Built in the late Georgian period by Amon Wilds, Drakes was originally two town houses designed by architect Charles Busby to complement the fine Regency houses of the area. With commanding sea views, Drakes can be found near to the site of the old Chain Pier, Britain’s earliest pier, which was used as a ferry embarkation point from Brighton to Dieppe and sadly collapsed in the storms of 1896.
The property remained as a private residence until approximately 45 years ago when it was bought by Mr and Mrs Simmonds and was known as “The Simmonds Hotel”. The present owner purchased the sadly dilapidated property in 2002. Since then, 43 and 44 Marine Parade have been sympathetically renovated, by award-winning architect Michael Phillips and designed by Tim Shepherd in a project costing more than £2.5 million, to form Drakes, a stylish, contemporary boutique hotel and equally superb fine dining restaurant.
Drakes is a luxury boutique hotel on Brighton’s seafront, overlooking the Brighton Palace Pier. It offers unique 4-star accommodation, and has a fine-dining restaurant and vibrant cocktail bar.
The fully air-conditioned rooms have a flat-screen TV with Sky channels, along with free WiFi. The ‘Vi Spring’ beds have Egyptian cotton sheets, velvet throws, and goose or duck-down bedding. Some rooms also have a free-standing bath tub next to stunning Georgian windows, with views of Brighton or the seafront and pier.
Drakes has an award-winning restaurant on site, with a modern and original European menu. Food is made using seasonal, and where possible, locally sourced ingredients.
The 24-hour lounge bar boasts sea views, and serves bespoke and classic cocktails, spirits, wines, champagnes and craft beers.
