Brighton Open Market

Brighton’s got all of its lovely quirks, and the Open Market is like the beating heart of it all. Nestled on London Road, it’s a place where you can wander in for a bite, browse a strange, and bizarre array of stalls, and come out feeling like you’ve taken a little vacation from the usual pace of life. Personally, I come here for two things: a killer katsu curry and a strong coffee to wash it down. But honestly, there’s so much more happening here that I could write an entire novel.

The scene: Indie vibes, friendly faces, and a little bit of everything

Brighton Open Market has that perfect mix of indie charm and organized chaos. There’s the usual soundscape of clattering stalls, sizzling food, and local chatter. It’s like Brighton in a microcosm, vegan bakeries next to artisan candle makers, a few vintage stalls, and all sorts of random odds and ends. One minute you’re considering a new houseplant from the florist, and the next, you’re eyeing up some lush handmade jewelry or, yes, a fresh tarot reading. It’s just that kind of place

But let’s talk food, because I can’t talk about this market without getting right to the good stuff

The katsu curry: warm, comforting, and just a bit addictive

I’m not going to say this katsu curry is a life changing experience (although it kind of is on cold winter afternoons). It’s more like a hug in a bowl, a warm, filling, and just spicy enough affair that brings me back here again and again. There’s something so grounding about digging into a bowl of crispy chicken (or tofu, if that’s your thing) with perfectly sticky rice, all coated in that rich, thick sauce. For a few moments, all my problems seem to dissolve in a wave of savory goodness

And because I’m a creature of habit (at least when it comes to comfort food), I always pair it with a solid latte with oat milk. Cuts through the richness of the curry like a charm you know. Maybe it’s the contrast of flavors, maybe it’s the caffeine hit, but that combo just works.

People-Watching: The secret sport of the open market

One of the hidden perks of the Open Market is the people watching. You get everyone here: the locals, the students, the tourists who wandered off the beach path hehe, and the occasional group of eccentrics you only seem to find in Brighton

You’ve got the artists setting up stalls with hand painted earrings, the musicians busking just outside, and the local regulars who always seem to know each vendor by name. Watching it all from my unofficial “regular” spot with my curry and coffee feels like being part of an ongoing story. A cast of characters that’s always changing, but somehow always feels familiar

Coffee, katsu, and community

The Open Market isn’t just a spot for good eats and window shopping, it’s one of those places where you feel a connection to the city. Whether you’re chatting with stall owners, bonding over a particularly cold wind whipping through the stalls, or just enjoying a peaceful moment with your meal, there’s this quiet sense of community. And in a city that’s as dynamic as Brighton, finding little hubs like this can be a grounding thing

So, if you’re ever in the area, take a detour into the Open Market. Grab a katsu, sip a coffee, and enjoy the comforting messiness of it all. Who knows? You might just find a new favorite place to kick back, and maybe, just maybe, even a houseplant you didn’t know you needed

Aaron Mouland

Quit drinking on 23 July 2021 after a two-day bender and swapped bars for border crossings and 12-step meetings. Three sober years, 36 countries, 113 travellers (totally dry), fuelled by street food, jelly babies, and a broken Google Maps app. Wandersober is my journal, my SEO lab, and my mission. Featured in GQ, Mirror, Evening Standard, MarketWatch, and more.

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