A Bohemian, Chic Retreat in Brighton

The vibe here is akin to a blend of two iconic spaces—Chateau Marmont on Sunset Blvd in Los Angeles and The Chelsea Hotel in New York City. Think bohemian, chic, and private, with an aura that makes you feel like a true rockstar. In fact, upon my arrival, I found myself rubbing elbows with a famous DJ and his bandmate, who had stayed at the hotel after a local performance. The air is thick with that perfect balance of creativity and exclusivity, where even the simplest moments feel charged with artistic energy.

Finding Peace and Reflection in the Sea View Apartment Hall

Since it was the end of the year, I decided it was time to focus on myself. To give myself a week of moments, reflection, and quiet introspection—and Artist Residence was the perfect place for that. The warmth and homey atmosphere of the hotel, combined with its inviting and creative spaces, allowed me to truly unwind. The Sea View Apartment Hall, where I stayed, became my personal sanctuary for this week of self-care.

The apartment itself was nothing short of perfection. With its sweeping views of the sea and an abundance of natural light, it felt both peaceful and inspiring. The space was quiet and cozy, making it an ideal environment for reflection. The calm of the ocean outside and the comfortable, artistic interiors inside created a serene balance that helped me focus on putting myself first during this special time.

As someone who works in voiceovers, I often find myself traveling while balancing work and leisure. Fortunately, my work allows me to be anywhere in the world, and Artist Residence’s Sea View Apartment Hall was the ideal place for me to tackle a major rush of voiceover auditions. The apartment was peaceful and private, with plenty of space to set up my equipment and get to work. It was the perfect setting to record auditions, allowing me to breeze through my tasks without interruptions. It felt so natural to be in such a cozy environment, working with the sound of the sea in the background, almost as if I were in my own little creative bubble. The balance of work and relaxation in this beautiful space was exactly what I needed.

A Culinary Experience: Exquisite Dining at Blake’s Bistro

A stay at Artist Residence Brighton wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the exceptional dining experience at Blake’s Bistro. The chef, brought a exquisite level of artistry to every dish, creating flavors that were as vibrant and creative as the space itself. Blake’s Bistro offers a brand-new menu that’s perfect for every meal of the day—whether you’re craving a fresh, light breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a bold, inventive dinner. I had the pleasure of experiencing a full range of exquisite creations, and every bite felt like a work of art. I even had breakfast delivered to my room one morning, which was the perfect way to start the day in such a peaceful, cozy environment.

What makes Blake’s Bistro even more special is that Artist Residence has private, in-house chefs who travel across all five of their locations in the UK. Whether you’re in Brighton, London, Oxford, Bristol or Penzance you’re guaranteed the same level of incredible dining. The chefs bring their own unique styles to each location, but the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and inventive flavors is consistent throughout, making each meal feel like a special experience

Local Charm Meets Creative Spirit

The location itself is something of a hidden gem. Located in the heart of Brighton, this original Artist Residence is a canvas in itself—each room adorned with original artwork by local artisans. Every space is a reflection of the city’s vibrant culture and creative spirit, a true tribute to the artistic pulse of the area. If you’re an artist, an art lover, or an art collector, this is the place to stay. Trust me when I say, you’ll leave feeling inspired, fulfilled, and maybe even a little more creative.

Brighton is a city that encourages exploration, and during my stay, I couldn’t resist venturing out to discover the local shops and hidden gems nearby. As an avid photographer, I made sure to capture the essence of the city’s artistic soul, finding some truly special spots.

Among my discoveries were the Two Cats and a Cow Gallery, an intimate space showcasing local artwork; Atelier Beside the Sea, where you can find beautifully handcrafted items that reflect Brighton’s coastal charm; and the Hidden Art Gallery, a place that feels like a well-kept secret brimming with creative treasures. I also stumbled upon a cute thrift shop, To Be Worn Again, which was perfect for scoring unique vintage finds. These shops became an extension of the spirit I found at Artist Residence—full of personality, creativity, and a sense of discovery.

Inspiration Strikes: Chilling and Writing Poetry

One of my favorite moments during my stay was working from the hotel’s lounge area. With my laptop open, I found the perfect balance of comfort and inspiration. The cozy, creative atmosphere was exactly what I needed to channel my thoughts into words.

I was so inspired by Brighton’s unique energy that I wrote a short poetry piece right there in the lounge, titled Brighton Do You. Here’s a glimpse of what I wrote:

Brighton Do You

Do the power of my words scare you?
Does my truth move you?
I rise, I smile, I curl, I hurl, and wish for you.

The biggest wavez are crashing in, for you.
Do you feel them too?

The sharpest highest winds, for you.
Do you feel them too?

Do you?

I felt a true connection to Brighton during my time there, and this poem encapsulated my experience—the power of the waves, the sharpness of the winds, and the raw energy that this place exudes.

A Local Poet’s Influence

While I was staying at Artist Residence, I happened to see a poetry book titled Peace of Mind when I walked in for the first time. Abi Barthrop, the bar manager, mentioned to me that Caitlin Kent-Halliday, a local poet, would often come in to write. In fact, many of her pieces were written right at the hotel, which made me feel a sense of poetic kinship with her. It made me wish I could be a local too, writing poetry regularly at the hotel, overlooking the sea. How romantic would that be? The beautiful view of the coast, the cozy atmosphere, and the inspiration that flows from being in such a creative space—it’s truly a poet’s dream.

Dining and Community at Artist Residence

In addition to the art, the location, and the peaceful ambiance, Artist Residence Brighton also boasts a brand-new menu at Blake’s Bistro, which is an absolute treat. Whether you’re after a hearty brekkie to start your day, a fresh and light lunch, or a satisfying dinner, the dishes are as inventive as they are delicious. One morning, I opted for room service and enjoyed a cozy breakfast in the comfort of my room—a perfect start to a day spent exploring or working on my poetry.

I also had the incredible opportunity to chat with Abi Barthrop on my podcast, She’s All Over the Place, where she shared the heartfelt roots of the Artist Residence brand. Now with five locations across the United Kingdom—Brighton, London, Oxford, Bristol and Penzance—this hotel has expanded, but it’s clear that the original Brighton spot still carries the same creative and personal touch that makes it so special. The warmth and spirit of the hotel, coupled with its deep connection to art, makes it a perfect destination for anyone looking to be inspired, relaxed, and pampered.

The Heart of Brighton

In the chill of winter, Artist Residence Brighton became even more of a retreat. The warmth inside, paired with the artistic energy that fills every room, made it an oasis of creativity and comfort. The hotel doesn’t just house you—it invites you into a space that nurtures inspiration, fosters connection, and makes you feel like you’re part of something truly unique.

If you’re seeking a getaway that’s as full of character as it is of charm, where art, culture, and creativity come together in the most intimate and inspiring way, Artist Residence Brighton is the place for you. Whether you’re here for a night, a week, or just long enough to capture the essence of the city, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Learn more at Artist Residence Brighton by clicking here.

Follow Blake’s Bistro and the Artist Residence on IG

Watch the full episode with Abi and me on Youtube – She’s All Over the Place Podcast