The Grand Brighton

The Grand Brighton opened on 21st July 1864 on Brighton’s seafront as the city’s first ‘Palace By The Sea.’ Designed by the architect John Whichcord Jr., it featured the very first lift outside London, then called a ‘vertical omnibus.’ Originally, the hotel had 300 rooms over seven floors and was Brighton’s tallest building, constructed with millions of bricks, tons of iron, and miles of timber flooring.

It was built on the site of the old West Battery, which had been there since 1793. Cannons once fired royal salutes from the battery, giving the site a sense of ceremony that the hotel kept alive. Over the years, The Grand saw some unusual events. In 1923, Lady Pamela Sydney Wilson, daughter of the hotel’s general manager, was born there, followed by the birth of an Indian prince in 1933 during a royal guest stay. During World War II, the hotel was taken over by the Ministry of Defence and housed airmen. Their stay left marks, including graffiti scratched into the marble pillars of the grand staircase. After the war, The Grand returned as a social hub for the city.

In the 1950s and 60s, the hotel hosted motorsport celebrations like the 1952 Daily Express Rally and became part of pop culture, featuring in films like 'Quadrophenia'. Over the years, the hotel has welcomed many famous guests, including the band ABBA after their 1974 Eurovision win and British Prime Minister Tony Blair during the events of September 11. The hotel also survived dramatic events, including the 1984 IRA bombing during a Conservative Party conference. The Grand Brighton has grown, changed, and endured, remaining a Brighton landmark for more than 160 years.

The Grand Brighton showcases Victorian architecture with gentle Italian influences. At the time of its opening, the building was considered ahead of its era, with a grand exterior, richly finished interiors, and the introduction of the first passenger lift outside London, then described as a vertical omnibus.

Facing Brighton’s seafront, the exterior has retained much of its original character. Decorative stonework, detailed balcony railings, and the castellated upper levels give the building a distinctive silhouette. As a Grade II listed property, careful attention has been given to preserving these architectural elements, ensuring the hotel maintains its historic identity while continuing to serve guests today.

Inside, the layout is organized around the sweeping central staircase, which remains one of the hotel’s defining features. The rooms and suites reflect the same thoughtful design approach, with generous proportions, large windows, and calm, updated interiors. Many rooms look out over the sea, a key feature since the hotel first welcomed visitors to Brighton.

Cyan Brighton

Cyan Brighton provides a dining experience centered on British cuisine with a modern touch, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu includes locally sourced seafood, grill dishes, and small plates designed for sharing, with each dish carefully crafted to balance classic flavors and contemporary creativity. The restaurant’s relaxed interior, including the main dining area and circular bar, makes it easy to enjoy meals at any time, while many tables offer views of the Brighton seafront.

On Sundays, Cyan is especially known for its roast service, featuring a variety of classic options such as roast aged sirloin of beef, roasted pork belly, roast chicken, seabass fillet, and a nut roast. These are served with traditional accompaniments like roasted vegetables, potatoes, and greens. Desserts, including sticky toffee pudding or seasonal tarts, complete the Sunday lunch experience.

Opening hours:
Monday & Tuesday: 5 pm onwards
Wednesday - Saturday: 5 pm onwards
Sunday Roast: 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm

The Victoria Bar & Lounge is a stylish spot to enjoy drinks and casual bites. The bar serves everything from morning coffee to celebratory fizz, local gin, and creative cocktails, with an ever-changing seasonal selection. The interior is warm and inviting, with deep blue and gold tones and local artwork adding character.

The food menu offers plenty of options to nibble on or enjoy as a meal. Light bites include sticky chicken wings, mac and cheese bites, and tempura kale. Guests can also enjoy hearty triple-layered sandwiches, alongside mains such as cod goujons, burgers, risotto, gnocchi, and Korean chicken. Salads and desserts complete the menu, making it a perfect spot to relax with friends over food and drinks.

Opening hours: Until 11 pm (daily)

The Grand Brighton offers a traditional afternoon tea experience with sea views. Designed by Executive Head Chef Neil, the afternoon tea is served on three tiers and features a mix of sweet and savory items, including sausage rolls, quiches, and sandwiches. Freshly baked scones come with clotted cream and jam, alongside mini cakes, pastries, and desserts like passionfruit meringue tarts, triple chocolate éclairs, and honey pannacotta.

Guests can choose from a selection of specialty teas, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Having been voted "Brighton's Best Afternoon Tea" for three years in a row, it is widely regarded as a must-try experience, served in the Victoria Terrace & Lounge with relaxing sea views.

Opening hours: 12 pm to 4 pm

Originally built as a seaside escape for London society, The Grand Brighton was designed to host gatherings of many kinds, which makes it well-suited for weddings today. The hotel offers several fully licensed event spaces that can be used for ceremonies, receptions, or both. Couples can work closely with the culinary team to shape menus and canapés using fresh ingredients, with flexibility to accommodate dietary preferences such as vegetarian or kosher options. The events team supports planning and coordination throughout, helping couples manage details in line with their vision.

The Consort Room
Venue type and style: Set on the ground floor, this room suits wedding ceremonies and smaller receptions. Its classic proportions and understated design allow couples to personalize the space easily.
Capacity: Up to 80 guests

The Regent Room
Venue type and style: Located on the ground floor beneath the hotel’s central staircase, this wood paneled room works well for intimate ceremonies. The traditional setting gives the space a warm and formal feel.
Capacity: Up to 80 guests

The Empress Suite
Venue type and style: A highly adaptable space that can be used as one large room or divided into smaller connected suites. It suits medium to large ceremonies and receptions, with the option of dry hire and access to kitchen facilities.
Capacity: Up to 500 guests

Staying at The Grand Brighton makes it easy to balance time indoors with exploring the city and its surroundings. Within the hotel, the on-site spa offers a calm space for rest and recovery, with a range of face and body treatments developed in partnership with L.RAPHAEL. A thermal suite with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and relaxation areas provides a quiet break. For those who prefer to stay active, the fitness suite is fitted with modern Technogym equipment, suitable for both short workouts and longer training sessions.

Step outside the hotel and the Brighton seafront is right there. The Brighton i360 offers wide views across the city and countryside, while the nearby Palace Pier adds a lively mix of rides, arcades, and seaside spots. A short walk also brings you to the historic bandstand, often used for events and performances. The city’s food and drink scene blends naturally into the experience, from beachside bars and open food halls to independent cafes, wine bars, and shops in the North Laine and The Lanes. Families will find plenty to explore, too, from the Sea Life Centre to heritage railways and open-air performances during the summer months.

For a change of pace, the countryside sits just beyond the city, offering walking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and easy countryside escapes. Whether heading inland for fresh air or staying by the water for cycling, swimming, or paddleboarding, the city offers a natural mix of seaside views, cultural spots, and nearby countryside.

During the festive season, The Grand Brighton hosts a range of winter events that suit different types of gatherings. Before Christmas, the hotel hosts shared party nights where friends and families come together for a relaxed evening with a festive three-course meal, drinks, and music. New Year’s Eve is marked with a formal ball held in the Empress Suite. The evening typically starts with a champagne reception, followed by a multi-course tasting menu and live entertainment, with dancing continuing into the early hours. Throughout the season, the hotel also offers seasonal dining experiences, from festive afternoon tea to winter menus in its restaurants and bars.

The Grand Brighton hosts a wide range of gatherings, from corporate meetings and conferences to personal celebrations. The five event spaces can be set up for board meetings, presentations, team events, and networking evenings, as well as birthdays, fundraisers, and charity dinners. Spaces vary in size and layout, making them suitable for both small, private gatherings and larger group events. Dining can be arranged as working lunches, formal meals, or relaxed receptions, depending on the occasion. The events team supports planning, room setup, and coordination with suppliers, helping each event run smoothly. Its central seafront location makes it a practical choice for both professional and social events in Brighton.