can be charming, passionate and engaging. My first visit to France, an exchange trip to Paris, laid the foundations for my future studies and career. I also fell in love for the first time. Or thought I had! Gilles, a Marc Bolan look-alike, broke my heart but did not diminish my affection for his birthplace. After a career teaching French and having lived, for two years, in France previously, I am beginning to plan for the next stage. As a student, I lived in Tours and a decade later, I exchanged my job in London for a collège in Metz. However, it is the Canal du Midi that has stolen my heart. This UNESCO World Heritage site, joining the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, is where we (luckily, my husband loves France as much as I do!) hope to settle. Specifically, in or close to Capéstang. This where we are concentrating our search, although there are so many wonderful villages in the area. We have already looked at some properties in between Narbonne and Beziers. I wonder if anyone reading this – hoping that someone might be! – is living or has lived in the area and can offer some suggestions. For house hunters the power of the internet cannot be underestimated. I spend (waste?!) many happy hours reviewing property for sale in our chosen area and embarking on virtual tours. This saves considerable time and enables a shortlist to be drawn up prior to any visit to France. In the meantime, I enjoy annual visits to France, reading blogs with a French focus and eating out in French restaurants. I also have a passion for French films! I endeavour to maintain my own language skills by attending a conversation class – if you don’t use it you lose it. Through my blog, as well as being a personal record, I hope to make contact with fellow Francophiles and would love to read your thoughts and comments.

    junedesilva

    I love Brighton! It is one of my favourite places. Your fab photos reminded me that it’s really time I went down there again. 😊

    Reply

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