Brighton’s got no shortage of places to stay, but the hottest new ‘hotel’ in town? Doesn’t have any rooms. Or beds. Or breakfast buffets. Instead, Hotel Helm has transformed the city’s boldest gallery into a mid-century fever dream – complete with premium cocktails, big-name artists, and a whiff of retro escapism.
The concept’s simple but seductive: think golden-age hotel lobby vibes, but swap the concierge for a cocktail shaker and the tourists for Brighton’s creative crowd. Hotel Helm is an immersive pop-up collab between Helm Gallery and heritage cognac brand Hennessy, running until 26th August. And while it’s technically an exhibition, it’s also part social club, part time machine, and part “should we move in here forever?”
Inside, you’ll find four artists riffing on nostalgia, fantasy, and that itch to get away:
- Poppy Faun’s dreamy oil paintings, perfect for zoning out over a negroni
- Bonnie and Clyde’s cool, collage-y prints with vintage flair
- Richard Heeps’ Americana-soaked photography (you can almost hear the hum of a roadside diner)
- Piers Henry’s surreal landscapes, where reality takes a coffee break
And then there are the cocktails. This is where Hennessy shows off, with three creations built on their signature V.S cognac:
- Piña Colada Matcha – tropical meets wellness trend in one glass.
- Ginger Mojito – crisp and spicy, like your most charming friend.
- Henny-rita – the classic margarita gets a bold, boozy upgrade.
Helm has already made a name for itself by making art feel less like a hushed museum trip and more like a Friday night hangout – and Hotel Helm doubles down on that. You’ll want to linger, chat, and maybe even pretend you’re in some glamorous 1960s coastal resort (minus the questionable sunburn).
Until 26th August; free (but you’ll need to book a slot to check in)
Helm Gallery, 15 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YA
helm-gallery.com
