Review: No.124 by GuestHouse, Brighton
By
5 days ago
A smart townhouse situated right on Brighton's shorefront. What's not to love?
Waking up to a wide-open view of the sea is a treat wherever you are – but better still when it’s in this smartly outfitted B&B that forms part of the GuestHouse collection. Read our full review of No.124 by GuestHouse, Brighton.
Review: No.124 By GuestHouse, Brighton
STAY
Sat plump on Brighton’s pretty shoreline, this isn’t any bed and breakfast. It’s genuinely homely – not in a twee or tired way – with a freshness and finesse that feels properly grownup, but still playful.
Rooms are sumptuous in the sort of way that’ll make you want to touch everything: fabric headboards, flowing linen curtains, grounding wooden stools and seats. Certain rooms enjoy a prime sea view – even better, some have balconies – and a fabric headboard positions the bed in splayed view of coastline. This coast is a constant presence here, but these spaces thankfully steer clear of any naff nautical pastiche; rather, big, open windows invite the light in, and a salty breeze sends linen curtains billowings. You’ll hear the occasional hum of the road or the seafront buzz, but that’s half the charm.
The bathroom is chic and while most rooms have showers instead of tubs, you won’t feel this as a loss – excellent water pressure accompanied by indulgent shower supplies from Wildsmith. You’ll be taking style notes: the faucet is a trim brushed brass, the tiling is a light sea blue, and dual-headed globe lights frame each side of a curvacious mirror.
Interior envy will continue well into the common spaces. The lounge on the ground floor is all smart navy walls, fireplaces, and deep seats to sink into, replete with playful flair – for example, decorative peacocks. There’s an honesty pantry for guests to enjoy throughout (more on this later) which is a bit like stepping into yesteryear’s sweet shop.
Thoughtful touches throughout make you truly at home: a colourful rotary telephone to call down for herbal tea, record players with a small stack of Carpenters-era vinyls (and record library downstairs for further browsing), radios for a slow start to the morning, and even binoculars to watch the horizon.
Eat
The honesty pantry is heaven. Nip into this walk-in minibar filled with colourful sweetie jars and fridges full of bright fizzy pop. It’s a Willy Wonka fantasy, and even canine friends can enjoy treats. Like sneaking into the larder as a child, you’ll want to squirrel away a little bag of treats to take back to your room.
For a full meal, head to the Pearly Cow. The menu is split broadly into two categories – ‘ice’ and ‘fire’ – with a focus on modern British flavours. Think slow-braised Wagyu short rib with a creamy mash, tarte tatin crowned with calvados spiked crème fraiche ice cream. From the summer, a terrace promises pizzas and small plates from the shading of pretty parasols as the day drifts by.
Breakfast is also at The Pearly Cow. It’s not the usual fry-up – although that’s on the menu, too – rather, dishes like eggs Neptune (a sea-salty spin on the hollandaise schtick with lobster and crab) that are rooted in place. Coffees, importantly, are excellent.
Do
You are seconds from Brighton’s i360 observation tower, practically in the splash zone of the sea, and just a ten-minute amble from the vibrant Lanes: an eco-shopper’s paradise. Refill your favourite perfume (or seek a dupe) at Eden, which odes cruelty-free fragrances, or discover The Last Bookshop, where they rehome surplus book stock at all under a fiver.
The Field Trip Spa downstairs is a welcome retreat: couples can indulge in a side-by-side soak with a glass of bubbly after a duo massage, while solo travellers might opt for the ‘Lessen Your Stress’ treatment (focusing on your shoulders, neck and scalp). Natural skincare products feature potent herbal extracts like ashwagandha to leave you glowing and grounded.
Another thoughtful touch: little postcards tucked into your room. Spend a few minutes filling one out to send home – a gentle reminder to slow down and savour the stay.
Despite its seafront setting and proximity to the main road, No.124 by GuestHouse feels quietly sheltered – a smart, characterful base for a Brighton escape.
