Hello, Brighton & Hove!

This week we’ve got a major upgrade for the Royal Sussex, some crumbling Victorian history on the seafront, and a massive 1,000-person splash for International Women’s Day. We’ve also got the city’s best Argentinian empanadas for our date spot of the week and a peek inside a £3 million townhouse that once sat next door to acting royalty.

Here’s what’s squawking this week:

🏥 New 24-hour medical unit opens its doors
🌊 1,000 women wanted for The Big Swim 2026 
🇦🇷 £6 Argentine chorizo sandwiches at 3 locations
🔩 Local outrage at the state of Hove seafront

P.S: The Flock Update & Sneak Peak

🏥 New medical unit opens at Royal Sussex County Hospital

A brand new Acute Medical Unit (AMU) has officially opened in Brighton as part of a multi-million-pound modernisation of urgent care services. The facility includes a 24-hour same-day care unit designed to treat approximately 500 patients per week and is already reducing ambulance handover times.
→ Read more on BBC News

🏚️ Concerns raised over deteriorating Hove seafront infrastructure

Grade II-listed Victorian railings and shelters along the Hove seafront have fallen into a significant state of disrepair, with residents describing the decline as "wicked." Corroded ironwork and broken railings present potential safety hazards, and the council is currently exploring creative funding options for the necessary heritage restoration. → Read more on The Argus

🏫 Council proposes own academy trust following government policy

Brighton and Hove City Council has announced plans to establish a local authority-run academy trust in response to a new government white paper requiring schools to join such trusts. Deputy leader Jacob Taylor stated the initiative aims to maintain a "city family of schools" and urged local headteachers not to rush into joining external organisations.
→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🚽 Proposed 50p seafront toilet charge could generate £70k

Plans to introduce a 50p fee at five of the city’s busiest seafront toilets could raise an estimated £70,000 in annual revenue to support public facilities. While the proposal has faced criticism regarding its impact on vulnerable residents, the council is investigating a potential residents' pass to mitigate these concerns.
→ Read more on BBC News

Also in the news:

🌳 Preston Park and Whitehawk Lease Plans: The council has issued public notices regarding plans to lease out land at the Crew Club community garden and the rotunda cafe in Preston Park’s rose garden. → read more on The Argus

🚁 Air Ambulance Tests New Hospital Helideck: The £16 million helideck atop the Royal Sussex County Hospital is scheduled for its first air ambulance test landings this week, weather permitting. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏢 Warehouse Transformation on Kingsthorpe Road: A five-storey block of 14 flats has been proposed for Kingsthorpe Road, replacing a former art supplies warehouse in a predominantly residential area. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

📋 Petition to Save Wellington House Day Centre: More than 1,500 people have signed a petition to save Wellington House, the city’s last council-run day centre for adults with complex learning disabilities, from closure. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏠 Emergency Housing Costs Hit Five-Year High: The council’s temporary housing bill has soared from a budgeted £8 million to £20 million this year, cited as a primary reason for seeking emergency government support. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏃‍♀️Plogging Team Joins Brighton Marathon: A team of 20 "ploggers" will participate in the Brighton Marathon this April, running the full 42km route while picking up discarded litter and gel sachets. → read more on BBC News

🙋 Chair Sought for Whitehawk Neighbourhood Board: A new independent chair is being sought to lead the Whitehawk Neighbourhood Board, which will oversee a 10-year, £20 million "Pride in Place" improvement programme. → read more on The Argu

🌿 Community Weed Control Scheme Relaunched: Residents can now apply for their streets to opt-out of glyphosate herbicide treatments by committing to community-led manual weeding three times a year. → read more on The Argus

⚽ Albion 125th Anniversary Exhibition Announced: Brighton Museum & Art Gallery will host a permanent exhibition opening in August to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Brighton & Hove Albion’s founding. → read more on BBC News

🏋️ Community Gym Approved for The Level: The former Velo café building at The Level has been granted planning permission to be converted into a community gym operated by youth charity The FMG Project. → read more on The Argus

🎸 Depeche Mode Musician Moves to Withdean: Former Depeche Mode member Alan Wilder has purchased a five-bedroom home in Withdean and submitted plans to install a new swimming pool on the grounds. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🌊 IWD: The Big Swim & Reigning Women

International Women’s Day is coming up in just a couple of weeks, and whether you’re up for a freezing dip in the Channel or a more relaxed evening of a glass of red while watching some world-class poetry, here’s how to get involved across the month of March.

🏊‍♀️ The Big Swim 2026: 1,000 Swimmers Wanted

PinkNicky’s Big Swim returns to Sea Lanes on Saturday, March 14th, aiming for a massive 1,000-woman dip to match last year’s number. It’s a noisy, colourful spectacle rather than a serious swim, supporting both International Women’s Day and Surfers Against Sewage. To join in, grab a £10 ticket and pledge one small action to elevate women in your community. Just head to the registration tent at 11:45am to get your swimmer ID before the big group photo at 1:10pm, followed by the big plunge!

📍 Sea Lanes Brighton
🕣 11:45-2pm (Sat 14/3)
🎟️ Grab your tickets & Find out More

🎭 Reigning Women at The Old Market

If you’d rather keep your hair dry, The Old Market is running its Reigning Women festival all month long. It’s a takeover of the TOM stage, featuring everything from string quartets to lip-sync battles.

🍷 Mar 2: Notes - A wine and music pairing night with the legends at Quaff Wine.
🎤 Mar 4: VIVID - A massive showcase of local talent like Amanzi and AVIJÉ.
✍️ Mar 5: Cut-Throat Bitch! - Punchy, intimate poetry from a powerhouse Yorkshire trio.
🎻 Mar 11: Ethereal - Live strings paired with trippy 360º visual projections.
💃 Mar 17: Nine Sixteenths - A provocative mix of dance and theatre exploring race and pop culture.

📍 The Old Market
🎟️ Tickets & More Info

🇦🇷 Malo

Looking for a casual spot with food to go for a stroll through the Lanes, or a cosy lunch date in Hove? This family-owned gem is Brighton’s reigning empanada champ, and has gone from a single shop in 2022 to three locations across the city, with Kemptown and Hove joining the family in ’24 and ’25. It’s the perfect low-pressure afternoon: grab a glass of Estampado Malbec, a couple of handcrafted empanadas (the 'Malo' with sirloin and blue cheese is a favourite), and enjoy the relaxed cafe-meets-restaurant vibe.

Malo is built on family love, run by Adriana, Jorge, and the expert team behind the iconic Baqueano Steakhouse. They’ve grown from a clever lockdown takeaway pivot into a local staple, bringing the "Malo" gaucho spirit, bold, mysterious, and authentic, to our streets. The choices for fillings seem almost endless, with over 15 types of baked empanadas, including vegan and veggie options too. You can go traditional with Beef and olives, try the signature ‘Baqueano’ (loaded with sirloin, ribeye, and fillet), or satisfy a sweet tooth with Banana and Nutella. They’ve got some cracking meal deals, too: grab two empanadas (or one plus a dulce de leche alfajor) and a glass of Malbec for £14.

There’s an especially good reason to visit this Friday (27/02): as it’s ‘Choripan Friday’. Their legendary sandwich is a must-try, with grilled Argentinian chorizo, zingy chimichurri, and fresh salad in a toasted, crunchy ciabatta, for just £6 (usually £11), or £7 with a soft drink. If you fancy a night in, they even ship their empanadas and alfajores nationwide via their online store, alongside some Argentinian deli delights you won’t find in Tesco.

📍 3 Locations: Duke Street, Kemptown & Porland Road, Hove
🕣 11-6pm (Mon-Sat), 11-4pm (Sun)
🔗 Their Website, Locations & Online Shop

🏛️ Living Like Laurence Olivier…

This five-storey townhouse is like a time capsule of Brighton’s first-ever seafront terrace, once counting Laurence Olivier as a neighbour. It packs five double bedrooms and a separate one-bed flat, plus a rare walled garden with rear access for your paddleboards and of course, an incredible view of the sea and Brighton Pier.

📍 Royal Crescent, Brighton
💰 £3,000,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tuesday

🇮🇪 Mike Rice: Cruel Little Man
19:00 @ The Forge Comedy Club
One of the UK's fastest-rising stand-ups and co-host of the Mike and Vittorio's Guide to Parenting podcast brings his sharp wit to Brighton. More Info

Wednesday

🍊 Ivo Graham: Orange Crush
19:30 @ Brighton Dome
The master of self-deprecation returns with a show dedicated to his favourite colour, from Aperol spritz to Frank Ocean and everything in between. More Info

🎭 Made You Look
Wednesday & Thursday, 20:00 @ Brighton Dome
Ty’rone Haughton delivers a visceral one-man poetry show and exhibition interrogating masculinity, identity, and survival in modern Britain. More Info

🧠 The Psychology Of Horror Movies
19:00 @ Brighthelm Church and Community Centre
Sink your teeth into a fascinating talk exploring how horror monsters act as mirrors for our deepest human fears and societal anxieties. More Info

🧔 Alasdair Beckett-King: King of Crumbs
20:00 @ Komedia
The multi-award-winning comedian and internet sensation brings his whimsical, high-concept stand-up to the stage for a night of eccentric fun. More Info

🚢 John Tothill: This Must Be Heaven
20:00 @ Komedia
Following an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination, John Tothill attempts to monetise what life he has left after a near-death experience and a cruise. More Info

🎻 Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra: Strings
19:00 @ Sarah Abraham Recital Hall
Principal players perform a radiant programme featuring Dvořák’s Piano Quintet and Haydn’s "Gypsy Trio" in an intimate chamber setting. More Info

📜 The Brighton Slamologue
19:30 @ The Yellow Book
A monologue slam where performers deliver offbeat 3-minute speeches for a chance to win cash prizes based on audience votes. More Info

Thursday

🦏 Jessica Fostekew: Iconic Breath
20:00 @ Brighton Dome
A monster’s guide to tolerance and temperance as Jess digs through her DNA to find out why she’s becoming an "emotional wildebeest." More Info

🎵 Hidden Herd discovery night
19:30 @ The Hope & Ruin
Spotlight some of the most exciting emerging artists on the scene including The Youth Play, The Slow Country, and HIGHDRIVE. More Info

🚀 Comic Boom Comedy Club
19:30 @ Komedia
A feel-good, fast-paced night showcasing the best up-and-coming stars on the circuit alongside a top-tier headliner. More Info

🐉 Chinese New Year: Sound Journey
12:00 @ FOUNDRY Hove
A festive lunchtime celebration featuring live traditional Chinese music, storytelling, and a hands-on lucky knot workshop. More Info

🎪 Le Cirque du Sin
19:30 @ Artista
A twisted spectacle and carnival of the seven deadly sins featuring ringmasters, temptation, and sideshow performances. More Info

🎙️ Phil Nichol: Trying His Best
20:00 @ The Forge Comedy Club
After nearly 40 years in the game, the comedy veteran continues his quest to "get it right" in this hilarious touring show. More Info

💞 Singles Night at the Rotunda
19:30 @ Rotunda Cafe
A mixer event specifically for the 35-59 age group held in the beautiful rose garden of Preston Park. More Info

🎹 The Stars of Keyboard Karaoke
20:00 @ Ironworks Studios
Gus and Glen bring their unique brand of keyboard-led karaoke to a cabaret setting for a night of passion and musical surprises. More Info

🎤 The Branding Needs Work
19:30 @ The Caxton Arms
A supportive night where experienced and new comedians test out their latest material for a diverse and hilarious evening of free comedy. More Info

Friday

🕯️ Candlelight: Fleetwood Mac & ABBA
19:00 & 21:00 @ Royal Pavilion
Two spectacular tributes under the gentle glow of candlelight, covering everything from "Dreams" to "Dancing Queen." More Info

💅 Natalie Cassidy: Live With Nat
15:30 @ The Forge Comedy Club
The ultimate hun Natalie Cassidy brings her hit podcast to the stage for a matinee filled with laughter and potential family cameos. More Info

⭐ Komedia Comedy Club
20:00 @ Komedia
Three top acts and a professional MC take to the stage at Brighton's multi-award-winning independent comedy institution. More Info

🎷 Jazz at St Andrews: Dave O'Higgins
17:30 @ St Andrew's Church
The acclaimed saxophonist presents his "Monkin Around" project, exploring the compositions of Thelonious Monk in an atmospheric setting. More Info

🐛 Eric Carle Stories
11:00 @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
A charming animated production bringing The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other classics to life for younger viewers. More Info

❓ Saltdean Lido's First Quiz Night
19:00 @ Saltdean Lido
Join the Lido’s inaugural brain-teaser evening for a night of friendly competition and trivia. More Info

⚽ Active Future Futsal Academy
18:30 @ Longhill Sports Centre
A fast-paced indoor football session for children aged 8-13 focused on technique and quick thinking with free tasters available. More Info

👶 Story Magic
10:00 & 11:00 @ Komedia
Music, movement, and storytelling fun for young children aged 9 months to 4 years in an engaging 40-minute session. More Info

Last week, asked what country has the biggest beer belly, and just under half of you got it right (47%), with it not being Germany but their heavy-drinking neighbour, the Czech Republic, who drink a whopping 50-80% more beer than any other country!

This week we’re heading south of the equator in honour of our date spot of the week, Malo, and the famous Gauchos (Argentine cowboys) from which they got their name: