Thank the lord for the Corn Exchange. Without it, I would never have got to see acts like The Pipettes and Le Tigre play gloriously ramshackle sets before splitting up. The sister venue to the grand Brighton Dome, the Corn Exchange is smaller and cosier with sold out gigs being particularly intimate and atmospheric. The fact it's usually standing only creates a good cameraderie and the bar at the back of the venue keeps the drinks flowing. As with the Dome, spirits and beer are reasonably priced but there's no Guinness on tap or in bottles. Ticket prices usually range from £15-£30 depending on how well established the acts are. PJ Harvey played a few months back and Calvin Harris and Dizzee Rascal are set to play this spring. Personally, I've seen some amazing gigs here from Cuban musicians to singer-songwriters. The best show however, was probably Brighton's own Bat For Lashes in 2009. She was so spellbinding, I think I floated home... read more