Happy Friday, Brightonians!

We’re keeping the BRAVO celebrations going by shining a light on two more big winners, plus we’ve got a properly stacked weekend of events from Hove’s monthly market to a live show version of Gabby’s Dollhouse for the kids.

Here’s what’s squawking this week: 
🏆 The city's #1 pub and brunch spots
🎭 A sneak peek at this year’s Fringe highlights
😂 Big name comedy at Komedia & the Dome
🎙️ Big hitters like Akala and Chris Eubank in town

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🍳 Jo & Co

If you’re looking for the gold standard of morning meals, look no further than 115 Church Road. Jo & Co has just been crowned the #1 Best Brunch spot in Brighton and Hove at the 2026 BRAVOs, and it’s not their first award either. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Jo and Pete, this place is a labour of love that swapped corporate restaurant life for an independent soul back in 2018. It’s got the old-school cafe vibe where the owners are almost always on the floor, greeting regulars by name, which is likely why they also walked away with the award for the city's most family-friendly venue.

If you’ve ever been to New Zealand or Australia, you’ll know they love a good brunch, where it’s treated as a genuine art form, and as a result, helped inspire Jo & Co to open their own spot matching that same dedication. You won't just find a basic fry-up or a bacon bap here, Jo and Pete source from local legends for the best ingredients, including The Flour Pot Bakery for artisan bread and the Brighton Sausage Company. Whether you’re tackling ‘Jo’s Full’ or diving into their famous build your own pancakes, a customisable hit that has a wide array of combinations to try, and the quality is remarkably consistent. The space itself is beautiful, filled with botanical furnishings and huge skylights that keep the dining room feeling bright and airy.

While brunch is the main event daily until mid-afternoon, Jo & Co isn't just a daytime haunt. On Friday and Saturday nights, the atmosphere shifts as they open late for dinner, serving up everything from raclette burgers to baked brie alongside a sharp cocktail list. It’s just as suited for a boozy brunch with a bottle of prosecco as it is for a quiet morning coffee in a lush, greenery-filled corner. With a loyal team that has been there since day one, it’s a proper home from home in the heart of Hove that proves consistency is the secret to being a city favourite.

📍 115 Church Rd, Hove BN3 2AF
🕣 9:30am-3pm (Mon-Thu), 9:30am-9pm (Fri), 9am-9pm (Sat), 9am-4pm (Sun)
🔗 Menu & More

🍺 The Signalman

The Signalman has officially clinched the #1 spot for Best Pub at the 2026 BRAVOs, and if you’ve spent any time in this Ditchling Rise staple, you’ll know it’s well-deserved. Located just a few steps from London Road station, it’s the ultimate neighbourhood bolthole that manages to feel like a second living room. It’s got that rare, genuine community spirit that makes you feel like a regular from the moment you walk in.

The layout is a bit of a game of two halves. Inside, it’s all bare-brick walls, stacks of books, and roaring fires for when the Brighton weather turns. But as we head into the warmer days like we have this week, the focus shifts to their not one but two legendary gardens. You’ve got the lively festival garden for a buzzy afternoon and the peace garden, a tucked-away, secret sun trap that’s perfect for hiding away with a pint and a friend. It’s a proper dog-friendly haven, so expect to see plenty of local pooches soaking up the sun alongside the regulars.

The food comes courtesy of Big Sam’s Kitchen, and he isn’t messing about. His Sunday roasts cracked the city’s top ten this year for a reason, with giant portions and proper gravy, but the weekday menu is also a strong one. Whether you’re diving into a plate of sticky wings or their popular Korean tofu for the vegan crowd, it’s hearty, home-cooked comfort food that pairs perfectly with their massive gin selection or a pint of real ale.

Beyond the beer and bites, there’s always something on the cards to keep you busy. From Monday night quizzes with the iconic Veronica von Beaverhausen to a free drawing club on Tuesdays and monthly ‘keyboard karaoke,’ they’ve got an event for everybody. Plus, for the sports fans, they’ve got three indoor screens showing everything from the Albion games to the upcoming World Cup. It’s the perfect spot to avoid the city centre hustle while still catching every minute of the action.

📍 76-78 Ditchling Rise
🕣 12pm-11pm (Sun-Thu), 12pm-1am (Fri-Sat)
🔗 Menu & More

Fri

🎭 Pick Of The Fringe | 8pm, Fri @ Ironworks Studios
A hand-picked showcase of the best music, cabaret, and comedy entering this year's Brighton Fringe. More Info

✨ The Brighton Bellesque Experience | 7pm, Fri @ Horizon
An immersive, body-positive celebration of movement, sensual performance, and confidence. More Info

🏺 Hand-Building Pottery | 6:30pm, Fri @ Cornerstone Community Centre
A relaxed workshop teaching traditional techniques like coiling and slab building for unique creations. More Info

🎶 Easter Pop Party | 1pm, Fri @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
A high-energy pop concert made just for kids aged 3-11, featuring party anthems and a meet & greet. More Info

Sat

🐱 Gabby's Dollhouse Live! | 10:30am, Sat @ Brighton Centre
The global pre-school sensation makes its UK live stage debut with fun adventures and surprises. More Info

🎙️ Janine Harouni | 6pm, Sat @ Brighton Dome
The Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee returns with a brand-new hour on family, parenting, and marriage. More Info

🥊 An Audience with Chris Eubank | 7pm, Sat @ The Old Market
An evening with the boxing legend, sharing stories from his storied life and iconic career. More Info

🥂 Boss Brunch | 12:30pm, Sat @ Komedia Brighton
A high-energy drag extravaganza featuring fabulous entertainment, bottomless drinks, and a delicious brunch. More Info

🐦 Birdsong Academy Walkshop | 7:15am, Sat @ Stanmer Park
Learn to identify common and early spring birds by their song in this early morning woodland workshop. More Info

🛍️ Brighton Makers Market | 10:30am, Sat @ Jubilee Square
Discover fresh and exclusive local creative businesses at this popular North Laine seasonal market. More Info

👒 Line Dancing with Dollys! | 7pm, Sat @ Saltdean Lido
A hilarious hoedown packed with Southern charm, live Dolly tributes, and plenty of sparkles. More Info

🍝 Spring Supper Club | 6pm, Sat @ Open Bakery
Learn the art of perfect pasta dough and dress your own focaccia in this hands-on culinary evening. More Info

🎨 Annual Art Show | 10am, Sat @ Friends Meeting House
View over 140 works by local artists and vote for "The People’s Choice" trophy winner. More Info

💤 Mr Sleepybum’s Dream Machine | 11am, Sat @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
An award-winning interactive kids' comedy show featuring dinosaurs, robots, and total silliness. More Info

🎭 Worthing Gangshow | 7pm, Sat @ Pavilion Theatre
Worthing’s Scouts and Guides celebrate 60 years with a variety show of music, dance, and drama. More Info

🏬 Hove Monthly Market | 1:30pm, Sat @ Cornerstone Community Centre
Support local artisans, food providers, and collectors at this seasonal spring craft market. More Info

🎤 Blondie - A Celebration | 8pm, Sat @ Ironworks Studios
A full evening dedicated to Blondie featuring live vocals, a themed quiz, and a late-night disco. More Info

😂 The Comedy Experiment | 4pm, Sat @ Caroline of Brunswick
Afternoon stand-up featuring a famous TV comedian working through new material. More Info

Sun

📖 Akala - State of the Nation | 7:30pm, Sun @ Brighton Dome
The award-winning musician and author brings his insightful "State of the Nation" talk to the city. More Info

🔨 Silver Ring Making | 12pm, Sun @ Rare Thing
A hands-on afternoon learning jewellery basics to design and solder your own solid silver ring. More Info

😂 Thomas Green's Sunday Sesh | 7pm, Sun @ Komedia Brighton
A stellar stand-up lineup featuring Andrew Mensah and Kyrah Gray, hosted by the brilliant Thomas Green. More Info

Live Music

Bruce Foxton & His All-Star Band | 7pm, Fri @ Chalk
Beat To Quarters | 6pm, Fri @ Komedia
Lime Garden | 6pm & 8pm, Fri @ Resident Music
Wonk Unit | 8pm, Fri @ Prince Albert
Umut Adan | 8pm, Fri @ Rose Hill
Nick Hudson | 7:30pm, Fri @ Folklore Rooms
COSM | 8pm, Fri @ The Brunswick
Jazz at St Andrews | 5:30pm, Fri @ St Andrew's Church

The Pale White | 7pm, Sat @ Patterns
Nordic Giants | 6:30pm, Sat @ Quarters
Comforts | 7pm, Sat @ Dust
ZAYN: Album Listening Event | 6:30pm, Sat @ Resident Music
Three For Silver | 8pm, Sat @ The Brunswick
Hayao Miyazaki's Dreams | 8pm, Sat @ St George's Church

Creeper | 5:30pm, Sun @ Chalk
Cosmic Psychos | 7:30pm, Sun @ Green Door Store
Tyler Hilton & Kate Voegele | 7pm, Sun @ Alphabet
The Itch: Live + Signing | 6pm, Sun @ Resident Music
Brighton Jazz Mafia | 8pm, Sun @ The Brunswick
Gabriel Moreno & Dave Burn | 7pm, Sun @ Folklore Rooms

🏏 Brighton & Hove Crescent CC - Players Wanted!

Friendly, long-established cricket club seeking players of all ages and abilities. Qualified coaches, quality practice nets, and a great social scene. Enjoy our lovely home ground (BN1 8UB) and idyllic away fixtures across Sussex.

Contact: www.pitchero.com/clubs/brightonandhovecrescent