Where the hell is Coombe Road?
It’s not only a road; it’s an official ‘area’ of Brighton, according to the 20mph road signs. Up Lewes Road towards the University, turn right at Carpet Right opposite B&Q.
Oh yeah. Where Comet and Halfords are, right?
That’s the one. The area is surprisingly well served for paintbrushes, bike tyres and microwaves.
Obviously I can’t cook – I’m a student. Will I starve?
No, you won’t. You should learn though. There’s a big Sainsbury’s at the coolly named Vogue Gyratory (it’s basically a roundabout), even nearer than that is a big CostCutter down on Lewes Road, and Coombe Road itself has two decent convenience stores at the bottom. If you really can’t be bothered there are two very different cafés – H’s for the best fry-ups in Brighton and Manna for more deli-based grub. There’s a very decent fish and chip shop down there as well.
Who lives there?
It’s a cosmopolitan mix of families, really old people with no teeth and students. The buy-to-let boom saw lots of houses rented out as the university is so handy.
You know I’m going to ask – where are the pubs?
Well… Coombe Road was originally a Quaker area of Brighton so basically there aren’t any. But just round the corner on Lewes Road is the Lectern – a big footbally, student place, and at the Vogue again is The Hub – lively DJ sets, pool and great pizza, The Gladstone – an ever excellent funky out-of-town boozer and The Bear – yet more pool and a wider age range.
What else can you tempt me with?
Well, Coombe Road is basically a long line of houses and a primary school, with some shops at the bottom. But for a vaguely out of town location there’s a fair bit. Down on Lewes Road is the Terrace Barbers – the best eight quid haircut you’ll get in Brighton, a dirty kebab shop, a couple of ace Indian takeaways and a Chinese. There’s even a massage parlour. Yes, that sort…
Something for everyone, then. What won’t I like?
It takes about half an hour to walk in to town but the buses are good. Coombe Road is on a hill, so be careful of the high numbers – it’s bastard steep.
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