Street Source is a regular feature showcasing photos taken in Brighton. The idea is to share spontaneous moments around town – be it incidental street scenes, snapshots of people’s lives or images of the city as a landscape. Each month we ask a different photographer to participate. This time, Mike Tudor reflected on what it’s like to return to Brighton after nearly 18 months away.

I’d been living in Brighton for about 10 years before moving to Dublin. I got a job in photography, a dream of mine, managing the editing department of the largest commercial photography company in Ireland. During our peak busy season, around September to November, I was working 6 days and 60+ hours a week. I missed the city I knew so well, and the comforts you crave during times of intense stress. I wanted to compare this to what I actually made a priority during the first weeks of my return to Brighton.

The streets of Brighton are full of people and things you don’t see anywhere else.

When I worked late I missed good food that was hard to find elsewhere, so the Mexican street food of La Choza with friends was my first stop.

There’s something about Brighton Station. I didn’t think about it, but when you return there’s a certain feeling.

The sea, when you don’t live next to it any more you miss the instant access to wide open space with an uncluttered skyline.

Nostalgia for the entrance to the pier, I shared doughnuts with my good friend John as we walked the seafront. A seagull tried to steal one, I knew I was home.

I missed venues I knew so well, monthly emails full of Brighton gigs were a constant reminder.

I didn’t miss record shops, yet Resident was one of the first places I visited on my return.

Somewhere reliable you can drop in to and get food you love when you’re out alone, simple pleasures.

There are some sights you just don’t get anywhere else.

Words and photos by Mike Tudor

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