80 minutes: that’s how long it takes to get from Central London (London Bridge, to be precise) to No. 124 Brighton, a boutique hotel with sea views that’ll have you reminiscing on your commute for weeks. That’s five minutes less than it takes to get from one end of the Piccadilly Line to the other – which is getting a swanky new upgrade, FYI.
Sitting on Brighton’s seafront, No. 124 Brighton is the newest addition to GuestHouse Hotel’s portfolio; it opened its doors at the end of 2024, joining properties in Margate and Bath. Its aim is to provide luxury and comfort while staying true to the local area. The hotel boasts a restaurant, spa, and individually designed rooms. From the moment we checked in, the hotel was true to its ethos: the space felt premium, but the staff were so welcoming and warm that it didn’t feel pretentious.
What are the rooms like at No. 124 Brighton like?
No. 124 Brighton’s rooms aim to be reflective of the hotel’s beachside address. I fell in love with our room the moment I entered, as straight in my line of vision was Brighton Beach (a view I also enjoyed from the bed itself later in the evening; I almost felt I was on a cruise looking out to sea). There were little touches that made the room all the more sweeter, from the beach hut holding the room’s kettle to the pair of binoculars, so we could look further out to sea. Even without the binoculars, we could see some of Brighton’s famed attractions, such as Brighton 360, the upside-down house, and burnt out Brighton West Pier.
Attention to detail is everything at this hotel: the staff provide a full list of ingredients for every amenity they offer (bath wash/shampoo/etc), and there is even an in-detail tide guide, so you can truly understand the water in front of you. I was visiting with my young daughter, and was so touched that the staff had taken the time to set up a teepee of toys and books in the room for her – and it even matched the colour scheme.
However, forget the mini-bar at this hotel (though there is a fridge): a room at this hotel gives you access to a whole sweet shop, with everything included in your room rate!!! I was quite literally a kid in a candy store as I headed to The Pantry. There are sweets like cola bottles and chocolate-covered raisins ready to be scooped into the traditional striped bags, plus drinks, crisps and popcorn.
Food at Pearly Cow restaurant
Speaking of snacks, let’s move onto the food. Although it is part of No. 124 Brighton, Pearly Cow is a venue in its own right, with non-hotel guests frequenting the eatery. The spot specialises in British cuisine, with particular highlights being the steak and oysters. The oysters were some of the best I’ve had in recent years. They were large, juicy, and had a delicious flavour profile. They came fresh from Devon. The prawns, too, were fantastic for all the same reasons. However, if fish isn’t your thing, I highly recommend the hot honey popcorn chicken, with its perfectly crispy batter and seasoning.
When it came to the mains, the steak was cooked well, and I loved how the spatchcock was seasoned; and you must have the skin-on fries. Much like the popcorn chicken, the crispiness and the seasoning made them so moreish.
As for the drinks, Pearly Cow has a fabulous wine list and innovative cocktail menu. Passion In A Punch tasted like a traditional rum punch – and went down a real treat – while the Rhubarb and Strawberry Sangria provided a sweeter spin on a classic drink. It paired very well with our mains.
Indulging in the spa at No. 124 Brighton
I was surprised to discover a hotel that bills itself as a guesthouse by name has its very own spa – but it was a welcome surprise indeed. Field Trip Spa is a haven that specialises in massages and facials, and I can see why they’ve won regional awards. I opted to have a full body massage – and after walking 60,000 steps in two days earlier that week (as part of London’s Notting Hill Carnival parade), it was utterly blissful. From head to toe, I could feel the knots being loosened, and again, like with the hotel room, the attention to detail is clear. The staff even provide a post-treatment recommendation list, a QR code to their spa playlist, and two little products used in your treatment to take away.
Unfortunately, there’s no swimming pool at this adult-only sanctuary, but if you’re brave enough to brace the cold, nature’s very own swimming pool AKA the English Channel is mere steps away. In addition, Field Trip Spa’s signature treatment is a copper bath ritual for two people; although not quite a swim, it offers a relaxing soak in mineral-rich waters, a massage, and even some bubbly.
How to get to No. 124 Brighton
The quickest route from London is a direct train from London Bridge to Brighton (you can also hop on at other stations along the same line, such as Blackfriars, King’s Cross, and East Croydon). The journey will take you a smidge over an hour, then it’s a 17-minute walk down to the seafront and hotel.
No. 124 Brighton is a must-visit hotel: it’s a slice of serenity on the seafront. Every interaction I had with a space or person in the hotel left me feeling fabulous. They quietly perfect every element they offer their guests, and I’ll be shouting about this spot for a while to come.
