The Falmer Stadium, known as The Amex Stadium for sponsorship reasons and full name, American…read moreExpress Community Stadium is home to Brighton and Hove Albion, a fairly new stadium it opened in 2011 with a capacity of just over 30,000. It is located in Falmer, East Sussex around 10-15 minutes to Brighton on the train, one thing I like is that the club actually fund the travel to the stadium via public transport in the area, which makes it easy and cheap to get to the game, which I've never seen the likes of before. The village of Falmer doesn't really have much, but if you head back into Brighton (for free) after the game, its a lovely seaside city with plenty of bars, restaurants and hotels and pleasantly surprised me along with the stadium. I made the long journey for the last game of the season to watch my Manchester City play here against Brighton. A 4-1 win here saw my team retain the Premier League trophy, in a day that will live with me for the rest of my life at this stadium which will forever hold a place in my heart and memory, for we lifted the trophy here. The stadium from the outside is much larger than one would expect from a 30,000 stadium, with staircases and ramps everywhere (slightly confusing to get to seats), it in times feels like a blue Wembley on the south coast with the mini arches. The stadium staff seemed really friendly and helpful, they also put on a great show for City as we basically took over to lift the trophy, playing typical songs like She's Electric (Ederson), Blue Moon and Glad All Over (Guardiola). The concourse area seemed a little basic and far from as modern as the rest of the stadium. I liked the small executive seating over the away fans, in a good location behind the goal with an average vew - That meant I had legends Paul Dickov and Fernandinho sat right above me! The stadium being quite close to the player enterance means it is pretty easy to meet the players or legends after the game, I was lucky enough to meet Paul Dickov, and I know of someone who also met Yaya Toure - another thing about the ground I really like. They also had two large screens behind each goal, and electronic LED advertising boards which also can be used to broadcast messages, my favourite being 'Congratulations 2018/19 Champions' for my team. A great stadium with caring staff, which makes it feel like a family club rather than an elite Premier League stadium at times, cool stadium and great away day. Despite the long journey from Manchester (3 trains), it is one of the easiest and cheapest places to get to after getting in the Brighton and Hove area 4*

The Anex Stadium has not been annexed, on the contrary, it was built by Anex of mine, and during…read moreany given game, if you look into the crowd, you will see Anex or two. Sometimes the entire stadium is full of former flames so it's easy to spot Anex. It's also known as Falmer Stadium, the non-sponsored name. So you want to be a Falmer? Here's a couple of achers! (kicks you between the legs) (if you're a boy) (if you're not, it doesn't work). First-Hand Experience: More info about my personal experience at this stadium - I've been lucky enough to be inside the AMEX and I don't mean the border at Tijuana. It's an incredible place. One of the best new stadiums in the country, and it affirms the ambitions of Brighton to be a top PL club, despite the fact that they have yet to make it to the Prem. Football must be making a lot of money because there are all sorts of new palaces of stadiums opening up and this is one of the crown jewels. You will not see a more modern or shiny new facility with more intense fans and a better atmosphere anywhere out side the Prem. It's the very definition of a 5-star facility and I love coming here. I will return in 2016 for sure. I saw Brighton draw here, so I'm hoping that next time I get to see them win. I've been to most UK & US stadiums, due to lifelong obsessions with travel, sport & especially footy (soccer to Americans). Born & raised in England, I followed Oxford United (hometown team) to stadia all over the country at away games, and later Liverpool (fave team) around. Every stadium review - like all my reviews - are from first-hand personal experience, usually from several visits. In 2011, I was on music tour in the UK, and visited most stadiums for fun in my spare time. As recently as Fall 2014, when I was "stuck" in UK for 3 months, I went to hundreds yet again while travelling. I have pictures of me at most, which I'll post later. Also, when back in UK I'll take more pix, and add more stadia! *** return to regular review *** This incredible stadium opened in 2011, and cost nearly 100 mil to build. It's right on the A27, and like Bolton, is easily one of England's prettiest and best stadiums. It's absolutely fabulous, and would be an excellent candidate to host matches if England ever gets the World Cup. It may be the best stadium in the second tier, although Bolton and others will run it close. It would be cool if it were closer to the sea, but it's still absolutely beautiful and perfect. It's not even too expensive to buy stuff here, either. Now I have to go. I'm dating Amex ican girl and she's due to be waking up soon.

The Duke of York's is something of an institution. Now owned by City Screen, this independent-style…read morecinema specialises in cult, indie and foreign-language films, as well as re-runs of the odd classic. Opened in 1910, it's one of the first commercial cinemas to still be in operation, and the interior - complete with balcony - is largely unaltered. The main auditorium is decorated in warm, cosy colours, although it suffered during the late 1970s as a venue for early punk rock concerts. Happily, it has now been restored to its former glory. You can tell it's going to be different from the facade - which has a pair of legs sticking out, Folies-Bergeres style, from the top left of the facade. For a start, the auditorium is licenced, so you can takes alcoholic drinks with you to consume during the film. And the choice of films is definitely not mainstream (venues showing foreign-language films are a dying breed, these days). On Saturday mornings there's a Kids club, with activities and a children's film (though presumably they don't take advantage of the alcohol licence...) and they can organise children's birthday parties too. At the other extreme of the age range, on Tuesdays the over-60s can see an early-afternoon film for just £3.50, and receive complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits! It's a membership venue as well (although it is not a requirement to see a film). Members can attend all sorts of specials events, screenings and receive discounts for their £28 a year (2008 prices). The cinema has a pleasant cafe-bar, open during the day, with a balcony for nice weather (although the din of Preston Circus road junction may not be quite so nice) and wi-fi (free to customers). The cinema has limited accessibility for those with a mobility impairment - full details are on its web-site.

Think of cinemas and your head is filled with thoughts of sticky floors and stale popcorn…read more Unsurprisingly, in Brighton, things are different. Gone are the XXL cups of coke that cost more than Antigua, at the Duke of York's the offerings are homemade carrot cake and Czech lager. Celebrating its centenary year, this cinema cannot be missed if you are either living in, or visiting Brighton. The seats are comfortable, the theatre stunning and the crowds electric. Such was the Duke's importance to Brighton that many celebrities donated money to restore the Cinema.The back of the seats are littered with the names of local and national celebrities who helped keep the cinema alive. You won't find Avatar here, nor will you find the latest Hollywood 'romcom', but instead a very studious set of the world's best independent cinema. Special themed 'Lord of the rings' and 'Eurovision' nights mean you aren't just limited to a 90 minute treat, but a host of good nights out. An absolute must.

The Brighton and Hove Dogs really is a brilliant night out and doesn't have to be too expensive at…read moreall - depending on your gambling self control. Entrance on a Saturday (the best day) is only £6 or you can buy something called a 'six pack' which entitles you to free entrance, two free drinks, a basket meal, a £1 jackpot bet and re-admission for one for £12! Not bad eh! The basket meals, if I'm honest are never going to raise a positive comment from Michael Winner but the burgers are ok and if you choose, there is the skyline restaurant upstairs serving a la carte food. Now, to the important bit - the betting! I very rarely win money but that's probably due to the fact I bet with the bookies at the track-side. You can pop to the tote windows and bet 50p each way on a dog but that's not as exciting as strolling up to someone with a name like 'Honest' Dave, and handing over £5 (minimum bet with these chaps) and saying 'number 2 dog - on the nose guv'.

This is one of the biggest greyhound stadiums in the country and for that reason alone a reason to…read morevisit. They have a good restaurant which overlooks the track and they come to take bets from your table if you wish. The food is good quality and value for money with a wide variety of choices to please all. This is based around the fact that you gamble and for those avidly opposed do not be put off. minimum bets start from 50p or you can always watch others get excited as the dogs bolt for the line. I have been here for a birthday meal, which set up the night with a few drinks and good fun had by all we were all in the mood to go out. In this set up it is not the winning it's the taking part and from experience never pay too much attention to the form and just go for names or numbers. One great offer the have is called 'the 6 pack'. This includes; entrance, two drinks, something with chips, a free bet and free entry next time, for £10 only! Call up in advance to get this. It is never a cheap night out but well worth spending a little bit extra on the odd occasion.

From its origins as a comedy venue, Komedia has expanded both its space and reportoire to become…read moreBrighton's main live entertainment establishment, with over 700 performances a year from an award-winning range of stand-up comedy, music, caberet and theatre, as well as an active children's programme. The Komedia is a little scruffy around the edges, but that's Brighton for you. The building has two performance venues, an independently-run cafe bar and foyer bar (and feels much larger inside than its modest facade implies). They also provide food during some performances with a caberet-style setting. But it's the entertainment you come here for, not the surroundings. The staff seem friendly enough, although not always fantastically efficient - on-line booking isn't always available, for example. Arrive with plenty of time for comedy performances, as the best seating gets taken early on. (You can always have a drink while you wait.) If, like me, you have a large, illuminated, 'pick on me' sign on your head which only the performer can see, you'll need to tuck yourself away somewhere inconspicuous...

Ever wanted to go to a club night where they play nothing but girl groups and girl singers? A night…read morewhere the DJs spin everyone from The Supremes, The Ronettes and The Shangri-Las to Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse? Sounds great, doesn't it? That night is called Da Doo Ron Ron and it takes place once a month at Brighton's coolest arts centre / gig venue / club - Komedia. There's cute girls in cute dresses, handsome boys in cool threads and it's only £4 -£5 to get in. The doors open at 11pm and you're kicked out at 3am. You can check the website for the next date. I'll save you a space on the dancefloor....

So, in my head I was convinced that I would take to the ice with the style and elegance of an…read moreOlympic figure skater. I did this when I was ten, surely I can't have forgotten, right?? Alas, it wasn't to be...I clung to the barrier like some bandy-kneed bambi while teenagers wizzed past at break-neck speeds, oh well I'm sure I have other talents.... Ok, so I may not be the best ice skater, but this sure was fun, and I did improve during the course of my hour long session "hey look, no hands!" The setting is gorgeous, especially at night when the pavilion is lit up beautifully. You can book a one hour session from 10am until 9.15pm. We went for the 8pm slot but in hindsight we should have gone for the 9.15 as it was so much quieter. It's not a huge ice rink but it certainly fulfilled my needs. It even has a separate area for the little ones with plastic penguins to aid balance (maybe I should have borrowed one of those!). At £11 a pop it's reasonably expensive, but worth it for such a fun evening. I was very excited to hear that there was a pop-up Due South restaurant here, this being one of my favourite places to eat in Brighton. Unfortunately, it doesn't really live up to it's main branch - the food is pretty good but the service was slow and they got some of the order wrong. However, with views over the ice rink, it's great to sit and watch people try to skate and makes you feel much better about your own lack of skill and balance!!

Beautiful location for an ice rink. So picturesque that you can't help taking tons of…read morephotos...except for the fact that cameras are apparently not allowed on the ice. This is what we were told by one of the staff members but we couldn't be bothered to listen and brought the camera on anyway and took lots of amazing photos. They played fun music, the staff were helpful, the ice was well-maintained and clean and it was an overall great time. For spectators, there's a tent where you can eat and have drinks...but why not join in the fun? Deals: there's a student discount if you book online via Ticketmaster and during the X-mas season, skaters can get 1/2 price entry into the Royal Pavilion. So why not grab your boyfriend/girlfriend or friends and come by for a skate?

An eye-sore of a building, the Brighton Centre has been a blot on the landscape of the sea-front…read morefor the last 30 years. Despite ongoing rumours about refurbishment and regeneration it doesn't look like it's going anywhere in a hurry. The biggest venue in Brighton, it has a packed annual programme that includes live music events, record and CDs fairs, theatrical productions, and Christmas spectaculars like Holiday on Ice. Last month, it was home to the Labour Party Conference and this month, it's hosting Bloc Party, Tom Jones and Eddie Izzard. I've seen some great gigs here - including Kings of Leon and Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds - but the truth is, it's just as ugly inside the building as outside. The concert venue is like a giant aircraft hanger with no atmosphere or ambience and the bar is like a bad wedding reception. The drinks are also limited and over-priced. It's one saving grace is it has a good sound system and good lighting - so if your favourite band are only playing here... The box-office is open 10-5.30 Mon to Sat and the venue is only open when there's events on.

A concrete monolith on the seafront. Cavernous inside, if you had told me I was being led around…read moresome sort of nuclear bunker I might have believed you. The main auditorium was good enough for the concert but the rest of the facilities were nothing special. Not enough toilets so the girls had to queue, the bar areas were sparse with no atmosphere. Guinness was served from a can but with the price of a draught pint and the barman wanted ID from my 14 year old daughter to serve her a Pepsi. Feels much more like a conference centre than a concert venue.

The Royal Pavilion is a MUST SEE in Brighton. This eccentric and extraordinarily unique former…read moreroyal residence stands out for its captivating and unexpected architectural style, which blends Victorian grandeur with the exotic influences of Indian and Chinese design...for some odd reason King George IV, Prince of Wales, was fascinating by all things Chinese and Asian cultures...the interior is full of Asian design influences with art, decor, architecture, statues, fabrics, and just about everything. So colorful, so unbelievable, so lavish, and so sad for the average British citizen having to pay for all this outlandish extravagance for the rich and wealthy Royalty...at least us modern folks get to enjoy it at the expense of their suffering for a rather pricy £20 entry fee.

This is a historical landmark and "must-see" sight in Brighton for visitors. It was the vision of…read moreKing George IV (when he was prince-regent) to create a Western interpretation of themes from India and China. Be sure to give yourself 1-2 hours to tour the rooms. I would strongly recommend the audio guide handset (it's worth the extra pound). If you're in Brighton for a conference, they'll give you a 10%-20% discount if you show your lanyard. Otherwise, the adult price of admission gives you free access up to a year (so you can visit a second day if you run out time). Lots of pluses - the opulent decorations are visually stunning and a bit fun and whimsical. The painful relationship between George IV and Caroline was quite sad to read. It was also interesting to learn that Victoria was a niece of George IV and his brother William did not have any legitimate heirs. The audio tour provides a lot of background context - and in my opinion, helps to fill in many details of the Royal Pavilion Tour. The music room is stunning - but also tragic given the arsonist and the damage from a minaret which collapsed and fell through the roof. At the end, there's a gift shop where you can pick up a tea towel and a coffee shop which also has iced tea and gelato. The town of Brighton now operates the Royal Pavilion - so your funds help to support the town. Enjoy!

This charming amateur theatre company produces a remarkable amount of high-quality shows…read moreconsidering their size and high turnaround. Tucked away in a little corner off Western Road this place is easy to miss. However, it regularly takes part in Brighton's Fringe Festival and has previously staged such well-known productions as King Lear, Chicago and Richard Heller's seminal Waiting For Godot and as such is perfectly capable of drawing a crowd. They also have a moral side as they run a youth project designed to bring theatre to youngsters, before other worldly evils take hold. If you're looking for something interesting to do in Brighton then this enchanting little venue stands just as much chance of fulfilling your desire as any other.

I just saw a production of 'A murder is Announced', a brilliant Agatha Cristie adaptation that was…read moreso much fun to watch. Lots of twists and turns in this comedic Miss-Marple-Murder-Mystery, one genre that is hard to not be entertained by. This little theatre do a wonderful job with set design and casting considering their short runs and size. I wish I'd been around to see Anton Chekhov's The Seagull but sadly I was away.

The Pavilion Theatre is a mainstay of the Brighton theatre scene, and well worth a visit. Their…read moreshows are run through the Brighton Dome, so of a consistently high quality, without costing the earth to go see. A frequent venue for fringe theatre all year round, as well as big events during the Brighton Festival and Brighton Comedy Festival, the Pavilion Theatre is an great alternative to the above-a-pub theatre Brighton is famous (notorious?) for. Most shows at the Pavilion are inexpensive, and it is normally used more smaller comedians or companies, even some ambitious amateurs. The venue's policy about what goes on seems to be quite open: even smaller shows are given a chance. This may be the Dome's reach-out to the local theatre scene, and it couldn't be a more fitting fringe theatre space. The stage is large and open, as deep as it is wide, which makes it ideal for plays and performers who like a nice big stage space: dancers, plays with large casts, etc. With a large number of raked seats, the Pavilion Theatre can seat more than a traditional fringe theatre, making it ideal for some of the larger acts as well. This balance is held nicely, with various acts throughout the year using it appropriately: there's clearly a good management policy behind this space. I have seen some great shows here, and recommend everyone to have a look-see whats on! Their programme is varied enough that there should be something for everyone, and nothing really beats live entertainment. With a nice little bar at the front as well, there's really nothing to complain about: great venue, great shows, great evening!

The Theatre Royal is one of Brighton's most venerable institutions. Set in the centre of the city,…read morejust a stone's throw from the Royal Pavilion, it has been at the heart of its artistic life for two hundred years. Opened in July 1807, the theatre has had a colourful history, to say the least. It suffered various financial problems in its early years, an actor by the name of Henry John Nye Chart took over the management and developed a flourishing programme over the ensuing twelve years. He then bought the theatre himself, and embarked on an expansion and refurbishment programme, giving us the theatre we see to-day - now a grade II listed historic building. Nye Chart died in 1876, but his wife Ellen Elizabeth Nye Chart kept the theatre going, introducing both matinees and the traditional Christmas pantomime. When she died in 1892, she was treated as a local celebrity, although her ghost is still said to haunt the building, as the mysterious Grey Lady. The interior is very traditional, with seating in stalls, two circles and an upper gallery, with boxes either side. The decoration is suitably high Victorian and plush, although the seats can be a little restricted for some modern audiences. The stalls have level access and there is a disabled toilet, and the theatre welcomes guide dogs. Captioning is available for those with hearing disabilities. (Those with special needs are advised to book in advance and inform the booking office of their requirements). The theatre bar is located separately, in the Colonnade Bar, immediately next to the main entrance. The repertoire is extraordinarily varied, with traditional classic theatre such as Shakespeare and West End transfers; musicals; comedies; dance and special events and, of course, a Christmas Pantomime season. The list of actors and actresses who have played here is an exhaustive list of the best of British theatre over the last 50 years. It is truly one of the foremost provincial theatres in the country.

There's only one reason I go to the Odeon. That's to see the…read moreDirector's Club screenings every Tuesday evening. There's only one screening and sadly the directors are never present - which makes the title a bit misleading I know! - but its a great opportunity to catch films I missed at Duke of York. Occasionally there will be something I couldn't care less about but usually it's great art house, independent and world cinema flicks like Into The Wild, Wendy and Lucy and last night's gem, Synecdoche, New York. The rest of the time, this ugly multiplex shows mainstream movies like Fame, Harry Potter and Fantastic Mr Fox. They also sell extortionate ice-cream, popcorn and hot dogs in the foyer. Never tried them myself and unlikely to start now since one of my pet hates is listening to other people eating through a fab movie!

What can one say? This is pretty much like any other Odeon multiplex cinema. It's part of the…read morecomplex adjacent to the Brighton Centre, and now has a large (and separately operated) bar complex beneath it. As modern buildings of its type go, it's not the worst, but it definitely doesn't work in what is a prime town centre/seafront location. The interior is a warren of mezzanines and stairs, all decked out in the corporate colours with blue patterned carpets and cream walls. There are 8 screens in all, all of which except for screen 7 are wheelchair accessible (ie level access via lifts) and and have wheelchair spaces. On the ground floor there is a shop and snack bar selling confectionery and popcorn, and from 17:30h daily there is a licensed bar open to patrons only. This actually has stunning views of the seafront, but they don't seem to make much of it (a badly placed pillar doesn't help, but you still feel it is a missed opportunity). The film choice is your standard Hollywood blockbuster, and it doesn't stray far from this tried and tested formula. The staff seem pleasant and efficient enough, and some of the screens are quite large, which is good for recent releases. Prices are standard for non-London cinemas, with single adult tickets at £6 off peak and £7 at peak times (roughly week-day evenings and week-end afternoons and evenings). There are all sorts of discounts and concessions listed on the website. One advantage of the central location is that it is very easy to get to by public transport: the main Churchill Square bus stops are 5 minutes away, the railway station 10 minutes, and adjacent are the huge multi-storey car parks of the Churchill Centre. For performances with advertised start times of 17:30h onwards, customers using the Churchill Centre NCP 1 or 2 car parks get the first three hours free, provided they get their car park ticket validated by cinema staff. (This does not apply to the Russell Square NCP car park).