Kemp Town Treasures: Brighton Christmas shopping without the stress – Mission Impossible? Charlotte Landsmann thinks not, as she explores some of the hidden retail gems to be found in our city

I decided I’d had enough of fighting with others just to get stuck in a checkout queue. Not one of the joys of Christmas. So I decided to explore what else is out there in Brighton, and hit the jackpot!

It’s a weird old road – crazy fun along St James St, then cafes, cocktails, flea markets, antiques… but few people get further down. St James St and St Georges merge into each other, but stop and start with bits of residential coverage. The trick is to keep going to the old Kemptown village!

I started exploring at Kerfuffle. A great little independent card and gift shop with lots you can’t find elsewhere. A badge saying ‘Whitehawk Actually?’ anyone?! Priceless.

Immediately on to Pardon My French – beautiful bits and pieces, including retro quality toys, some great homewares – tres tres chic! Next door, The Vintage Workshop – classy and cool – some fascinating designer jewellery, handmade textile pieces, vintage and retro finds. Hey – this is getting good now! I may have found a secret of Brighton!

Vintage and retro finds

Over the junction – one of the BEST charity shops for those who know – Marie Curie, loads of bargains – wow. Then I spotted something bright pink – has to be good – hey, it’s Barbary Lane! I’ve heard of this one. Seriously funky – their strapline is “strictly no beige”. Accessories a-go-go with extraordinary one-offs, designer art pieces, bespoke formal hats, but also surprisingly affordable bits of fun – clip-in glittery cat ears and handknitted shark hats anyone? Such fun, and great customer service.

Next door, lovely established florist Wendy Kelly Flowers with seasonal wreaths and indoor/outdoor beauties. Opposite, Bedfords Hardware – a lot more than nails, who knew? Some really on-trend homewares, candles, cookware. Next door, The Trading Post, an absolute cornucopia of units with handmade, upcycled and retro clothes and jewellery, bric-a-brac and to-die-for retro furniture. And a great little genuinely French bistro/community cafe inside, Cup of Joe’s.

Exhausted but happy, I fall into the local pub The Barley Mow, to find the gorgeous smell of mulled cider brewing, candlelight and a secret beer garden.

My mission is complete – this is definitely the secret of Christmas shopping in Brighton. If you want to escape the usual mill, support small friendly independent traders and explore the secrets of Brighton – East Kemptown Village is it!

East Kemptown Village, St Georges Road
Late night Christmas Shopping Event
Friday 8th December until 8pm
Let’s kick off the season with a little tipple, mince pies and the shops open after dark