Hello Brighton 👋🥶

It might be absolutely freezing this week, but Brighton is full of events and cosy local spots doing their best to thaw us out. In the news, Aldi is finally opening its new Hove store and Brighton is making a play for the 2035 Women’s World Cup, plus we’ve got Christmas markets, a perfect winter date spot and a full run of gigs, comedy and family events to get you out of the house, despite the cold.

Here’s what’s squawking this week:

🛒 New Aldi store opens next month
⚽ Brighton wants to host World Cup matches
🎄 Christmas kicks off at the Open Market
🪴 A snug winter date spot at The Botanist

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🛒 New Aldi to open in Hove this December  

Aldi will open its new store on Old Shoreham Road at 8am on Thursday 4 December, transforming the former Homebase site into a full supermarket. Store manager Jason Mills will lead a 30 strong team and Paralympic gold medallist Will Bayley will cut the ribbon and hand out free fruit and veg bags to the first 30 customers.

The store will include Aldi’s Specially Selected range, weekly meat offers, a food to go section, and the well known middle aisle Specialbuys. Local charities are also being urged to sign up with Neighbourly to collect surplus food every day of the week.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

⚽ Brighton aims to host 2035 Women's World Cup matches

Brighton and Hove councillors have confirmed they will apply to become a host city for the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup. The Amex Stadium is expected to host multiple group matches if the joint UK and Ireland bid is approved, building on the city's strong track record with major women's tournaments.

A council report says hosting the competition could bring worldwide exposure and millions in economic impact, although it also warns of financial pressures and the need for clarity on funding. Training bases could be required across Sussex to support teams arriving via Gatwick Airport.
→ Read more on BBC News

🏘️ Student flats struggle to fill rooms

Developers behind Holden Court on Hollingdean Road have admitted they are unable to fill their two purpose built student blocks and now want permission to rent up to half the studios to professionals. Planning documents say the project is not viable as student only accommodation in the current rental climate.

The proposed dual use model would allow long term co living residents and students to occupy the building under similar tenancy and management arrangements. Officers had previously raised concerns that no local university had committed to the development before its approval in 2020 and 2021.
→ Read more on The Argus

🪧 Protesters halt council cabinet meeting

A Brighton and Hove City Council cabinet meeting was interrupted after Acorn Brighton members unfurled banners at Hove Town Hall calling for a bailiff-free Britain. Councillors left the chamber for around 15 minutes while the protest continued from the public balcony.

Council leader Bella Sankey said the group used outdated figures and highlighted a new policy introduced in March aimed at reducing reliance on bailiffs. The meeting resumed and the cabinet went on to approve millions in funding for more than 300 new affordable homes in partnership with Hyde Group.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

Also in the news

🔥 Public consultation launched on e scooter hire scheme: The council is asking residents for their views on a proposed hire scheme that could start in spring 2026 with age limits, speed caps and GPS controls.
→ Read more on BBC News

🎧 Fatboy Slim backed mental health workshops win award: A DJ led programme supporting people with mental health conditions has picked up a gold award after more than 30 workshops across the city.
→ Read more on BBC News

🍽️ Nigella Lawson to help launch pioneering Brighton pub: The North Star will be the UK’s first pub training young people with learning disabilities for work, supported by Team Domenica and special guests.
→ Read more on The Argus

📚 Whitehawk Library to reopen after safety closure: The library and two community hubs shut suddenly after a threat earlier in the week but will now reopen as the incident has been stood down.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏛️ Historic vaults set for conversion into office space: New plans would transform damp vaulted basements under a listed Sussex Square building into modern insulated workspace.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏆 Brighton journalist wins national reporting award: Sarah Booker Lewis has been named Local Democracy Reporter of the Year for her work covering Brighton and Hove City Council.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🎄 Brighton Open Market kicks off Christmas!

The Open Market turns fully festive this weekend as it launches its Christmas season. As always, there is loads of local independent traders, plus new seasonal stalls and plenty of Christmas energy. There’s also something new for collectors and families with a specialist Pokémon trader opening inside the market this weekend. It is a great spot for early Christmas shopping or simply soaking up some cosy winter vibes.

🎄 Christmas Market | Sat 22 Nov

11am-5pm @ Brighton Open Market

The first Christmas Market of the year brings 40 festive stalls, plenty of local makers, mulled wine and the opening of Three Eees, a new specialist Pokémon trader. A warm, lively and very Brighton way to start the season.

🎟️ More info

🎌 Hanabi Japanese Christmas Market | Sun 7 Dec

11am-4pm @ Brighton Open Market

The Hanabi Market returns with a special Christmas edition filled with Japanese street food, crafts, gifts, performances and hands on workshops. A colourful and vibrant celebration of Japanese culture in the heart of the city.

🎟️ More info

🪴 The Botanist

If you want a cosy, genuinely warm place for a relaxed winter date, The Botanist is a brilliant shout. This independent Brighton favourite mixes great coffee with a mindful approach to sourcing, working closely with local partners like Horsham Roasters and Real Patisserie. Every space they run has the same calm, plant filled charm that makes conversation easy and the atmosphere feel instantly comfortable.

They now have three locations across the city, including their snug Gloucester Road shop and a larger Wilbury Road spot that stays open for evening drinks from Thursday to Saturday until 9pm. The evening setup is perfect for a laid-back date, with heaters and blankets outside and soft lighting inside that makes the whole place feel warm and intimate.

Earlier this year they also opened inside the Royal Pavilion, bringing their thoughtful, community-centred style to one of Brighton’s most iconic buildings. Visitors can enjoy specialty coffee, great teas and a small menu of quality treats in a setting that feels both peaceful and special.

📍 Gloucester Rd, BN1
⏰ Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat 8am-4pm, Sun 9am-3pm

📍 Wilbury Road, Hove
⏰ Mon-Tue 7.30am-5pm, Wed-Sat 7.30am-9pm, Sun 8am-5pm

🧑‍💻 Buy Coffee & More Info

🏰 Folkington Fairytale

If you have ever wanted to live inside a period drama with your own wedding barn, staff flats, and eighty acres of postcard-perfect South Downs countryside, Folkington Manor is basically the final boss of East Sussex homes. It is grand, secluded, unapologetically extra, and comes with enough outbuildings to start your own miniature village. Plus the essential cinema room, stables (with room for 20 horses!) and close proximity to Glyndebourne Opera House, of course.

📍 Folkington, Polegate
💰 £8,750,000
🔗 View listing

Tune-Yards

➕ Support: LuxJury
📅 Friday 21 November, 8pm
📍 Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts

Bursting with an energy and joy that is impossible to resist." The Line of Best Fit

"Cool-as-hell beats and sharp lyricism." Paste

Known for their explosive performances and feel-good music with a social conscience, Tune-Yards are back! The dynamic duo of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner will be performing from their latest album Better Dreaming and their new EP, Tell the Future With Your Body, some of the most danceable music of their career so far.*

Tuesday

🎤 Alok - Hairy Situation
Tue 18 Nov, 7.30pm and 9.45pm @ Komedia
Flippant, fabulous and wickedly sharp stand up from ALOK, diving into fame, identity and a whole lot of hairy situations. More Info

🎶 Sounds from the City
Tue 18 Nov, 6.30pm - 10pm @ Brighton Dome - Studio Theatre
Talented young bands and solo performers aged 14 to 18 take over the Studio Theatre for a big night of live music. More Info

🎙 Steve Richards' Rock n Roll Politics
Tue 18 Nov, 7pm - 9pm @ Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea
Political commentator Steve Richards looks back over another wild year in politics with stories, analysis and some highly unreliable predictions. More Info

🎭 The Woman in Black
Tue 18 - Fri 21 Nov, various times @ Theatre Royal Brighton
Chilling classic ghost story The Woman in Black returns to Theatre Royal Brighton for a limited run this week. More Info

Wednesday

🎤 John Robertson: Plays With His Audience
Wed 19 Nov, 8pm @ Komedia
High energy chaos, crowdwork, filth and a very loud electric ukulele from cult comic John Robertson. More Info

😂 Cool-Aid Comedy
Wed 19 Nov, 8pm - 10.30pm @ Caroline of Brunswick
Brighton's longest running new material night with a mix of pro comics, rising stars and brave newcomers. More Info

Thursday

🎤 Carl Donnelly: Another Round
Thu 20 Nov, 8pm @ Komedia
Award winning comic Carl Donnelly reflects on middle age, parenthood and stomach ulcers with his trademark relaxed, honest storytelling. More Info

📺 Peep Show Quiz
Thu 20 Nov, 7.30pm @ Concorde 2
Big Mad Andy himself hosts a cult Peep Show quiz for superfans of Mark, Jez and the rest of the El Dude Universe. More Info

📚 'Touchy Subjects': WTF is Spiritual Dating with Bibi Lynch
Thu 20 Nov, 6.30pm - 9pm @ PLATF9RM, Hove
Journalist Bibi Lynch chats with Rosalind about her book "The Spark" and what spiritual dating looks like in a messy modern world. More Info

🌿 Winter Wreath Making with ReCreate Arts
Thu 20 Nov, 6pm - 8pm @ The Scrap Space, Community Base, Queens Road
Make a unique festive wreath from recycled materials in this mindful, sustainable Christmas craft workshop. More Info

Friday

📚 Story Magic
Fri 21 Nov, 10am and 11am @ Komedia
Music, movement and storytelling sessions for little ones aged 9 months to 4 years from award winning company Fideri Fidera. More Info

📚 Short Stories Tall Tales: Mouse and Sam's Winter Holiday
Fri 21 Nov, 11.30am and 1.30pm @ Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham-by-Sea
Interactive storytelling sessions for babies and toddlers with live performance, sensory play and plenty of imagination. More Info

🤖 Run, Robot, Run!
Fri 21 Nov, 5pm @ Mid Street Lab
Family friendly exhibition and animation event exploring robots, futurist worlds and pop culture. More Info

🍷 Butler's Christmas Wine Festival
Fri 21 Nov, 6pm - 7.30pm @ St Mary's Church, Kemp Town
Taste a festive line up of wines with Butler's Wine Cellar in the atmospheric surroundings of St Mary's. More Info

🎭 Second Chance Fringe! Provocateur by Letitia Delish
Fri 21 Nov, 7pm @ The Lantern Theatre
Critically acclaimed Fringe show about power, performance and identity returns for a limited second run. More Info

🖼 It Ain't Over 'Til the Fat Boy Sings
Running throughout Nov @ Helm Gallery
Helm Gallery hosts a Fatboy Slim takeover with a pop up shop and exhibition celebrating his 40 year career in music. More Info

Live Music

Bleach Lab | Patterns | 7:00pm Tue Nov 18 | Tickets
Laura Groves | Prince Albert | 7:00pm Tue Nov 18 | Tickets
Slum Village | Chalk | 7:00pm Tue Nov 18 | Tickets
Kahil El'Zabar | Alphabet | 7:00pm Tue Nov 18 | Tickets
Sick-Days | The Hope & Ruin | 7:30pm Tue Nov 18 | Tickets

James Marriott | Brighton Dome | 7:00pm Wed Nov 19 | Tickets
Matthew and the Atlas | Lewes Con Club | 7:00pm Wed Nov 19 | Tickets
Benoit Viellefon | The Brunswick | 7:00pm Wed Nov 19 | Tickets
Swim School | Patterns | 7:00pm Wed Nov 19 | Tickets
Sterling Press | The Hope & Ruin | 7:30pm Wed Nov 19 | Tickets

Dutty Moonshine Big Band | Chalk | 6:00pm Thu Nov 20 | Tickets
BRICKNASTY | Patterns | 7:00pm Thu Nov 20 | Tickets
CMAT | Brighton Dome | 7:00pm Thu Nov 20 | Tickets
Snuff | Hope & Ruin | 7:00pm Thu Nov 20 | Tickets
Warner E. Hodges | Prince Albert | 8:00pm Thu Nov 20 | Tickets

Baxter Dury | Brighton Dome | 7:00pm Fri Nov 21 | Tickets
Cassie Ramone | Concorde 2 | 7:00pm Fri Nov 21 | Tickets
Pink Suits | DUST | 7:00pm Fri Nov 21 | Tickets
Utah Saints | Patterns | 7:30pm Fri Nov 21 | Tickets
Creeping Jean | Prince Albert | 8:00pm Fri Nov 21 | Tickets

Last week we asked what Father Christmas wore before red took over. Most of you went with green (86%) and you were spot on. Father Christmas only became the red-robed icon we know today after early 20th-century advertising popularised the look (eg Coca Cola), turning the old green-clad folkloric figure into the jolly red version that stuck.

This week, with another coffee shop date night pick in our coffee-obsessed city (no.1 for coffee shops in the UK!), we’re looking at the nation’s favourite coffee orders’ origin: