Parking
This area of Hove is a permit-holder's heaven - Zone N covers the entire area (permits cost £32 for three months). However, beware - Blatchington Road is pay-and-display only and traffic wardens are keen. Some bays at the end of streets - Hova Villas and Ventnor Villas are two - are also pay-and-display only, which is frustrating for residents who can find no other place but brilliant if you have guests, as they are almost always empty.
Open Spaces
As stated earlier, you are just a stone's throw from the sea and Brighton's hallowed pebbles. However, if the seafront isn't looking appealing, Hove Park is just a short stroll North. Hove Lawns are also great to relax on during the Summer when kites are flown, markets arrive and people occasionally jump off cranes attached to elastic...
However, the streets are so beautiful, with their eclectic mixture of cottages, sixties tower blocks and Victorian terraces that a simple walk to the shop is a lovely experience.
Food and Drink
Hove is home to the best Italian restaurant - in my opinion - in the city. La Piazza is a beautiful trattoria-style restaurant which provides huge portions and the crispiest squid I've ever tasted. Try the dough balls.
Hove does have its fair share of Italian restaurants - Leonardo serves exquisite arancini but is currently undergoing refurbishment. Avoid Orsino or Otello - they're OK, but not a patch on the two already mentioned.
At the end of Hova Villas you will find new Thai restaurant The Giggling Squid. The decor does not reflect the price - beautiful surroundings deceive you into thinking that you're in an expensive joint, but 4 can eat two courses for £80. Try to red curry and sea bream for something special and be sure to sample the sticky rice.
There are a few good public houses in central Hove - The Forager is famed for its Sunday Roasts, which though expensive are indeed wonderful. The outside space is great, too - no better place for Summer drinks. Head down towards Brighton and you'll find The Greenhouse Effect - a little run-down, but serves cheap drinks and has friendly staff, not to mention a packed events calendar - karaoke runs hand-in-hand with quizzes and football.
9 Bar is a great place to grab a coffee, and by god they serve coffee. If you like variety, you'll appreciate the large selection and you can grab food here too. The best thing is, they have actual tables - so if you want a more formal lunch, it can be done. Next door is Misty's Cafe Bar - only acceptable if you're a metrosexual, tan-tastic male or a size zero without a brain, it would seem. Harsh, but true - some love it, but if you're anywhere close to indie, don't bother.
Transport Links
You're a stone's throw away from Hove Station and the close proximity to Church Road and Blatchington Road means that buses run through like clockwork.
Taxis can be caught outside of Hove Town Hall.
Schools - Primary
Somerhill Junior School on Somerhill Road is an 'open-plan' school which has a commitment to extra-curricular activities, particularly art and design. The 2008 Ofsted inspection reported Somerhill as a 'good' school.
St Andrew's C of E Primary School on Belfast Street was also regarded 'good' by Ofsted. There is a religious element to this school's practice - their motto is 'work together, pray together'.
Schools - Secondary
Blatchington Mill School and Sixth Form on Nevill Avenue is a Lead School for the Gifted and Talented programme. Regarded by many as one of the best schools in Brighton and Hove, Blatchington Mill is seen as a privilege for those who study there. In 2008, the school was judged to be 'good with outstanding features' by Ofsted.
Cardinal Newman Catholic School on The Upper Drive is a beautiful school formed from an 1870's estate. Beautiful church buildings are juxtaposed by top-of-the-range facilities - there is no expense spared. Graded 'good' by Ofsted in 2008.
Hove Park School on Nevill Road is a secondary school and language college spreading over two campuses. A great reputation amongst parents as a caring and accommodating school. Judged 'satisfactory' by Ofsted in 2008.
What can I get for my money?
A one-bed flat will set you back around £700 pcm. Two beds vary from £800 - £1500 pcm and a three-bed apartment will put you back £2000 pcm. Bigger houses in the Dyke Road area are available for around £3000 pcm.
1-Bed
Waterloo Street, Hove - Sea views; one bedroom; large bathroom w/ shower: £700pcm
Available from PJ Palmers, 6 Blatchington Road, Hove BN3 3YN
Tel: (01273) 771 115
2-Bed
Wilbury Road, Hove - Two double bedrooms, bathroom with shower, large garden: £1,000 pcm
Available from Parsons, Son and Basley, 32 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3YE
Tel: (01273) 326 171
3-Bed
Courtenay Terrace, Hove seafront - Three double bedrooms (one with en-suite), lounge and dining room, direct sea views, huge bathroom: £1995
Available from Hamptons International, 82 Church Road, Hove BN3 2EB
Tel: (0843) 2816 026
Bigger Still
Woodland Drive, Hove - Five bedrooms (one with en-suite, one with balcony), garage, huge garden, attic room: £2500 pcm
Available from Hamptons International - see above for details
The Details
La Piazza, 70 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FP. Tel: (01273) 771 739. Credit/debit cards accepted. Booking recommended. (££)
Leonardo, 55 Church Road, Hove BN3 2BD. Tel: (01273) 328 888. Credit/debit cards accepted. Booking recommended, especially at weekends. (££)
The Giggling Squid, 129 Church Road, Hove BN3 2AE. Tel: (01273) 771 991. Credit/debit cards accepted. Booking not required. (£)
The Forager, 3 Stirling Place, Hove BN3 3YU. Tel: (01273) 733 134. Credit/debit cards accepted. Bookin essential. (££-£££)
The Greenhouse Effect, 63 Church Road, Hove BN3 2BD. Tel: (01273) 204783
9 Bar, 118 Church Road, Hove BN3 2PG. Tel: (01273) 721 838. Mon-Sat, 8.30-6.00; Sunday 9.30-6.00.
Misty's Cafe Bar, 116 Church Road, Hove BN3 2EA. Tel: (01273) 220 302.
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