🐦 A 20+ Venue Beer Crawl, Fatboy Slim Returns & A £3m Hove Dream Home!

Hello, Brighton & Hove!

You don't want to miss the massive World Cup semi-finals hitting our screens tonight and tomorrow. Tonight, France takes on Spain. Because it is also Bastille Day today, local pubs are going to go absolutely wild if the French pull off a win. Tomorrow brings the monumental England vs. Argentina clash. The atmosphere is going to be completely unmatched, making it a highly recommended watch even if you aren't a regular football fan.

If that wasn't enough blockbuster energy, the legendary Fatboy Slim returns to the shoreline for his four-day Big Beach Boutique gigs from Thursday to Sunday. There is still some very limited ticket availability left, so move fast if you want to dance on the shingle. If you're steering clear of the beach and the big screens, you can still escape to immersive board game hubs, silent low-tide discos, or cosy up with acoustic sets around a Stanmer Park campfire. Slather on the factor 50, secure your spot in the shade, and let's get stuck into a massive week!

Here is what’s squawking this week

🍺 Beak Week craft beer tap takeovers are hitting 20+ local venues.
🐠 After-hours, adults-only Animal Crossing cocktails at Sea Life.
🍦 Scone and jam "cream tea", World Cup gelato at Boho Gelato.
🎧 Sunset silent discos on the low-tide sands by Palace Pier.
🇫🇷 Bastille Day feasts and Kir Royales at The Basketmakers Arms.

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🏭 Creatives launch community rescue bid for New England House

A coalition of local makers and former tenants are fighting to stop the sell-off of New England House by attempting to secure it as an Asset of Community Value. The landmark building was closed last year due to a £26 million fire safety crisis, but campaigners argue the council's alternative replacement offices offer only a fraction of the necessary creative workspace.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏥 Council committee grills hospital chiefs over A&E "bedlam"

Brighton and Hove city councillors have delivered blistering, first-hand accounts of chaotic corridor care and chronic overcrowding to senior executives at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. Scrutiny members described the emergency department as a virtual war zone where desperate patients are forced to stand for hours on end without basic access to water or seating.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🗑️ Fortnightly bin collections edge closer in major city overhaul

Brighton and Hove household rubbish collections could transition from weekly to a fortnightly service by next July under aggressive new environmental proposals. The council's cabinet is being asked to greenlight a £1.3 million preparatory fund to expand dedicated food waste collections and recruit 17 extra staff to manage anticipated overspill and side-waste issues.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏗️ Major council housing project reaches structural milestone in Moulsecoomb

The massive development to build 222 affordable council-rented homes and a state-of-the-art community hub is rapidly taking shape on the outskirts of the city. Delivered by Wates Residential, the regeneration scheme features multi-adapted mobility units, integrated pedestrian links to local schools, and a sprawling hub to house a new GP surgery, pharmacy, and public library.
→ read more on The Argus

🏫 Cabinet poised to approve closure of Hove Park School campus

Senior city councillors are widely expected to rubber-stamp the formal closure of Hove Park School’s cash-strapped Valley Campus in Hangleton Way next week. Driven by falling pupil numbers and an escalating £1.8 million school deficit, the council aims to consolidate all education onto a single expanded site by September 2028, freeing the old land for potential housing.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏛️ Landmark public assets set for major town hall sell-off blitz

A vast portfolio of council-owned shops, commercial premises, school sites, and agricultural landlands will be put on the open market next week to plug holes in the city budget. The emergency sales are part of a radical asset management strategy aimed at raising £55 million in capital receipts and dramatically lowering the local authority's day-to-day borrowing liabilities.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🍺 Late-night Lewes Road booze application faces fierce police resistance

A convenience store owner's bid to secure a 2am weekend alcohol licence has sparked strong objections from local business rivals and Sussex Police licensing panels. Authorities argue the area around Elm Grove and The Level is already deeply oversaturated with alcohol-led antisocial behavior, logging nearly 200 violent offences in the immediate vicinity over the past year.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

Also in the news:

🏅 Brighton youth sports champion receives OBE: Long-time charity advocate Andy Sellins has been awarded an OBE at Windsor Castle for using rugby and cricket initiatives to rescue over 250,000 vulnerable children from criminal gangs globally.
→ read more on The Argus

🛣️ Kemptown MP celebrates two-year milestone: Labour MP Chris Ward has marked his second anniversary representing Brighton Kemptown by highlighting successful community campaigns to preserve Rottingdean Library and block controversial marina dredging projects.
→ read more on The Argus

🚲 London to Brighton Bike Ride booking open: Cyclists are being urged to secure their places rapidly for the legendary charity ride from Clapham Common to the Brighton seafront on September 13 as premium morning slots begin to sell out.
→ read more on The Argus

🧱 How Brighton's North Laine escaped destruction: Historic archives have revealed how a highly controversial 1960s council scheme to flatten hundreds of buildings for a concrete flyover was narrowly defeated by fierce local social action.
→ read more on BBC News

💇 Brighton hairdresser scoops L'Oréal Colour Trophy: Stylist Daniel Stanley from Peg Hair in Brighton has secured the prestigious Southern Regional title at London's O2 arena during the world's longest-running live hair competition.
→ read more on The Argus

🍦 Gelato parlour crafts World Cup flavour: Boho Gelato in Pool Valley has launched a special strawberry jam, clotted cream, and scone-infused "cream tea" ice cream to celebrate Thomas Tuchel’s England squad advancing to the quarter-finals.
→ read more on The Argus

🎲 Dice Saloon

🕑 Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat 10am-9pm & Sun 10am-6pm
📍 88 London Road, Brighton BN1 4JF

Some people walk into Dice Saloon to buy a board game, but many leave with an entire new friendship group. Over the last 11 years, this massive 6,000 sq ft space on London Road has quietly become one of the friendliest, most inclusive community hubs in Brighton. Rather than just a shop, it was built as a welcoming social haven, combining a storefront, a massive tabletop gaming hall, a café, and a dedicated space for trading cards and role-playing games like D&D. If you ask me where to go to meet an open-minded, lovely bunch outside of the usual pub scene, this would be one of them

The heart of the space is its incredible backstory. The massive trading card side of the business actually started when one of the owners used their redundancy pay to buy a mate’s Magic: The Gathering collection. What began as a tiny side hustle selling cards out of a backpack eventually grew into running local tournaments before finding its forever home inside the venue. Today, they host regular organised events almost every day of the week, designed to be incredibly welcoming to newcomers. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking to connect with a warm, welcoming crowd over a hot drink and a new hobby, it is the ultimate place to find your tribe.

🔗 Check out their weekly events calendar
🔗 More Info and webshop
 

🌅 OHSO Social

Perched right on the pebbles at the bottom of East Street, OHSO Social is absolute seafront perfection. With a gorgeous terrace sandwiched right between the two iconic piers, it is practically built for long, lazy afternoons watching the waves with a cold drink in hand.

By day, it is a beautifully relaxed spot where you can tuck into locally sourced Brighton fish and chips, calamari, or a classic beef burger. But as the sun starts to dip, the vibe completely shifts into a buzzing beachfront hotspot. Watching the sunset beyond the West Pier with one of their sundowner cocktails is easily one of the best coastal views in town. Grab a terrace table, order an Aperol Spritz, and soak up those proper summer holiday feels.

📍 250a Kings Road Arches, Brighton
🔗 Book a table

🏠 The Resort Style Haven

Tucked behind private electric gates on one of Hove's most prestigious hillside roads, this striking five-bedroom contemporary villa is a masterclass in resort-style luxury. Designed with entertainment at its core, the heart of the home boasts a bespoke Rokpunkt German kitchen and massive floor-to-ceiling glazing that dissolves the boundary between the indoors and a stunning Mediterranean-style garden. The outdoor space features a spectacular heated swimming pool with a unique glass viewing panel, while the expansive top floor opens onto a wraparound roof terrace built for sunset drinks overlooking the English Channel. It is the ultimate smart home retreat, controlled by a fully integrated Control4 system, making it perfect for anyone wanting to upgrade to a luxury coastal lifestyle.

📍 Hill Brow, Hove
💰 Offers Over £3,000,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tue

🍺 Brighton Beak Week | Mon-Sun @ Over 20 Brighton Venues
A city-wide beer celebration featuring special tap takeovers and the exclusive launch of "Pier DDH Pale." Grab a map and plan your route, and share a photo using the event hashtag for a chance to win a 12-pack. More Info

🇫🇷 Bastille Day | 12pm, Tue @ The Basketmakers Arms
A French-themed celebration featuring traditional culinary specials and signature cocktails like the Kir Royale and French 77 all day long. More Info

🎤 John Robertson & Patrick Monahan: Edinburgh Fringe Preview | 7:30pm, Tue @ Komedia (Studio) - A high-voltage double-bill comedy preview featuring unpredictable crowdwork from the mastermind behind cult sensation The Dark Room, alongside sharp stand-up ahead of their festival runs. More Info

🎭 I'm Sorry, Prime Minister | 7:30pm, Tue-Sat @ Theatre Royal Brighton
The final chapter of the classic political satire series catches up with an older Jim Hacker facing a modern university cancellation crisis, relying on complex bureaucratic gymnastics to survive. More Info

Wed

🎧 Low Tide Silent Disco | 6:15pm, Wed @ Beach on the East Side of Palace Pier
An immersive outdoor beach dance session on the shoreline at low tide, featuring a three-channel freestyle playlist of viewer-requested tracks. More Info

🎭 The Pickwick Papers | 7pm, Wed @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
Step into a delightfully chaotic Victorian world where misadventure and merriment collide, following a lovable protagonist and his eccentric companions through a series of absurd Dickensian escapades. More Info

🎤 Ania Magliano: Peach Fuzz | 8pm, Wed @ Komedia
The Taskmaster and Live At The Apollo star brings her brand-new touring stand-up show to town, packed with sharp jokes, personal confessions, and unhinged observations. More Info

🎭 The Dresser | 7:30pm, Wed, Fri & Sat @ The Barn Theatre
Presented by the Southwick Players, this poignant and heart-warming drama follows an aging actor's personal assistant struggling to keep his eccentric employer's life together behind the scenes. More Info

🎵 The Beach House Sessions | 4pm, Wed @ Rockwater Hove
An intimate, 25-capacity coastal filming event featuring exclusive short sets and interviews from Ruti, Jon Onabowu, and Remember Monday. More Info

Thur

🎸 Through the Trees VI: Acoustic Night | 7pm, Thu @ Pink Moon
An intimate outdoor acoustic music night in the garden featuring live sets from Freya Eastcott, Amber Richmond, tromboneguy45, and a special secret guest. More Info

🧘 The Rooftop X Brighton Wellness Festival | 5pm, Thu @ Projects Nile House
An evening of community connection and taster sessions featuring local practitioners, coaches, and teachers gathered on a central Brighton rooftop. More Info

🎭 The Ghost of Achilles | 7pm, Thu @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
A gripping mythological drama exploring a battle-weary Odysseus as he returns home, confronts his father's grief, and struggles to shed his wartime disguises to find peace. More Info

🎶 Big Night Out at the Rotunda! | 7pm, Thu @ Rotunda Café Bar
A lively multi-arts showcase of music and spoken word featuring comedic Airbnb tales, blues-based classics, and an upbeat blend of folk, rock, and pop originals. More Info

Fri

🍛 Friday Night Jollof | 6:30pm, Fri @ Dorset Gardens Methodist Church
A community supper fundraiser for Trans Pride hosted by the Jollof Café, featuring global cuisines cooked by volunteers to support migrant community initiatives. More Info

🎧 Silent Disco | 8pm, Fri @ Brighton Beach (East Side of Palace Pier)
A shared-channel sunset silent disco on the low-tide sands led by movement director Rosaria Gracia, featuring a collective mix of global rhythms spanning the decades. More Info

🌭 Wild Wurst Returns | Fri–Sun, @ Wild Flor
A special weekend residency featuring house-made bratwurst, schnitzel, curry ketchup, and beer cheese, paired with German and Czech beers. Note: Bookings are required for the "Knuckle Sunday" lunch. More Info

🎸 Anything for Love: The Meat Loaf Story | 6:30pm, Fri 17 Jul @ Brighton Centre
A high-energy tribute production starring Stars In Their Eyes alum Steve Steinman, delivering a powerful live performance of Meat Loaf's iconic rock hits. More Info

🎭 Act Graduate Showcase 2026 | 8pm, Fri @ The Lantern Theatre
A diverse showcase spotlighting the best and brightest of Brighton's emerging acting talent, featuring performances from five versatile ACT Drama School graduates. More Info

🐠 Animal Crossing Late Night | 6pm-9pm, Fri @ SEA LIFE Brighton
An after-hours, adult-only aquarium crossover event where you can explore underwater exhibits with a drink in hand and meet Tom Nook and Isabelle. More Info

🎭 Northanger Abbey | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Open Air Theatre
Moving Parts Theatre Company presents a lively adaptation of Jane Austen's classic tale, following the imaginative Catherine Morland through a delightful blend of Gothic suspense and Regency romance. More Info

Live Music

Dead Pioneers And Petrol Girls | 7pm, Tue @ The Green Door Store
Notes: A Wine and Music Pairing Night | 7:30pm, Tue @ The Old Market
Pinkshift X Heart Attack Man | 7:30pm, Tue @ The Hope & Ruin

Crocodiles | 7:30pm, Wed @ The Hope & Ruin
Dustbin Kids | 7:30pm, Wed @ The Folklore Rooms
Pihka Is My Name | 7pm, Wed @ Dust Brighton
Psychomosher | 7pm, Wed @ The Green Door Store
Shake Some Acton #162: Old Time Spooks, the Mc Curdy Brothers
7pm, Wed @ Pipeline
Thee Sacred Souls | 7pm, Wed @ Brighton Centre

Dustbin Kids | 7:30pm, Thu @ The Folklore Rooms
Fatboy Slim | 2pm, Thu @ Brighton Beach
Fish56octagon | 7pm, Thu @ Concorde 2
The House Collective | 8pm, Thu @ Waterbear venue
Kankyō Brighton: Yumiko Morioka, Nick Luscombe and James Greer | 7:30pm, Thu @ St Nicholas' ChurchMry | 7pm, Thu @ The Green Door Store

Cameron Knowler, Adeline Hotel & more | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Brunswick
Deaf School | 8pm, Fri @ The Prince Albert
Faade | 8pm, Fri @ St Mary's Church
Fatboy Slim | 1pm, Fri @ Brighton Beach
Hollowpoint + Every Face Becomes A Skull + Brach | 7:30pm, Fri @ Pipeline
Magdalena Reising | 5:30pm, Fri @ St Andrew's Church
Sounds Familiar Music Quiz | 6:30pm, Fri @ Horizon Nightclub
Wait & Bleed | 6pm, Fri @ Dust Brighton

Last week's Eurovision trivia had us singing a different tune, as 41.11% of you mistakenly backed Lulu, while only 34.44% correctly remembered that Olivia Newton-John represented the UK in 1974. You can check out the full historical line-up and the UK's placement here.

This week, we are heading down to the promenade to look at the iconic, multi-coloured rows of beach huts in Hove. While these huts are famous for their vibrant, personalised looks, Brighton & Hove City Council actually enforces incredibly strict, non-negotiable rules on how they must be styled to maintain a uniform look along the coast.