Stop off and see more of Hove

Whether you're squeezing the shopping into a busy day or taking time out, Hove is hassle free. Quieter than neighbouring Brighton, here you can beat the queues and still find what you want. With many businesses based locally, you'll find retailers with real expertise who have time for you. From specialist shops to big names like Boots the Chemists and The Body Shop, everything's on hand. And shopping meets pleasure when you can do what you have to do then take a seat in a stylish café-bar

Why not visit the butchers or bakery then wander down a tree-lined avenue to beach huts and the sea? Head to the promenade for a breath of sea air and enjoy the elegant Regency architecture as you go. Spacious and relaxed, Hove is less hurried.

The Hove mile

Hove's Western Road, Brunswick Town and Church Road is a mile of restaurants serving cuisine from Italian and Indian to Japanese and Lebanese. Some of Brighton and Hove's most interesting eating places are here, and you'll find tiny bistros and cafeés tucked away down side streets towards the sea. Browse round antiques and book shops or check out the latest in interior design ideas. There's also specialist food shops, takeaways and late-night stores for that forgotten ingredient, last minute bunch of flowers or bottle of wine.

Hang out in Hove and discover plenty of surprises

You are spoiled for choice for places to eat out in Hove and there are pubs and bars featuring live music. The Hove Centre at Hove Town Hall is now programming regular entertainment with popular comedians such as Phil Jupitus and Terry Garogan. Come here for a wide range of music from salsa to City of Londons Sinfonia and from jazz to Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra.

Historic Hove and Brunswick

The sweeping crescents and grand squares of Brunswick Town show off some of the most magnificent Regency architecture in the country. It was here that modern Hove first developed with the building of Brunswick Square and Terrace in 1824. Designed by Charles Busby and Amon Wilds, this is one of the finest examples of civic architecture in the country and Grade I listed.

Take a walk on the wide side of town

Walk away from the shops down one of the wide avenues to the sea and you can watch the world go by from a seafront café. With rollerbladers doing their stuff at the weekend, it's a great place to hang out, walk the dog or let the kids have a run around. Immaculate lawns front onto the Esplanade and there are also clean and pleasant open spaces in Hove Park and St Ann's Well Gardens.

The historic seaside resort of Hove has always attracted its share of famous faces. Try celebrity-spotting past and present, with blue plaques, especially in the Brunswick area, to visitors such as Sir Winston Churchill, Lillie Langtry and writer Patrick Hamilton.

"It's a friendly area - the sort of place where people know your name"
Alan Gibson, Butcher and Fishmonger

The personal touch
You don't have to buy food pre-packed or pizza off the peg! Have has many independent retailers and restaurateurs happy to provide the quantity and quality right for you rather than just what rolls off the production line.

Hove Town Centre Management Business Group, an initiative organised by Hove Business Association.