Nestling in a sunny corner of Brighton Square in the South Lanes, Gr8 Shakes, the leader of a new generation of trendy milk bars, captures the zeitgeist perfectly. Bright colours, smooth surfaces and abstract art set the tone, while sparkling chrome appliances whirr softly as decadent dairy-based concoctions are conjured.

A delightful array of milkshakes, sundaes, smoothies and ice creams are available, and are all made to order on the spot. Retro flavoured milkshakes are offered alongside a host of exciting confectionary based shakes, made with Milky Bars, Chocolate Orange, Creme Eggs, Jaffa Cakes, and Crunchie bars, among many many others.

Legendary ice cream crafters Marrocco's of Hove are a key aspect of what makes Gr8 Shakes fare so exquisite, selling both the ice cream in cones, and using it in their sundaes.

The shop is the creative vision of sisters Sharon Smith and Lindsey Knight, who are both working together when we visit, radiating a positive atmosphere that gives Gr8 Shakes a wonderful buzz.

"It's a lifestyle choice", Sharon says of the decision to set up the bar. "We both came from corporate backgrounds and had had enough of working for other people. Now I can take the odd morning off if I have to, and don't have to worry."

They've certainly hit jackpot with their location, outside tables with kitsch green umbrellas decorate a sun-lit Brighton Square, while the nearby fountain gurgles away hypnotically.

Milk bars first became popular in the early 19th century during the temperance movement. They were seen as a viable alternative to pubs and bars selling alcoholic drinks. Perhaps the most famous milk bar of all is the Korova Milk Bar as envisaged by Anthony Burgess in A Clockwork Orange, where the milk is laced with psychedelic drugs.

Happily we don't live in a dystopian hell, or in a state of enforced sobriety either, so milk bars and pubs can coexist in harmony.

Harmony is precisely the state I feel sitting back in my chair sipping a FTW (For the Win) milkshake, from the 'even gr8er shakes' selection. The FTW came loaded with banana, digestive biscuit, caramel and butterscotch topping.

This is the perfect spot to relax in the afternoon; table service and a wireless connection complete the experience.

By Harry Cockburn

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