Today we welcome another guest blogger, here to tell us a bit about the Undercliff Walk is Warren Hill from Busy Business...
If you go east from Brighton’s Marina there is the undercliff walk. It goes along the coast about 2 km from the marina past Rottingdean and ends up at Saltdean beach. Near the end is Whitecliffs cafe which has been around for what seems like an age. I’ve been there quite a few times and it’s very popular with tourists and locals alike, but it has some intriguing secrets, both in its past and present.
There are many reasons it’s so popular, but one of the main ones is obviously it’s location. It’s situated near the end of the now quite famous undercliff walk in front of Saltdean park. This alone attracts many visitors, but being able to take a break and relax taking in the beautiful views of the chalky white cliffs and the sea view while having a meal or drinks is definitely a bonus.
This place used to be called Smugglers Haunt 2 back in the 1930’s when it was an Art Deco building before it was refurbished and reopened to how we know it today - a popular cafe by day, a romantic restaurant by night but also a venue for hire. You can see it in the rare pic below in the middle with the flag on top.
And when you look beyond the modern day facade and and think about its history it suddenly becomes more interesting. The place itself is built into the cliff making it quite unique but it’s past just adds to it. The whole area was once a haunt for smugglers (yes, it’s that obvious) bringing in cargo from Spain and the mediterranean, but the cafe itself was built around 1925 and was originally called “The Tea Pavillion” before it was named after it’s slightly disreputable past. Nowadays though, it’s a modern place that has many uses. It’s also a venue for hire outside of its usual opening hours and has been used by local businesses for networking events as well as parties and weddings etc, so if you are looking into the best
venue hire Brighton has to offer then you should give them a call.
As for me, it’s one highlight of the lovely walk where you are just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Brighton’s town centre to get that great feeling of escapism without having to go too far! Saltdean beach itself is ever popular for other runners who use the undercliff walk as part of their fitness regime, and you can see why as the views are beautiful and uninterrupted all year round which is why we all love this secluded part of Brighton I guess. I have seen many beautiful pictures and paintings by local artists showing just how lucky we are, and also how easy it is to forget about it wrapped up in all of what Brighton has to offer so I hope this acts as a little reminder.
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