Why it’s good for business
The key attraction for the De Vere Grand in Brighton is it location right next
door to the Brighton Centre, the multi-purpose seafront venue that plays
host to annual political party conferences. Indeed, it was here that then
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and members of her Cabinet were the targets
of an IRA bomb during the 1984 Conservative party conference. Brighton isn’t
just about politics and the centre next door plays host to a wide variety of
trade exhibitions, making the Grand an ideal place to stay.
The room
You can tell your position in the corporate pecking order by whether you get a
room with a sea view here. If you don’t get that inspiring view over the
channel then consider your work fortunes on the wane. The rooms retain many
of the hotel’s Victorian features and the décor is starting to look a little
dated although a £8 million revamp, which will see more contemporary
elements injected into the property and telescopes installed in the seaview
rooms to spy on passers-by. All rooms have Playstations, an iron and ironing
board and coffee and tea-making facilities.
A place to meet
When there is a conference next door, the hotel’s Empress Suite of rooms,
opened in 1992, are full with fringe meetings. With all the partitions open,
the Suite can accommodate up to 800 for a theatre-style conference. One of
the most popular spaces for a meeting in the main hotel is the Regent Room,
just behind the lounge; the wood panelling and oil paintings would be at
home in any corporate boardroom. The airy lounge, popular with ladies
supping afternoon tea, is a calm location for a quick brainstorming session.
Technology credentials
Wired high-speed access, avilable in all rooms, costs a hefty 25p per minute
up to a maximum of £20 per day. Like many older hotels, wireless access is
restricted to a few common areas – the Victoria Lounge, Bar and Terrace at a
charge of £10 per hour.
Fed and watered
The King’s Restaurant has enviable views out over the water, despite the sad
remains of Brighton’s West Pier, damaged by fire in 2003. The food is
equally dramatic. I started with warm smoked salmon and raspberries (£7) – a
good cooling choice for summer despite the flavours not really working
together. That’s not a criticism that could be levelled at the main course
of monkfish, cabbage and bacon risotto (£19). The seared hunk of fish was
large enough to have ocean conservationists worried about fish stocks and
its rich flesh was made all the more creamy by cubes of bacon and toasted
pine nuts. A refurb is planned with the plan to install a trendy cocktail
bar into one part of the restaurant which it is hoped will make it more of a
place to eat and drink for non-residents.
In the know
The man behind the Grand’s desk recommended One Paston Place for a business
lunch. It may sound like a 1960s soap opera but the food is unquestionably
contemporary. Proprietor Francesco Furriello’s menus are heavy on fish, such
as pan-fried brill in Sauternes (£20), and light meat cooked in a modern
French way, such as roast saddle of rabbit with a celeriac puree (£19.50).
Starters are priced from £9 to £13 on the a la carte menu but are worth the
money. Seared scallops on pain brioche with mango salad is a refreshingly
light opener. The surroundings are elegant – think starched white
tablecloths and gilt-edged mirrors and chandeliers. 1 Paston Place Brighton
East Sussex. Tel 01273 606933. www.onepastonplace.co.uk
Business class – business farce
Business class: ideal location for staggering back after a heavy conference
session Business farce: internet access not included in the room rate
The bottom line
Standard single room with full breakfast from £105, sea view rooms from £240.
Room service breakfast £3.50 (Continental), £6.50 (full) extra. Laundering a
shirt £4.95 (in by 8.30am, back by 7pm).
Need to know
The De Vere Grand Brighton, King's Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FW United
Kingdom Tel: 01273 224300. www.grandbrighton.co.uk, www.devereonline.co.uk.
Check-in 3pm, check-out 11am.
