Sea Lanes Is A Beautiful Set Of Contradictions
Hey Carly-May!
I hope you’re well and had a good weekend and got to enjoy the sun! I’m hoping to be back down in Brighton in a couple of week’s to get down to Saltdean, so will absolutely drop you a line and perhaps we can grab a coffee as well?
In the meantime, I was wondering if The Seagull might be interested in a review of Sea Lanes Lido as part of your Brighton Places coverage? I’ve been having a nose around it doesn’t seem to have been actually reviewed anywhere since its opening this weekend — but judging by the reaction to my Insta / TikTok posts about it on Sunday, there’s a big appetite to know about it, especially as the first new public lido to be built since the 90s.
I’d love to write about the contradictions running through its heart as part of a narrative review — it’s the first new 50m pool in decades, but the footprint it sits on is small and utilitarian. It’s right in the middle of the beach, but there are no ice creams to be seen — it’s a place for serious training… while the Concorde2 blares out the drum and bass behind you. From the saltwater to chlorine, it’s a place with contradictions at its heart, and that’s what helps it find its place as a new swimming venue.
I’d love to weave this together as a narrative review for The Seagull, pulling together the feel and story of the place, as well as practical and logistical details for those thinking of visiting. I’d be able to pull this together pretty quickly and I am also able to provide a range of photos/videos which I took on location on Saturday.
As you’ll know, I’m a freelance journalist with bylines in Metro.co.uk, the i Paper, Pink News and more — most recently I’ve been working with PositiveNews on a series of pieces (including this one on moss in Peru). I also run my own outlet All The Lidos, which publishes on Instagram and the website, so am well placed to speak about lidos and outdoor swimming across the UK.
Do just shout if this might work for you as I’d love to write about it!
Speak soon,