Drakes Hotel

SET AMONG THE BUZZ OF HAPPENING BRIGHTON, Drakes is undeniably where it's at. Step inside the doors of this Regency seafront hotel and you're in for some surprises.

Drakes' swish and elegant interiors have a clean-cut but unmistakably bohemian vibe. Bedrooms have been designed for shameless indulgence, with big beds, hedonistic mirrors and gleaming bath tubs for two sitting centre stage right beside the windows.

Suites with triple-aspect floor to ceiling windows let you gaze at the famous pier while sipping champers and soaking beneath the suds, while some top-floor attic rooms have bird's eye views over the rooftops of Kemptown and wet room showers. The Feature suite (104) has a vast seven-foot bed big enough for all sorts of shenanigans, a glass-doored bathroom and even a nautical telescope. A place for breakfast in bed, naturally.

House cocktails

Perch on a leather bar stool in the downstairs bar (a place to celebrity-spot) to start your evening with one of the glamorous house cocktails – straight-up, Martini fashion, or with plenty of bubbles. A wicked Margarita here comes with spiced tequila blanco and Grand Marnier, while the signature Gingerman Fizz has a kick of elderflower and rose. We had some mean Mojitos while chatting to the ultra-friendly bar staff.

Blond wood chairs, suede banquettes, wide mirrors and sleek spotlights make dining in Drakes' much-acclaimed Restaurant at Drakes a must. The decor is matched by an imaginative take on modern British cuisine – making it one of Brighton's top dining experiences. Start with fresh oysters (what else?), follow perhaps with pan-roasted local cod with all the trimmings, and share an Earl Grey brulée to round off.

The Drakes ethos is modern, relaxed glamour with a hint of fun and top-notch service. It certainly delivers.

© Room for Romance