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☀️Good afternoon, Brighton & Hove!

The sun is finally out and looks set to stay for most of the week, though Sunday’s record-breaking Half Marathon runners definitely earned their medals in the wind and rain. This week, we’re balancing the latest on the city’s rent hikes with wins for local school places, plus features on an amazing local charity and a fancy seafront date spot.

Here’s what’s squawking this week:

🏠 Brighton named 2025's UK rent hike capital
🏫 84% of pupils land first-choice school spots
🎸 Sleep out at Volks for Sussex Homeless Support
🍽️ Cocktails and Chateaubriand for your next date night

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🏠 Brighton saw UK's biggest rent price increases during 2025

Tenants in Brighton faced a 15 per cent jump in average monthly rents last year, the largest percentage increase of any UK city in 2025. Data reveals that average costs rose from £2,255 to £2,602, driven by high demand from London commuters and a persistent imbalance between housing supply and available lets.
→ Read more on The Argus

⚖️ Prosecution dropped against Montreal Arms owner

The council has withdrawn its prosecution of developer Charlie Southall after a judge recorded a not guilty verdict regarding the removal of the building's historic green tiles. While the court decision provides legal protection for the owner, the pub remains in serious structural disrepair with its long-term future still caught in a state of "planning paralysis."
→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏃 Record numbers hit the streets for Brighton Half Marathon

Thousands of runners completed the 13.1-mile seafront course on Sunday, including Eurovision star Olly Alexander and cast members from Gladiators and The Traitors. The women's race was won by Maisie Trafford in a personal best time of 01:17:32, while a local group made headlines attempting a world record as the "fastest herd of cows."
→ Read more on BBC News

🏫 More pupils allocated first-choice secondary schools

Approximately 84 per cent of Brighton and Hove pupils have been offered their top preference for this September, an improvement on last year's 80 per cent. The council reports that new "open admissions" criteria helped prevent mass displacement, with schools like BACA seeing a significant surge in popularity and nearly filling all available year 7 places.
→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

Also in the news:

🧬 AI Hope for Rare Condition: Professor Rob Galloway, a senior Brighton ER doctor, has launched a research charity to use AI in finding treatments for his daughter’s ultra-rare genetic brain condition.
→ read more on BBC News

🪧 Wellington House Protest: Parents and carers held a protest outside Hove Town Hall this week, warning that the proposed closure of the specialist day centre is a "false economy" that will lead to family breakdowns.
→ read more on Brighton & Hove News

👩‍⚕️ Key Workers Forced Out: Local NHS staff and teachers have warned they are being forced to leave the city due to housing costs, with some commuting 50 minutes each way just to find affordable rent.
→ read more on BBC News

📧 Council IT Mail Error: Residents have slammed the council as "incompetent" after an IT glitch resulted in some people receiving up to 15 duplicate letters demanding garden waste fees they had already paid.
→ read more on The Argus

🏆 Brighton Prep Named Best Early Years in Britain: Brighton College Prep School has scooped a national title at The Week Education Awards 2026, with judges praising its unique "beach school" programme and ambitious curriculum.
→ read more on Sussex Express

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🔦 Charity Spotlight: Sussex Homeless Support

Sussex Homeless Support is a volunteer-led powerhouse keeping Brighton’s most vulnerable fed and clothed. Every Saturday at the Old Steine, they serve up to 175 people, shifting over a ton of supplies and 400 hot meals in a single afternoon. They rely entirely on donations and volunteers to keep the van running and the kitchen open, and they’ve reached out to let us know about two great upcoming events to help hit their targets this spring.

🧩 Treasure Hunt
📍Richmond Square | 🕣 Sat, 21/3 (2pm-4pm) | 🎟️ Donations
Explore the city’s backstreets and solve puzzles for a good cause. Tickets are by donation, starting in Richmond Square.

🎸 The Big World Sleep Out
📍Volks, Madeira Drive | 🕣 Sun, 19/4 | 🎟️ £10 Gig | Sleep Out Register
Join the movement that’s seen the likes of Rag'n'Bone Man and Joe Wilkinson brave the cold for a cause. After a night of live bands and entertainment at Volks, supporters will sleep out until 8am to raise awareness and vital funds. Help them hit that £40,000 target to ensure no one in our city is turned away in a crisis.

✨ Empower & Inspire: IWD Events

🥂 IWD Celebration at The Grand
📍 The Grand Brighton | 🕣 10am–4pm | 🎟️ £89
A refined full-day gathering featuring a gourmet lunch, Prosecco, and keynote talks from female leaders like Elif Köse. It’s designed as a "softer" networking space focused on sisterhood and confidence.

🧘 Churchill Square Takeover (BWF)
📍 Churchill Square | 🕣 11:15am–5pm | 🎟️ Pay what you can
Brighton Girl is transforming the shopping centre with a "Give to Gain" wellness space. Expect a rolling schedule of fitness, yoga, and dance sessions, including Laughter Yoga and 90s dance to raise funds for RISE.

💃 Mind Your Rhythm Wellbeing & DJs
📍 Ironworks Studios | 🕣 10:45am–4pm | 🎟️ £17.50
Ironworks Studios is hosting an inclusive day of empowerment. Start with women’s circles and somatic movement workshops, then hit the dancefloor for three hours of uplifting vocal house. (Kids go free!)

🏩 Cyan

We’re swapping tacos-to-go for a touch of seaside luxury this week - if you’re looking to truly level up your next date night, look no further than the dining room inside Brighton’s most iconic hotel. But forget the stuffy stereotypes, Cyan masters the idea of relaxed luxury, blending Brighton’s seaside soul with a vibe that feels like a chic New York bar room. Whether you’re settling into the conservatory with a sea view or snagging a spot at the striking circular central bar, it’s a space that is ideal for both simply a few drinks or the full 3 courses and wine-pairings. The staff are just as welcoming as the decor, letting you focus on your date while soaking up a properly special atmosphere.

The menu has a focus on modern British cooking, with a special eye for seasonal, local seafood and high-end grill classics. For a proper, all-out feast, you can share a 28-day aged Chateaubriand or keep it light with a spread of starters like glazed pork belly and king prawns in garlic butter. If you're thinking ahead for Mother’s Day, their Sunday roast is all that’s on the menu that day, with it including all the trimmings, from yorkies to cauliflower cheese, plus you can add a dessert like Sticky Toffee Pudding for a flat price of £32.

What makes Cyan a standout choice is the attention to detail that ties it to our city’s creative heart and seaside resort heritage, with the interior featuring local art, and the team’s uniforms tailored by Brighton’s own Gresham Blake. There’s a good reason this historic hotel has maintained its popularity for dining, it’s an award-winning spot that’s perfect for everything from a first-date cocktail or two to a celebratory evening of English sparkling wine. It’s the ultimate escape on our doorstep that reminds you exactly why we love living in this city.

📍 The Grand, Kings Road
🕣 5pm-9:30pm (Mon-Sat), 12-9:30pm (Sun)
🔗 More Info, Bookings & Menus

🎬 The Hollywood Hills of Hove

This Mediterranean-inspired home on Tongdean Avenue instantly made me think of the film Sunset Boulevard, with the 1920s Spanish Villa style so popular with the early stars. It’s certainly built for the ‘lifestyle’ crowd, featuring a dedicated bar level that opens onto tiered terraces, incredible far-reaching sea views, and a separate two-storey annexe that’s basically a second house for your guests.

📍 Tongdean Avenue, Hove
💰 £2,800,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tuesday

🎸 Small + Bee & Jackrabbit + Kate Peaches
7:30pm @ The Hope & Ruin
An evening of indie and alternative live music featuring a triple-bill lineup in one of the city's favourite venues. More Info

🎷 Sutlej
8:00pm @ The Folklore Rooms
Experience an atmospheric blend of alternative jazz and instrumental textures in an intimate setting. More Info

Wednesday

🤣 Joz Norris: You Wait. Time Passes
8:00pm @ Komedia
Award-winning comic Joz Norris unveils his completed life's work in this absurd and critically acclaimed show. More Info

♀️ SheSays: Celebrate International Women's Day!
6:00pm @ Brighton Dome
An inspiring evening of talks for women in digital and tech industries, featuring creative leaders like Dome CEO Lucy Davies. More Info

🤝 Collaboration: International Women's Day Event
2:00pm @ Elm House, University of Brighton
Celebrate IWD by exploring innovation through collaboration with local leaders and student society presidents. More Info

⚡ Dan Tiernan: All In
7:30pm @ The Forge Comedy Club
Edinburgh Fringe award-nominee Dan Tiernan brings explosive energy and razor-sharp punchlines in his new stand-up hour. More Info

📖 Brighton Telltales
7:00pm @ Sweet Venues
A monthly night of traditional storytelling and spoken word open to all in a supportive setting. More Info

🧪 Cool-Aid Comedy
8:00pm @ Caroline of Brunswick
Brighton's longest-running new material comedy night, featuring a mix of pro acts and the best up-and-coming talent. More Info

📱 Digital Adolescence Talk
6:00pm @ The Bevy
Researchers discuss the impact of chatbots and social media on adolescent mental health in this "Brains at the Bevy" session. More Info

💃 Liam Francis Dance Company: Alchemy
7:30pm @ Brighton Dome
A personal dance double bill exploring identity and brotherhood, set to live electronic music. More Info

Thursday

🏀 Harlem Globetrotters
6:30pm @ Brighton Centre
The world-famous basketball team brings their iconic tricks and fan interaction to the seafront for one night only. More Info

🧖 Ian Smith: Foot Spa Half Empty
8:00pm @ The Forge Comedy Club
The Comedy Award nominee presents a show about stress, love, and the oddity of buying magic spells on Amazon. More Info

🇮🇪 Peter Flanagan: Fresh Prince of Kildare
8:00pm @ Komedia
Irish comedy sensation Peter Flanagan explores his conservative upbringing and move to East London in his debut tour. More Info

📻 Ida Barr: Slipped Disco
Thursday 8:00pm, Friday 6:30pm & 9:00pm @ Brighton Dome
A joy-filled evening mashing up Music Hall tradition with Hip Hop and R'n'B, hosted by the inimitable Ida Barr. More Info

Friday

✨ Komedia Comedy Club
8:00pm @ Komedia
Three top acts and an MC showcase the best of the UK's independent live comedy circuit in the city's heart. More Info

 😅 Rosie Holt: The Illegal Aliens Have Landed
7:30pm @ Artista
Satirical comedian Rosie Holt brings her 'MP' alter ego to the stage to tackle UFO invasions. More Info

💃 Tease
8:00pm @ Artista
The ultimate burlesque and cabaret experience where sensuality and unadulterated fun collide. More Info

🎨 Helm Gallery: Take The Streets
6:00pm @ Helm Gallery
A weekly Friday night takeover fusing art, music, tattoos, and cocktails in an electric creative space. More Info

👶 Story Magic
10:00am & 11:00am @ Komedia
Engaging storytelling sessions for toddlers featuring music, movement, and puppets from Fideri Fidera. More Info

Last week, we went to Argentina and the Gauchos, and it was a tricky one with just 39% getting it right! The answer was Yerba Mate - a traditional South American version of tea made from the plant of the same name, rich in caffeine to keep the Gauchos working all day long.

International Women’s Day is this Sunday, so we’re celebrating the most iconic female-founded powerhouse to ever sprout from our streets. Anita Roddick originally set out with a modest goal: just making ends meet for herself and her daughters, but she ended up changing the high street forever.