In reply to James Malloch:
I grew up in Brighton, some suggestions:
Coffee - Pelicano in the North Laine or Small Batch Coffee.
Veg restaurants - Planet India for some excellent home style cooking, Fatto A Mano for pizza, Kitgum Kitchen for African/Indian fusion. Terre a Terre and Food for Friends are the classic veg/vegan suggestions but I think they're over priced and a bit underwhelming.
Drink - Craft or the Evening Star
Culture - The Royal Pavillion is unique, but super touristy and not dog friendly. The Brighton museum is more interesting. The Palace Pier is grotty, but certainly a tourist attraction. Wandering around the North Laine and South Lanes are nice if you like browsing in small shops. Anywhere away from the centre along the seafront is nice to walk the dog.
Music - Concorde 2 & Komedia are probably the best venues for well known bands, but theres so much music in Brighton you'll be able to fine something which fits your taste if you have a google for whatever genre you would like to see.
Post edited at 10:19