The London Road area is not as well-known outside Brighton as other parts of the city might be, but it has an interesting personality all of its own and is well worth exploring to find those lesser-known gems.

Situated between the New England quarter, The Level and Preston Park, the London Road area has an arty, student vibe that gives it an intriguing edge other parts of Brighton don’t have. It has its own historic and eccentric landmark in the Duke of York’s Picturehouse, the UK’s first purpose-built cinema, opened in 1910 and recognisable by a pair of stripy legs poking out from the roof. And there are plenty of fashionable places to eat nearby if you want to squeeze in a bite to eat before the latest movie or a double bill of some classic oldies.

Over the last decade or so, new shops, galleries and eateries have sprung up between the discount shops and pubs and there is now a distinctly more vibrant feel to the area. The recently revamped inner-city park known as The Level often hosts fairs and festivals, as well as the beginning or end of a protest march. Meanwhile, the Open Market is a must if you want to buy fresh produce, sample delicious street food and soak up a sociable community atmosphere.

Foodwise, you can find everything from vegan sushi to authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to Polish donuts in the area, with plenty of popular hidden restaurants tucked away in the back streets that locals are proud to have on their doorstep. One of Brighton’s first sustainable refill stores can be found on London Road, and for anyone keen to switch their shopping habits from buying brand new to buying second hand, then there are charity shops aplenty in the area, selling clothes, books, bric-a-brac and furniture.

Aside from there being lots of great cafés and pubs in the area, the London Road is also an easy location from which to reach the city centre, the North Laine or the seafront. From the Duke of York’s Picturehouse to the beach is a 30 minute walk or ten minute bus ride, passing the newly landscaped Victoria Gardens along the way.