up the i360

I was by no means in favour of the i360 watchtower, a project that cost the Brighton council £42m, though nearly half has been recouped by the British Airways sponsorship. I could see more worthy causes and doubted whether it would attract the 1 million extra visitors anticipated.

Yesterday was my third trip on it, motivated by the visit of an old friend who indicated she would like to see both it and also nearby Hove.

We were rewarded by a crystal clear day with near perfect views, as we ascended, to the Isle of Wight, South Downs, Worthing and Eastbourne.

This time I noted the colourful pictures atop Brighton’s rooftops such as “art is believe”.

It’s over priced. The ticket for seniors is £12. Two glasses of prosecco, for which I had to queue 10 minutes as there were only 2 staff on board, set me back £24 and the souvenir brochure with photos of my visitor and myself another £20. We were only in the pod for 40 minutes. Nonetheless it was an experience.

One of Brighton’s charms is that unlike most seaside towns it does not close down for winter.

Last weekend we had the famous veteran’s car run and the city with its theatre, restaurant life, Premier football team and more historic attractions like the Royal Pavilion, the pier and seafront keeps the city alive throughout the winter months.

Indeed some of us locals actually prefer them to their summer counterparts.

My friend and I walked the Hove lawns, sea on one side and gorgeous creamy Georgian architecture on the other before partaking of a hearty French meal at Le Bistro Nantais.

I dropped my friend off at the station before returning home for my normal siesta.

The two us have been friends for 37 years, not without the odd “moment”, but we both thought our cherished friendship had been richly celebrated.