Earth Mothers Unite
I remember it well – those early days of my first pregnancy. If there was an article online, I read it. My Pinterest boards shifted overnight from “10 Must-See Mountains of the World” to “How to Look Maternity Chic”, and the algorithms followed suit – goodbye sunset beaches, hello nurseries and baby classes. I was all in.
Every week, I tracked the size of that little bundle of joy, from a poppy seed to a butternut squash (I might have freaked out at that one – that’s when reality really hit). I memorised the NHS list of what to eat and what to avoid like it was gospel. I embraced it with zeal – though, on reflection, my lauding tone about having a pause from drinking probably earned me a few justifiable eye rolls from friends.
Admittedly, the second time round, I don’t feel quite so ethereal. That once-useful guide of ingredients to avoid now reads more like a list of banned substances. How come all my major food groups are suddenly off-limits? No fair.
Eating for two, or eating for me?
Let’s face it – no two pregnancies are the same. But if you’re a foodie like me, there’s plenty to enjoy in Brighton and Hove during those long months – especially if you know where to look. And, let’s face it, you absolutely deserve a little bit of luxury to help you along the way.
I’ll never forget the kindness of the staff at Dilsk restaurant during my first pregnancy.
We went for a final meal out before the baby was due, and the team was incredibly accommodating with the delicious menu.
In my experience, most places are well-versed in what’s safe to eat during pregnancy, with plenty of thoughtful alternatives on offer. During my recent blog visit to Tutto, the staff were just as helpful – informative, warm, and quick to steer me towards the right dishes (including gently reminding me that cheese needs to be pasteurised!).
Embrace breakfast!
There’s no getting around it – evening meals lose some of their appeal when you’re exhausted and there’s no Gavi di Gavi on the table. Instead, it’s all about breakfast luxury. Brunch at Oeuf hits the spot perfectly – the aesthetic alone brings some prenatal calm before you even get to their sumptuous menu. Is it acceptable to eat three portions of hash browns? Well… the baby wants what the baby wants.
I recently discovered Fika in Hove. It’s no wonder it made the BRAVOs Best Café list this year! When all you want is a sausage sandwich, they absolutely nail it. With trendy Brooklyn vibes, the Norton Road venue has completely stolen my heart. It’s the perfect go-to when you want comforting, tasty food in a cool setting. That said, the breakfast sandwiches at The Flour Pot are also an absolute must. And with their tempting range of cakes and pastries, you can fully let your cravings guide your order – because frankly, who really knows what we’ll want in the moment?
Get Away From It All
Not long before I was due, my midwife gave me the best advice I received during pregnancy (and just a heads-up: you’re probably going to get a lot of advice). She suggested that my husband and I take a short weekend break before the baby arrived – no more than 20 minutes from home, just enough to enjoy some rest and relaxation (and take our minds off the inevitable waiting game).
We ended up booking two weekends away because who knew when we’d get another chance! We stayed overnight at The Bull in Ditchling, and it was perfect. With such a diverse menu, there was plenty of choice, and their stunning rooms made for a truly luxurious stay.
At Wingrove House in Alfriston, we made the most of a charming country retreat. The menu was delightful – striking the perfect balance between fine dining and relaxed bistro.
The joy of finishing a meal and being just minutes from a comfy bed? Unbeatable.
Afternoon Tea, anyone?
I’d never pictured myself as an afternoon tea kinda gal. But you soon realise that the experience and atmosphere are just as important as the food itself (especially when most of your dietary staples have been taken off the table – blue cheese, I’m looking at you).
Brighton and Hove have some incredible options: from the Brighton Regency Routemaster to The Metropole Bar, you’re spoilt for choice. And it’s a tried-and-tested baby shower go-to for a reason – just because you might not be indulging in a glass of champagne doesn’t mean your friends can’t!
My little discovery this time was Honey Cake by Mary in Hove. I’d been obsessed with the delightful Instagram account, so I finally decided to check it out. It’s perfect: a light, fluffy blueberry and lemon cake in the quiet courtyard garden – exactly the peace and retreat I didn’t know I needed. It felt indulgent without being overwhelming. The perfect spot to escape the hustle and muse over baby names.
Shh… this one is for your friends…
People will ask you what you want or need for the baby’s arrival. Honestly? I didn’t have a clue. And while people can offer you lists and ideas, it’s an absolute minefield – you’ll probably end up with plenty of things you didn’t need, and not nearly enough muslins.
The real lifesaver, though, was the vouchers and frozen food deliveries we received. You’ll never be more grateful for a packed freezer than in those first few weeks.
And if your friends need a little nudge in the right direction, here’s the ultimate recommendation: a friend of ours ordered us a Cin Cin at Home lasagne the week our baby was born. Wow. It was perfect. Sleep-deprived, unsure what day it was, and barely functioning – the comfort of their famous pasta with the creamiest béchamel sauce was enough to transport us straight to a piazza in Italy. It was heavenly. Not to mention the perfect gift. Feel free to screenshot this idea and send it to anyone you think would get on board.
Cecily English is a Travel Consultant based in Brighton. If you are interested in planning a luxury babymoon or bougie family holiday, get in touch and find out what she can do for you.
