LOVE OUR LANES

Brighton & Hove’s Independent Valentine’s Day Guide

By Mila Brazzi

Yourself. Her, they, him, your ride or die, human or fury… No matter who or what you’re loving this valentines day, choose to share it with our independent businesses. The ones that make our city streets different, colourful and full of love every day of the year.

10 independent businesses we’re loving this month:

83a Montgomery St, Hove BN3 5BD

Liqueur distillery tour and tasting down a little Hove street? Yes please. Tucked away in Poets Corner, Madame Jennifer Distillery make premium spirits and offer a unique, boutique tour experience. Hosted by the founders, Inger and Ian, they’ll talk you through how to make gin, vodka and liqueurs, along with large tasters and a bottle to take home. Bookings via the website.

Say it with a perfume. Find the perfect scent match for your loved one as you explore Nancy’s award-winning, niche perfumes. Nancy shaped her career in bespoke perfumery, designing signature scents for those coveting something individual and special. Step into a sensorial experience and be expertly guided through her divinelyscented collections in the heart of The Lanes.

Black Out blackoutshop.co.uk

53 Kensington Pl, Brighton BN1 4EJ

When you’re gift blanking, Black Out will always have your back. From a small, but colourful token of affection, to a lavish declaration of love you’ll find what you didn’t know you were looking for in here. Jewellery, clothes, trinkets and what a beautiful selection of valentines day cards to help you send the perfect message.

Unleash the playful. With three floors of lingerie, homeware and sex toys and games to suit every level of exploration, you’ll find something in here to suit your playful side. Big cheer to the knowledgeable Lust team always on hand to offer advice on their products.

101B

Treat yourself to the city’s best kept waxing secret - GoGo Brazilian. Armed with the best techniques and bespoke hot wax that works at a lower temperature, sticking to hairs rather than the skin, no one will leave you smoother (whilst still smiling), than Fabi and her team of waxing whisperers. Try the Manzilian wax Browse their treatments and book online.

Relax together in true Brighton style with a wood-fired, beach sauna spa and sea dip session. Depending on your budget, hire a sauna to yourself, or book individual spots starting at £25 per person. For the ultimate romantic experience, choose your two hour time slot to collide with sunset.

Indulge in a day time couples massage, or if that’s not your thing, surprise them with an award winning fusion treatment whilst you get a table and a bottle of something sparkling in one of the nearby bars. An impressive selection to accommodate every budget and time limit, express couples treatments start at £44 for 15 mins of pampering pleasure.

A delicious pan-asian menu served in a cosy, intimate setting. But what we love most about Longrain is the family staff greeting everyone like old friends, it’s the perfect place to defuse any date nerves or awkwardness. Catering well for vegan and meat eaters alike, this is a winning Valentine’s Day restaurant that won’t break the bank.

A Filipino taste sensation. Set across three narrow floors, Bruha has mastered the dim lighting and cosy-tables-in-private-corners vibe. Pair this with the laid back staff experience, excellent traditional food and powerful cocktails, Bruha is the perfect place to indulge for an evening. Dish of choice - the Sisig. Try booking through their Facebook or Insta.

One of our all-time favourite Italian restaurants, Al Duomo, are treating their Valentine’s Day guests to an extra special evening of live music and a complimentary glass of prosecco on arrival. The Spaghetti Lobster dish (£52, serves two), plated at the table, consists of a whole fresh lobster caught locally and is prepared to perfection. Be sure to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.