There’s a buzz in the air on Brighton Beach. Along the promenade, the smells, sounds, and sights are filled with the sweet aroma of hot doughnuts, salty scents of fish and chips, and the sounds of crashing waves as brave souls test their fate in the chilly waters of the English Channel. Away from the hubbub of the crowds is a posh lounge where a violin’s concerto sets the ambience for this evening’s first-class flight. However, this flight is without the sound of a jet engine’s roar. Instead, the guests on Brighton Beach enter the futuristic glass pod to fly high above the seaside with the first-class British Airways experience; a flight on the BA i360.

The British Airways i360 is a 531 ft observation tower standing proudly on Brighton’s seafront. As part of a £46 million project, the tower was unveiled in 2016 with the hopes of funding the grand reopening of the historic West Pier. Built by the same team who constructed the iconic London Eye, the tower is renowned for its futuristic design, and now an integral part of Brighton’s lively promenade. Thousands of visitors board the i360 yearly for a chance to gaze across the South Downs, English Channel, and the breathtaking cityscape.

Following the arrival of the London to Brighton railway in 1841, Brighton beach became an iconic tourist destination and seaside escape for visitors from The Big Smoke. The introduction of the West Pier, Palace Pier and Grand Hotel spurred on the growth, and soon Brighton was nicknamed ‘London by the Sea’. Drawing droves of artists since the 18th Century, Brighton is renowned for its creative flair; with galleries, pottery studios and colourful houses lining the streets. The annual Artist’s Open House welcomes visitors to explore the grand Victorian buildings while admiring the latest works of local painters. Today, Brighton also has one of the most prominent LGBTQ communities in the UK, proudly bearing the reputation that in this city, you can be anyone. With beautiful sea views and quirky shopping areas, visitors spend sunny weekends wandering the vibrant streets.

Stepping into the air, a flight on British Airways’ i360 is a chance to experience first-class views of Brighton beach, the iconic pier and the city’s bustling streets. The futuristic tower is a majestic architectural feat and guests are stunned by the innovative design as they watch the pod rise, seemingly attached to nothing. Despite attracting thousands of visitors each year, an i360 experience allows travellers to admire the views in the comfort of their group, feeling as though they have the jaw-dropping view all to themselves. The classical music creates a peaceful ambience that guests have always associated with a British Airways flight, enhanced by the romantic views and accommodating staff. Many opt for the sunset viewing as the best way to see Brighton; the last flight of the day takes off just as the sky is laced with delicate pink and orange hues. By the time the pod descends, the horizon is alight with glorious golden fire, framed by passing paragliders enjoying a bird’s-eye view. Best enjoyed with a glass in hand; The Nyetimber Sky Bar features a variety of top-quality beverages, with Sussex-sourced champagne and Brighton gin distilled by the seaside. Travellers sip their bubbly while watching the world go by, in an unforgettable, all-consuming experience only available on the i360.

The i360’s sophisticated clientele are relieved to discover they can disembark their flight and walk straight into a gourmet dining experience; West Beach Bar and Kitchen. Outside, guests can settle on the terrace to soak up the summer sun, and when the British weather turns in its trademark fashion, head indoors to enjoy sweeping views without the biting wind. Modern furniture and futuristic orb lights create a sleek finish, topped off by the spherical, mirrored bar with its poised pyramid of alcohol. The neon seagull lights combined with the colourful mural of the promenade and i360 come together with the funky tones of the background music to celebrate Brighton’s quirky charm.  The restaurant is ready to cater to every appetite, offering brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. 

Morning visitors to the i360 can savour buttery pastries and creamy smashed avocado, or tuck into the Big Beach Breakfast; featuring a crispy potato rosti, locally farmed bacon and free-range eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, and black pudding, all topped off with a plump Cumberland sausage from the Brighton Sausage Company.

At lunchtime, travellers can sample the produce of the Sussex Coast, with crispy salt cod fritters and flavourful crab cakes being popular choices. The restaurant’s sought-after special is the Haddock Sussex Smokie; delicately toasted sourdough enrobed in mouth-watering Sussex Charmer Cheddar. 

Those searching for a light bite delight in West Beach Bar and Kitchen’s dainty Afternoon Tea. Celebrating all things British, guests enjoy freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, a mini doughnut stack reminiscent of the i360, sumptuous mini sliders and bottomless British tea. All served on dainty china with delicately decorated cakes, the Afternoon Tea invites diners to savour sweet treats and sip a well-earned brew.

Offering a hearty start to any evening, the restaurant also has a variety of dinner options showcasing Britain’s maritime cuisine. The fish and chips are the star of the show, with fresh cod in light batter fried to perfection, complemented by zingy lemon, tartare sauce and crispy fries with a deliciously soft centre. A layer of mushy peas adds a new level of home comfort to this British favourite. Another gem of the sea, the moreish mussels are one of the top dishes; baked in a delicately creamy sauce with hints of herbs. For those preferring something land-based, there is the sumptuous steak frites served with irresistible garlic butter and panko Cajun chicken burger with a spicy kick. 

Sweet-toothed travellers can indulge in a tantalising selection of Sussex ice cream or choose from an array of freshly baked cakes to end their evening on a high. A gastronomic journey full of local produce and delicious flavours, West Beach Bar and Kitchen gives guests a five-star dining experience to complement their unforgettable day on the BA i360.

Thrill-seekers jump at the chance to take part in the i360’s unique iDrop experience. Heading over the edge of the futuristic pod, guests abseil down the hair-raising 450ft to Brighton beach. Alone on a razor-thin wire, guests feel the brisk breeze of the British coast run through them as they take in their awe-inspiring surroundings. The experience allows visitors to see Brighton like never before and enjoy an energy-fuelled day they’ll never forget. Many take on the challenge to raise money for charity, but others to simply to fuel their long-awaited adrenaline rush. Adding a new level of exhilaration to their day, the iDrop welcomes the bravest of beau monde travellers to take the plunge.

By far the best way to see Brighton, the BA i360 invites travellers to step into the air and enjoy unbeatable views of Brighton beach, the quirky city centre and the rolling South Downs. A first-class experience with gourmet cuisine to match, a flight on this futuristic marvel turns any seaside holiday into an unforgettable trip.