Artist Residence Brighton is located in Brighton City Centre, a neighborhood in Brighton. 

The natural beauty of the area is reflected in South Downs National Park and Ditchling Common Country Park, and nearby attractions include The Doughnut and The Ellipse. 

Looking to attend an event or a game while you’re in town? Check out what’s going on at Brighton Racecourse or the Brighton and Hove Greyhound Stadium.

Artist Residence Bristol review

Description

This Georgian townhouse & old boot factory is an eccentric home from home in the heart of Bristol, located in the creative St Pauls community just minutes from the city center. 

Downstairs is a laid-back all-day hangout that serves breakfast and drinks all day.

Scene

The building, which was a combination of a Grade I-listed townhouse and a semi-industrial boot factory, was on the Heritage at Risk Register when Artist Residence founders Justin and Charlotte Salisbury took on the challenge. 

They spent five years restoring the house (sash windows, elegant plasterwork, exposed brick) before putting in their own eccentric brand of ‘bohemian luxe’: a quirky mix of vintage, salvage, stylishly shabby furniture (they spend a lot of time on eBay) and a colorful collection of found and commissioned art. 

The mood is set by Dave Buonaguidi’s glittery red poster (‘Party Like It’s 1999’).

Location

Portland Square, on the outskirts of St Paul’s, must have been one of the smartest addresses in town when it was built in the 1790s. 

It went downhill after being annexed from the city center by post-war development (Broadmead Shopping Centre, the bus station, the M32), but this new hotel is just one of the regenerating factors that are putting the area back on the map. 

It’s a 10-minute bus or taxi ride from Temple Meads station, a 15-minute walk to the Harbourside museums, or a five-minute walk to Stokes Croft (a hub of alternative culture with some of Bristol’s best street art, including a Banksy).

Rooms

The 23 rooms are spread across three floors (with a lift to the second), ranging from the teeny Broom Cupboard (“for flying visits”) to the wow-factor Artist Suite (a vast corner room with five lofty Georgian windows and enough room to swing a lion). 

A spiral staircase leads up to a private rooftop terrace with city views from the duplex Lookout. The larger rooms have copper or vintage bathtubs and statement beds. 

All rooms have jazzy shower tiles, art and antiques, digital Roberts radios, Nespresso machines, well-stocked minibars, and thoughtful extras like earplugs.

Features

With lived-in sofas, candlelight, and an open fire, the cozy Library lounge serves as an overflow for the café-bar or a relatively quiet place for drinks and snacks. The bar’s ping-pong table is typical of Artist Residence. 

There is a basement event space and a small urban terrace, but no parking is available. The welcoming staff dresses casually in jeans and trainers. It’s a place where you can make yourself at home.

Food and drink

The hotel’s boho Boot Factory bar and café provides a relaxed, all-day neighborhood hangout that begins with brunch and ends with after-dinner cocktails.

A palette of raw brick, distressed paintwork, and bare plaster contrasts with velvet upholstery, retro, neon, and a quirky art collection in a lofty industrial space. 

The house menu includes small plates (padron peppers, pan-fried prawns with mango salsa), vegetables (charred hispi cabbage with almonds), pizzas, and main courses (a Korean-style chicken burger, a rather dense tender stem, hummus, squash, and quinoa salad or a perfectly cooked whole Cornish sole).

Breakfast is available until 11 a.m. and consists of homemade smoky beans, spicy potatoes, eggs any way, and sourdough toast (the vegetarian version replaces bacon and sausage with halloumi and avocado).

Pros of Artist Residence Bristol 

• The hotel offers an excellent location in the city center, making it easy to access all the attractions and activities Bristol has to offer. 
• Its rooms are spacious and comfortable, providing guests with a relaxing atmosphere. The hotel offers various services, such as laundry facilities, concierge services, and transportation services. 
• Its staff is friendly and helpful at all times. 
• Artist Residence Bristol Hotel has a great selection of restaurants offering delicious food from around the world.

Cons of Artist Residence Bristol 

• Lack of parking options.
• The high prices for food and drinks.

Restaurants near Artist Residence Bristol 

• Talwar Express
• Cozies
• Milk Teeth
• Sophie Cafe & Pub
• Caribbean Croft
• Poco Tapas Bar
• The Crafty Egg