A week by the coast is exactly what the fictional doctor ordered!

Having not really travelled outside of Surrey - unless you count a couple of trips to IKEA - since July, it was time to break free a little. But in a COVID-safe manner.

The last few months, I’ve been very much head down, get things done and while it’s meant I’ve got a lot done, this girl needed a break! Or at least to just, get away from the same sort of things I’d been seeing.

While I’m super conscious that we’re still very much in the middle of working through a very serious pandemic, I’m also someone who’s used to travelling. Which we can’t do properly still. So when a family friend said their cat needed watching for a week: I jumped.

Just a little bit of safely distanced exploring, discovering some possible locations for future adventures later on. Whether to launch that next project, meet up with a friend or toast to a new client. I began with Eastbourne and then went on to Brighton for a day. Here’re are my wifi places of choice:

BRIGHTON

• Platf9rm: not actually the first time I’ve been. There are two branches, one in Hove and one just down the road from Brighton train station. It’s a small space with views of the town and a great place to get things done. There are break out rooms, but it’s probably best suited for those who don’t mind a bit of noise. Wifi is quick and there’s free tea and coffee! Even with the strange elevator system, I’d 10/10 recommend.

• Coppa Club: probably not the first place of choice for coworking but walking past the outside domes in the Lanes, I couldn’t help myself. And it turned out the wifi was actually as normal a speed as it was inside. I imagine the food and beverage prices are maybe slightly cheaper than its London counterpart, however it’s still a little on the spennier side. Maybe more of a Friday afternoon relaxed laptop sash?

• Brass Monkey: a little hidden gem that I stumbled on walking back from the beach on a corner of Hannington Lane. It’s cool colours (and neon sign) were just so inviting, I had to go in and check it out. Once I’d ordered, I actually sat outside with my cake and coffee and again, the wifi was perfect. If you’re looking for a secluded spot - with not as many people walking through: this is the place to check out! It costs around the same as a nice London cafe, but it was worth it!

EASTBOURNE

• Nelson CoffeeCo: a cute little spot, recommended to me by VisitEastbourne, that was apparently nominated by the Mail on Sunday as a great brunch spot. Tucked away by the train station, I’d suggest either staying in with your laptop or grabbing one of their yummy orange hot chocolates to takeaway on a chilly beach walk! (I think I’m used to paying £2-3 for a coffee, but just as a heads up: that’s what it costs).

• The Beach Deck: the first place I hit up in Eastbourne, right on the beach for lunch. Considering it was on the beach, I was expecting it to cost a little more. But I paid as much as I would expect for a very yummy pub lunch with a lovely glass of Prosecco. They open from 8:30am in the morning also and it should deffo be on the milder weather list!

• The Boathouse: one I wasn't expecting to go to, but it was less than a ten minute walk from my accommodation at the time. Situated on a little pond (with no boats weirdly…), this was another alternative discovery that I’d definitely suggest checking out if you have a car or are staying in the area. Maybe one for a quiet afternoon, feeling like you’re on the water.

And that’s that! I was pleasantly surprised by the offering that seems to have cropped up for remote workers now. This movement is 100% no longer just for city workers and Londoners and is finally becoming a reality for so many. Now, more than ever.

Is there anywhere you would add?

Han x