Issue 11 Down in Brighton from the Archives of the Tanked Up Magazine

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19 April 2024

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	ISSUE 11 ARCHIVE - DOWN IN BRIGHTON Brighton is a hub of activity and offers some excellent diving opportunities on the south coast and some great nightlife that probably isn't best mixed with diving. Hundreds of wrecks within the area will keep divers of all levels entertained with lots of metal attracting marine life. Various dive centres and skippers operate from Brighton, mostly out of the Marina, with lots of shops and cafes where you can spend your money merrily in between your dives. Food & Booze Brighton Marina has a whole host of restaurants and bars to choose from with all the usual culprits ready to serve the water-loving community. So I really don't think you need me to advise you on the local Pizza Express, Café Rouge or McDonalds Drive-Thru. However, at the end of your day when you can head off to sup a pint in proper pub with the salt still in your hair then the following should do the trick.
	The Basketmakers Arms Found near the North Lanes, it's small but has a fantastic choice of good ales and whiskies with grub on offer too. 12 Gloucester Road. Tel: 01273 689 006 Without doubt, the best fish and chips in town are served at Bankers Fish Restaurant. They also make a genuine effort to get their fish from sustainable sources. 116a Western Road, Brighton, East Sussex. BN1 2AB. Tel: 01273 328 267. A Good Night's Kip A couple of campsites are, as always, your cheapest option – personally I would never go camping when diving, but that's me, I like to get warm and dry. There is Blackberry Wood which is said to be "The coolest campsite in the UK" and is beautifully situated on the South Downs. Close to the marina is Sheepcote Valley Caravan Club Site.
	Blackberry Wood Streat Lane, Streat, Dr Ditchling, East Sussex BN6 8RS. Tel: 01273 890 035 Sheepcote Valley Caravan Club East Brighton Park, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 5TS. Tel: 0800 328 6635 With rows of regency houses and a history of being the town for weekend retreats, Brighton has numerous B&Bs and guesthouses. Many situated between Brighton Marina and the famous pier.
	Chintz is big at the Brighton Marina House Hotel, but with rooms from £55 for two, and with easy access to the town centre or the marina, enjoy. 8 Charlotte Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1AG. Tel: 01273 605 349. Clean white chic at guesthouse One Broad Street with accommodation from £32.50 pp. 1 Broad Street, Brighton BN2 1TJ. Tel: 01273 699 227. Out and About I'm sure you'll find yourself wandering down the pier (topside) for some classic British seaside town attractions or browsing around the quirky shops of the North Lanes, but there are other options around to visit including:
Brighton Sealife Centre Another chance to jump into salty liquid, but this time the warm and clear waters of the 700,000 litre ocean tank and get up-close and personal with fifteen sharks including: nurse sharks, sandbar sharks, black-tip and zebra sharks. You'll also get to meet Lulu and Jersey, two giant turtles, together with batfish, schools of monos, yellowback fusilliers, cleaner wrasse and plenty of other fishy friends. Brighton Pavilion This exotic building was built for George, Prince Regent, at the turn of the 19th century and was once described by an old university friend of mine as looking like "The largest curry house" he'd ever seen and it really is one of Brighton's most famous landmarks. It is well worth a look around and houses one of the finest collections of chinoiserie in Britain. The Brighton Quickie Take a twenty minute helicopter tour of Brighton and Hove in a modern Robinson R44 helicopter (takes three passengers). Starting at Shoreham airport the flight takes in the Brighton coastline and great views of the South Downs. Just be careful of the altitude if you've already been diving. Local diving contacts Brighton Dive Centre A dive shop based in Brighton Marina offering dive courses or equipment hire and air fills. Escorted dives are available for all local sites and these can be either shore or boat dives. Able to accommodate and support individuals with both learning and physical challenges. Open 7 days a week. 37 The Waterfront, Marina Village, Brighton Marina, Brighton East Sussex BN2 5WA. Tel: 01273 606 068. Channel Diving Brighton A 36ft SouthBoats 36/11 catamaran and licensed to carry 12 passengers plus three crew up to sixty miles from any safe haven. Tel: 07970 674 799. Brighton Diver 2 A 33ft Blyth catamaran which is 10m long and 5m wide for extra stability and maximum space for up to twelve divers. Tel: 01273 301 367. Mobile: 07901 822 375. Sea Breeze 3 Dive boat powered by twin John Deeres 300hp (600hp). Cruising speed of eighteen knots and licensed for twelve passengers plus three crew. Catering for all levels; novice diver to deep mixed gas projects, in the UK, France and Channel Islands coast. The boat has a diver lift platform and compressor supplying clean air (by request). Tel: 0800 6191 255. Office: 01273 585 372. Mobile: 07850 707 572.
Sussex Diving Club BSAC training and an active dive club, Sussex Diving Club also offer a number of facilities for visiting divers. The club dives regularly on Wednesday evenings and at weekends all through the summer; plus a number of impromptu dives as and when the weather permits. They regularly have spare places available on the boats and can accommodate visiting divers. Tel: 01273 808 980.
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