Escape the Vault – 114-115, London Road, Brighton BN1 4JG
5 stars
Escape rooms come in all shapes and sizes but how often do you get to crack a real bank vault? Escape the Vault in Brighton offers exactly that.
Inside Presuming Ed’s coffee house on London Road, this escape room lets you step into the shoes of a daring thief tasked with robbing the infamous arms dealer, Charles Fawkley.
It’s a fast paced, fun challenge that throws you straight into the action before you step inside the vault. A short video briefing sets the scene, explaining that you’ll need to disable the alarm system before attempting to get through the locked door.
A friendly staff member gives a quick rundown of the rules and then you’re on your own, racing against the 40-minute clock. Once inside, the theming is on point. The vault feels authentic, with lockers, security boxes and a lot of padlocks.
Every puzzle revolves around logic and cracking different combination locks, leading to a mixture of searching, thinking and good old-fashioned trial and error.
Despite being described as an entry-level escape room, the time pressure adds a level of excitement that keeps it engaging.
If you needed a hint, you were given a number to message your getaway driver, Terrence, on WhatsApp. It’s a clever touch that keeps you immersed in the story. If you need extra help, a quick wave at the camera will get the game host’s attention.
After your escape, Presuming Ed’s is a great place for a drink with quirky decor and chilled-out atmosphere.
