Brighton Bed and Breakfast - Avalon, a Welcoming, Pet Friendly Brighton B&B

If warmth and a friendly welcome matter more to you than ultra hip decor and immaculate presentation, you'll love Avalon. Brian and Tom, the hosts at this quirky Brighton bed and breakfast, are so charming you feel you've been friends for decades. And when you stay with friends, its impolite to mention that the carpets look a bit tired.

There's a lot of be said for hospitality and at Avalon, a funky Brighton bed and breakfast, the welcome is everything.

At this shabby-chic guesthouse, on the edge of Brighton's Kemptown district, the steps are steep and creaky, the doorways crooked and some of the bathrooms are decked out in a pallette straight out of the 1970s. But so what. Everybody is so pleased to see you and so glad you came that you feel like a long lost friend.

The Avalon's location, on a steep street a few hundred yards from the beach, has the typically off-kilter feel of Brighton: a bus stop at the front door; across the street, an urban church that could as easily be in Brooklyn as in Britain; an avenue lined with Georgian and 19th century apartment buildings and parked cars. There is nothing that even suggests a seaside resort.

But look to your left and a vast expanse of the English Channel sparkles so invitingly you feel that you could just run down hill and into the sea. (Don't try it though, shingle - big round pebbles - is hard to run on and the sea is pretty cold most of the year)

Individually decorated and well-equipped rooms in this Brighton bed and breakfast have a scattering of antiques ( a pith helmet for your Brighton safari, perhaps?). The sociable breakfast in the homey dining room is cooked to order. Have whatever combination of the full English that you like - juice, eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, toast, coffee or tea - or partake of a selection of fresh fruit, yogurts and cereals.

And Wallace Adored it

Wallace the Westie had a wonderful time at the dog-friendly Avalon. Temporarily adopted by Brian, Tom and their friend and helper, George, he enjoyed treats, loads of cuddles and extra walkies on the beach while I visited less dog-welcoming attractions.

The Avalon may not be to everyone's taste but we'd visit again for sure.