OH, TO BE in Brighton in the summertime! Sunbathing on the beach, walking along the front in shorts and shades, slurping on a 99 ice-cream cornet. If only it were so. The reality on my visit: grey skies, lashing showers, gale-force winds and drinking plenty of coffee to warm up. Thank goodness, then, that I had a nice hotel to which to retreat.

“We prefer to describe ourselves as a modern, contemporary B&B,” says Shaun Trumble who, with his partner Martin Torrens, owns Brightonwave, an eight-bedroom Regency terrace in Madeira Place, a three-minute skip to the beach and close to lively bars, restaurants, clubs and shopping.

Never having visited the city before, I was grateful when Trumble sat me down after my arrival and proved to be a veritable local encyclopaedia, pointing out local attractions and advice on where to drink, dine and party.

Downstairs at Brightonwave is a living room/breakfast area with sofa, newspapers, DVD library and a laptop for guests. There is free wi-fi throughout if you’ve brought your own computer. The art here and in the bedrooms, all by local artists, changes every three months and is for sale.

My room, on the first floor, was spacious, with a comfortable, modern four-poster and thick duvet, flat-screen TV with DVD player, plenty of wardrobe space, a small balcony and a compact shower room with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Having a peek around later, I saw that some of the other rooms’ bathrooms were extremely compact, but Torrens assured me: “We make sure guests know what they’re getting.”

There’s no dinner at Brightonwave, instead Trumble recommended Terre à Terre, ten minutes’ walk away on East Street. For a committed meat eater, this veggie restaurant was a revelation: the food was packed with flavour, beautifully presented, and served by friendly staff. I loved the ravioli butter cookie crumble with asparagus milk shake, and didn’t take too much persuading to follow up with rhubarb and custard with peppertree madeleine.

Back at the B&B, breakfast the next morning was very tasty. I went for the full English, although I could have chosen from a wide selection, all cooked by Trumble, including pancakes and fruit, bacon and brie croissant or tarragon mushrooms on toast.

All in all, very enjoyable. Fingers crossed that next time I visit Brighton, the sun comes along, too.

Bottom line: Will Hide paid £130 for a four-poster balcony room with breakfast. Doubles start at £90. Sampling the fare: £33 for two courses, wine, water and service at Terre à Terre (71 East Street, 01273 729051).

What we think: Great location, nice vibe.

Best thing: Friendly owners.

Worst thing: Some street noise — a minor quibble.

Access all areas: No.

Need to know: Brightonwave (01273 676794, www.brightonwave.co.uk), 10 Madeira Place, Brighton, East Sussex.

Room: 8 out of 10.

Food (breakfast): 9 out of 10.

Service: 9 out 10.

• Correction: In last week’s Mystery Guest hotel review we said that Cannizaro House in London SW19 is part of the Thistle hotel group. It is, in fact, part of the Bridgehouse Hotels group and has no connection with Thistle. Our apologies.

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