If you read this post, you’ll know I’ve launched a new Brighton and Hove neighbourhood guide series on Ellie & Co: A Far Out Travel Guide.
So far, we’ve covered unsung and edgy London Road, eclectic Kemptown, sophisticated Seven Dials, stylish and historic Brunswick Town in Hove, the bohemian North Laine and leafy, residential Fiveways.
Today, we’re getting to know the creative, hilly neighbourhood of Hanover in east Brighton, known for its compact steep streets lined with colourful cottages and its huge number of traditional pubs.
It has a buzzy, friendly atmosphere, and is popular with a mix of residents – singles, couples, groups and families.
Hanover, Brighton: A Neighbourhood Guide
It’s located on the east side of Brighton next door to eclectic historic Kemptown, an easy walk to The Lanes for shopping, the Pier and the seafront for windswept strolls.
As well as the incredible cluster of places for a pint, you’ll find a couple of grocery shops, a few cafes, the odd takeaway and a chippy, of course. Follow me!
Things to do in Hanover, Brighton
Hidden Hanover Walk, Brighton
A good way to get your bearings in the neighbourhood is to follow my hidden walk around Hanover. It’s perfect if you love wandering and weaving in and around the backstreets of city neighbourhoods, as I do.
It’s part of the popular hidden Brighton walks series I put together during the Pandemic. It’s self-guided, with fun facts to read along the way and a map including useful addresses. It’s also a fun one to do when the Artists’ Open House event is on throughout May and December. Follow my self-guided hidden walk around Hanover, here.
Find the Pepper Pot
Brighton is filled with curiosities to discover, like the Pepper Pot on the fringes of Queen’s Park, which features in my guidebook, Secret Brighton. No one knows much about it, except that it might have been an elaborate water tower for a mansion long gone. Find the Pepper Pot at 11 Tower Road, Brighton BN2 0GF.
Where to eat in Hanover
The Village
Set in a beautiful old historic building with a green-tiled facade that was due to be turned into flats. It’s more of a café-bar-pub, and it opened in 2015. Inside, it’s decked out in thrift shop furniture, feels cosy and serves all-day brunches, and Thai food most nights. Find The Village at 129 Islingword Road, Brighton BN2 9SH.
Wild Cherry
This little award-winning local favourite on Queen’s Park Road is an authentic place for healthy takeout food like roasted vegetable toasties and lasagne, broccoli and asparagus quiche, creamy soups and rich almond chocolate brownies. It’s a treat after the walk up Albion Hill to get there. Find Wild Cherry at 91 Queens Park Road, Brighton BN2 0GJ.
Starfish and Coffee
Every local neighbourhood needs a reliable and top-notch independent local coffee shop. In Hanover, this place is Starfish and Coffee. You’ll come for the superior coffee, and end up staying for the inventive and beautifully presented breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. Think: stacks of Greek yoghurt pancakes with ginger poached rhubarb and whipped vanilla mascarpone, cardamom strawberry compote and coconut granola. Find Starfish and Coffee at 32 Egremont Place, Brighton BN2 0GA.
Where to drink in Hanover
Hanover Pubs
Home to the city’s highest concentration of pubs, you could easily plan a Brighton pub crawl around Hanover alone. Each pub is distinct in its own right:
The Dover Castle is relaxed, has a homey décor with stripped pine tables and does good roasts; The Geese hung with fairy lights, attracts a young crowd and hosts live music; The Constant Service at the top of Islingword Road is set in a beautiful old corner building and run by Sussex local brewery, Harvey’s; The Independent Beer and Tap Room has 20 craft beers on tap and over 200 cans and wines. Let’s not forget this pub with its sunset view terrace.
Where to shop in Hanover
THE SMALLEST BOOKSHOP IN BRIGHTON
I discovered this diminutive bookseller by chance one Saturday morning on a browse around the Open Market in the edgy London Road neighbourhood. It’s basically a market stall filled with second-hand books, including lots of cult classics at good prices.
You’ll find their two other tiny outlets inside several Hanover pubs: The Independent Taproom and Beer Shop on Queen’s Park Road and The Dover Castle pub on Southover Street. They also deliver books locally if there’s a specific book you’d like and they have.
WHERE TO STAY IN HANOVER
Most Brighton hotels I like to recommend are located nearer to the city centre, but there are a few AirBnBs in Brighton nearby, like this stylish studio with an Art Deco feel in a Victorian terraced house pictured above (see the full listing here) and this pastel-coloured three-bedroom family-friendly home pictured below that sleeps from four to six people (see the full listing here).
FINAL TIPS
Hanover in Brighton is a small neighbourhood with really steep streets so bring good shoes. It’s a 5-minute walk to Lewes Road, a 15-minute walk to the seafront, and 10 minutes to central Brighton for shopping.
Find a map of Hanover addresses of note, here.
If you want more inspiration, my secret guidebooks will take you off the beaten path.
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