Type and hit ENTER

Commonly used tags...

Brighton Festival Brighton Fringe Brighton Pride British Sea Power Cinecity Lewes Psychedelic Festival Locally Sourced Lost & Found Love Supreme Festival Mutations Festival Nick Cave Poets Vs MCs Politics Rag'n'Bone Man Record Store Day Save Our Venues Six Of The Best Source Virgins Streets Of Brighton Street Source Tattoos The Great Escape Tru Thoughts Unsung Heroes
  • Home
  • News
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Food
  • Tickets
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Advertise
  • Home
  • News
  • Previews
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Food
  • Tickets
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Advertise
Features

Streets Of Brighton: Margaret Street

Feb 23, 2009
-
Posted by SOURCE Writers

Quiet? In Kemp Town?
You’d be surprised. Step a road away from St James Street and, the odd pub aside, it’s almost like living in the country. Margaret Street has the twin attractions of being both sufficiently close to, and far away from, the vibrant energy of Kemp Town.

So the pubs are odd?
Not in the least, it has probably the widest variety of boozers in the city. There are plenty of predominantly gay bars, although straights certainly aren’t ostracised. Everyone else from old men to younger types are pretty well served around here. There’s always good drinking to be had at the Oak and the Tin Drum for instance.

And where can I soak up all this booze?
Well, if you’re in the Tin Drum already, that’s pretty good. Kemp Spices on St George’s Road is a great Indian, Bona Foodie is great for grub on the go and this being Kemp Town you can get all manner of dirty kebabs and burgers at 5am should the fancy take you.

What’s the general vibe of the area?
Over the years it’s seen a regeneration that properly befits its proximity to the sea and the city centre. Regular people watchers will recognise its characters who make up the area’s unique personality (hello to the bloke with the green beard who sits outside the coffee shop every day) – you don’t get that anywhere else in Brighton.

I’m straight. Can I live here?
Don’t be ridiculous. It’s true that the gay community has adopted Kemp Town as its spiritual home, and there are many shops and bars to cater for their needs. But think of the area as universal tolerance exemplified rather than any kind of gay ghetto, there’s certainly no sense of overbearing sexuality here. Pretty much anything goes, which is how everywhere should be really.

OK. So what are the downsides?
Parking can be a pain – even with a residents’ permit you’re still chasing spaces every time you come home. But then, you’re so near to everything Brighton has to offer you won’t really need one. There are a few annoying street drinkers, but the police seem to have started cracking down on them. Other than that, it’s all upside.

More Streets Of Brighton: Click Herestreetsofbrightonx

Streets Of Brighton
Feb 23, 2009
Email
SOURCE Writers
Sometimes an article is a bit of a team effort, and those are tagged SOURCE Writers. If you’d like to be part of that team, hit the Contact link at the top and get your work on this website.
← PREVIOUS POST
Consume: Traid
NEXT POST →
Street Style: Amber
Mailing List

Recent Posts
  • suede
    Suede, Sat 21st Feb
    Feb 11, 2026

    The oddball forerunners of the Britpop scene are coming to Brighton this month for the final date of their sold-out UK tour.

  • Blood Brothers Review
    Feb 11, 2026

    A stunning, majestic and sublime production of one of the greatest musicals of all time from the incredibly Willy Russell: unmissable.

  • Love Supreme Friday Line Up Announced
    Feb 10, 2026

    With a full Friday programme, expect a superstar DJ, a Grammy winner and the best of new UK talent.

  • The BBC’s First Homosexual Review
    Feb 8, 2026

    The true story of the BBCs first ever documentary about male homosexuality told in a brilliant, powerful and accessible way. Superb, unmissable theatre perfection.

  • Peaches Leads The Charge In The Great Escape Line Up Announcement
    Feb 3, 2026

    Over 100 names have been added to the TGE line up and Team Source is salivating with excitement!

  • Eraserhead Xiu Xiu Review
    Feb 3, 2026

    Like the seminal movie that inspired it, this performance packs a formidable artistic punch.

  • Lewes Psych Fest 2026 Review
    Jan 30, 2026

    The 2026 Lewes Psych Fest was a joyful affair with cracking sets from Minor Dents, Sick Man of Europe, Dactur Terra and Aircooled.

  • Jenny Moore: Wild Mix Review
    Jan 30, 2026

    A post-modern song-cycle exploring the search for human connection via drums, voice and water-filled punching bag.

Website developed in Brighton by Infobo
Copyright © Brighton Source 2009-2023
Streets Of Brighton: Margaret Street - Brighton Source