Happy pancake day, Brighton & Hove!

This week brings a huge £11m road maintenance plan on the horizon and a car showroom set for a supermarket makeover. We’re also checking out the city's ultimate community hub in Hollingbury and looking at a suave hidden gem serving over 150 different craft beers.

Here’s what’s squawking this week:

🗳️ Council election U-turn as May election is back on the calendar
🎸 Homegrown Festival’s lineup mistake & a new dog festival on the beach
🍺 Tasting flights for date nights at The Rook
⛵️ Community pantries, gardens and daily events for everyone

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🛒 Car showroom to become supermarket

Tates has applied to convert its Hyundai showroom on Old Shoreham Road into a Morrisons Daily convenience store. Staff from the site have already relocated to nearby Tates businesses, and the proposed change will not affect the flats above the premises. The plan includes reconfiguring the car park to provide 24 spaces and operating from 6am to 10pm daily. → Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🎸 Homegrown Festival 2026 announced

The grassroots 'Homegrown Festival' is set to return on Saturday 11th April 2026, following its debut last year. Nine venues within a one-mile radius, including The Hope & Ruin and Green Door Store, will host a variety of established and emerging artists. The first wave of the lineup has been released, with early-bird tickets currently on sale for £25. → Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🌟 Brighton teenager recognised as Big Issue Changemaker

15-year-old Scarlett, founder of the charity Mission:Home, has been named one of the Big Issue’s 100 Changemakers of 2026. The Brighton campaigner was selected for her work highlighting the experiences of families in temporary housing and her efforts to turn "forgotten spaces" into homes. Scarlett has raised over £10,000 for homelessness causes through busking since age eight. → Read more on BBC News

🕳️ Council outlines £11m road maintenance budget

Brighton and Hove City Council has detailed plans for an £11 million transport maintenance budget, with £5.2 million specifically allocated for highway repairs. The strategy combines immediate pothole fixes with long-term preventative maintenance to improve cost-efficiency. Residents are encouraged to report defects via the council website, with responses prioritised based on risk levels. → Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🗳️ Local elections to proceed in May following U-turn

The government has reversed its decision to postpone local elections in Sussex, confirming they will now take place on Thursday, 7th May 2026. The move follows legal challenges regarding the delay, which was originally intended to coincide with local government reorganisation. Councils across East and West Sussex must now prepare for polling under a significantly compressed timetable. → Read more on Brighton & Hove News

Also in the news:

📬 Festival Spoiler: Brighton Festival brochures arrived at members' houses a few days early, leading organisers to politely beg supporters to keep the 60th-anniversary lineup a secret until Wednesday. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🐶 Beachside Bark: Rylan Clark is set to host the first-ever "DogFest on the Beach" this June, featuring drag queens, beach games, and a giant ball pit for our four-legged friends. → read more on The Argus (sponsored article)

🏥 Recovery Assist: University of Brighton sport students are joining the front lines at Royal Sussex County Hospital to help stroke patients stay active and avoid physical decline. → read more on BBC News

🏊 King Alfred Update: A £65 million planning application for the new-look Hove leisure centre is due this month, featuring a family fun zone and a 20m high-spec fitness suite. → read more on The Argus

🎨 Glow-in-the-Dark Station: A stunning new UV mural featuring Sussex flora and fauna has been unveiled under Brighton Station to brighten up the Trafalgar Street "gateway." → read more on The Argus

💉 High Street Health: Boots in Brighton is trialling a new in-store weight loss jab service, allowing customers to have private consultations and access treatments like Wegovy in person. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🤝 Devolution Deal: The government has taken the final legislative step to create the Sussex and Brighton Combined County Authority, unlocking a massive £1.14 billion investment fund. → read more on The Argus

🥞 Pancake Takeover: Starfish and Coffee in Egremont Place ditched its entire regular menu today to serve up hundreds of indulgent pancakes, including a Baileys chocolate mousse special. → read more on BBC News

⛵️ Old Boat Corner Community Centre

There are so many amazing charities and community-focused non-profits across the city, one of which is based up in Holingbury and offers just about everything you can imagine a community centre could. Old Boat Corner Community Centre isn't just a building; it’s the city's ultimate "do-it-all" hub and the gold standard for local spirit.

They’re on a mission to make sure no one in the neighbourhood feels lonely, offering everything from a community pantry that tackles food waste to simply being a genuinely welcoming and open space for everyone. Whether you’re a sleep-deprived parent in desperate need of a soft-play sanctuary or you're looking to get your hands dirty in a community garden, Old Boat is that place (and is open to new volunteers).

Their Community Projects:

🧺 The Pantry: A lifesaver of a spot that’s open 9am-5pm daily. It’s self-service, no referral needed, and focused on cutting food waste. Pro tip: Head there on Tuesdays or Fridays when they team up with FareShare for the fresh surplus haul. Bring a bag!

👗 Boatopia: Their volunteer-run "take and donate" shop. It’s packed with quality clothes and shoes for all ages. Any funds raised go right back into the centre—buying plants for the garden or food for the pantry.

🌱 Community Garden: A gorgeous, inclusive space to plant, play, or just sit and breathe. Whether you want to mix "potions" in the dirt or learn from the pros, it’s open to all abilities.

🍳 Community Kitchen: Funded by local legends like the Pride Foundation and repurposed funds from BH Police. It’s a top-tier space for future cooking classes and community big-table dinners.

Upcoming and Regular Events:

🌍 International Women’s Group | Wed, Feb 18 & 25 | 1:00 pm | A warm space for connection and community.

🎬 Community Cinema | Fri, Mar 6 | 3:30 pm | Big screen vibes in the lounge, perfect for a Friday wind-down.

🏀 Free Basketball Sessions | Every Thursday | 3:40 pm (Mixed) & 4:45 pm (Girls Only) | Free hoops for the kids to burn off that school energy.

☕️ In Mind Dementia Cafe | Mon, Feb 23 | 1:00 pm | A supportive, friendly spot for a cuppa and a chat.

🎨 Little Learners Messy Play | Fri, Mar 6 | 10:15 am | Mark-making and messy fun (that you don't have to clean up).

👋 Old Boat Companions | Tuesdays | 1:30 pm | The weekly social fix for anyone needing a bit of company.

🧸 Soft Play & Arts | Daily mornings | The ultimate sanity-saver for local parents.

📍 Carden Park, Carden Hill BN1 8GN
🕣 9am-5pm (Mon-Sun)
🔗 Their Website, Events Calendar & Volunteer

🍺 The Rook Taproom

Just a short skip from Regency Square, just off Western Road, sits a genuine sanctuary for the craft-obsessed. The Rook doesn’t bother with typical pub grub; instead, they’re on a mission to curate Brighton’s best rotating tap list. With 22 lines flowing with everything from crisp lagers to creamy Nitro stouts and Weissbiers, it’s a pub you’ll go into for ‘just a pint’ but end up with a whole tasting flight instead. The vibe is that of a classic pub, suave and intimate, with moody lighting that makes it perfect for a relaxed date where you can actually hear each other talk.

The sheer volume of kegs, casks, and fridges packed with rare cans means every visit feels like a fresh adventure. You’ll find local heroes sitting alongside hard-to-find gems from across the country, with plenty of vegan-friendly pours to keep everyone happy. It’s basically a modern, trendy upgrade to the classic pub experience, minus the sticky carpets and loud TV screens. Whether you’re a total beer geek or just want something cold and interesting, the staff are friendly and happy to walk you through the board without any judgement for asking for recommendations.

Since they don't have a kitchen, the "bring your own food" policy is a welcome policy, especially when you’re spoilt for choice nearby: from healthy options, Foodilic, a Turkish feast from Pamukkale, or just order for delivery from Deliveroo. It’s strictly walk-in only, so there’s no need to stress about booking a table days in advance. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your third-wheel pooch along for the ride.

📍 38 Dean Street
🕣 3-11pm (Mon-Thu), 1-11pm (Fri-Sat), 1-10pm (Sun)
🔗 Their Website & Social Media

🪵 If These Walls Could Talk…

This 300-year-old flint barn sits right opposite the iconic Kipling Gardens, basically making the village Green your front garden. It’s called ‘Timbers,’ and it comes with a separate self-contained annexe, which is the ultimate ‘working from home’ flex. You get that quiet, west-facing garden vibe and a massive Sycamore tree, all while being a ten-minute bus hop from the middle of Brighton.

📍 The Green, Rottingdean
💰 £2,500,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tuesday

🎥 Double Act: VR Experience (FREE)
Tuesday-Friday, 10:30am - 5:00pm @ Hove Museum of Creativity
Dive into the origins of British cinema with this free immersive VR experience that brings archival moments of local film history to life. More Info

🧪 Hands-On Half Term
Tuesday-Friday, 4:00pm - 9:30pm @ 44th Brighton Scout Hut
Eight days of "mad science" where kids can cook like chemists, make slime, and escape black holes in a week-long wonderland of experiments. More Info

🌲 Kids Outdoor Adventures
All Week @ Several locations
The Outdoors Project hosts immersive February half-term holiday clubs featuring different daily themes for kids to get stuck into nature. More Info

💅 Maddie Grace Jepson: Live
Tuesday, 7:30pm @ Theatre Royal
The social media star brings a brilliantly unhinged mix of comedy, chaos, and confession in her brand-new one-woman tour. More Info

⌛ In Search Of Now
Tuesday, 7:30pm @ The Nightingale Room
Author Jo Marchant discusses the science and mystery of the present moment, exploring how we carve out our lived experience of "now." More Info

Wednesday

⚽ An Evening with Brighton Legends
Wednesday, 7:30pm @ Theatre Royal
Two Albion legends with over 300 appearances between them take to the stage to discuss their action-packed careers in the blue and white. More Info

🎙️ Glenn Moore: Please Sir, Glenn I Have Some Moore?
Wednesday, 6:30pm @ Komedia
The Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee delivers a blissfully silly hour of original jokes, finally spilling the beans about his former career. More Info

Thursday

🧬 Rude Science Live
Thursday, 11:30am & 3:00pm @ Brighton Dome
BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates returns with a high-tech, highly-explosive show packed with revolting science stunts and outrageous experiments. More Info

🤣 Sam Nicoresti: Baby Doomer
Thursday, 8:00pm @ Komedia
The Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning comedian brings a revamped version of her breakout hit show exploring love, insanity, and skirt suits. More Info

🎸 UK Pink Floyd Experience
Thursday, 7:30pm @ Theatre Royal
Recreating the sights and sounds of the legendary band, this authentic show features over two hours of hits including Dark Side of the Moon. More Info

🍫 Maybe I Should Stop By
Thursday & Friday, 7:30pm @ The Lantern Theatre
A darkly funny five-star show about an out-of-work entertainer who hides his dad’s ashes in a tub of Celebrations. More Info

🤡 Circus Workshop
Thursday, 10:00am @ Saltdean Lido
Kids aged 8-14 can learn juggling, plate spinning, and stilt walking in this hands-on workshop with Circus Sensible. More Info

🐶 Flyaway Katie
Thursday, 1:00pm @ Saltdean Lido
Long nosed Puppets present a playful and creative puppet show full of adventure and heartwarming moments for the whole family. More Info

🎤 The Em Show
Thursday, 8:00pm @ Komedia
Comic coach Em Stroud shares heartwarming tales of marriage, motorbikes, and motherhood in a mix of stand-up and improv. More Info

😅 Critical Wit
Thursday, 7:30pm @ Artista
A group of comedians step into a chaotic realm of advanced improv and dragons where the audience controls the action. More Info

🎤 The Branding Needs Work
Thursday, 7:30pm @ The Caxton Arms
Enjoy an evening of free comedy as experienced and new acts hone their sets in a supportive and hilarious environment. More Info

Friday

🐻 We're Going On a Bear Hunt
Friday, 10:15am, 12:30pm & 3:00pm @ Brighton Dome
Michael Rosen’s thrilling family adventure is brought to life through puppetry and music in this entrancing production. More Info

🎻 Candlelight: Hans Zimmer & Queen
Friday, 7:00pm & 9:00pm @ Royal Pavilion
Discover the works of Hans Zimmer followed by a tribute to Queen, all performed by a string quartet under the glow of candlelight. More Info

📣 Chris Ramsey: Here Man
Friday, 7:30pm @ Theatre Royal
The TV staple and comedy heavy-hitter brings his high-energy delivery and off-the-cuff style to the Brighton stage. More Info

😂 Schalk Bezuidenhout
Friday, 8:00pm @ Brighton Dome
South Africa’s hottest stand-up returns from a world tour with his brand-new show "Crowd Pleaser." More Info

🎩 Professor Elemental
Friday, 8:00pm @ The Prince Albert
Brighton's own pith-helmet-wearing b-boy brings his unique brand of steampunk hip-hop and chap-hop to the Albert. More Info

🎷 Jazz at St Andrews: Nigel Price
Friday, 5:30pm @ St Andrew's Church
Award-winning jazz guitarist Nigel Price performs a blend of bebop lines and deep blues sensibility in this atmospheric session. More Info

🍓 Spoil Your Pet With Jam!
Friday, 8:00pm @ Caroline of Brunswick
Alternative comedy night celebrates the national day to spoil your pet with a lovely evening of jam-themed hilarity. More Info

Live Music

caroline | Chalk | Tuesday, 7pm | Tickets
Langkamer | Green Door Store | Tuesday, 7pm | Tickets
Mestengo | Prince Albert | Tuesday, 8pm | Tickets
Jazz Jam | The Brunswick | Tuesday, 8pm | Tickets

Good Neighbours | Chalk | Wednesday, 7pm | Tickets
Foundling | Folklore Rooms | Wednesday, 7:30pm | Tickets
Synch Pulse | Rose Hill | Wednesday, 7pm | Tickets
Batmilk | Hope & Ruin | Wednesday, 8pm | Tickets

Cardinals | Resident | Thursday, 6:30pm | Tickets
Chasing Abbey | Dust | Thursday, 7pm | Tickets
Wakey Wakey Rise & Shine | Prince Albert | Thursday, 8pm | Tickets

Mogwai | Brighton Dome | Friday, 7pm | Tickets
Steve Mason | Alphabet | Friday, 7pm | Tickets
Coach Party | Patterns | Friday, 7pm | Tickets
The Callous Daoboys | Quarters | Friday, 7pm | Tickets
Danny Tenaglia | Concorde 2 | Friday, 10pm | Tickets
Luude | Concorde 2 | Friday, 11pm | Tickets
Charm of Finches | Folklore Rooms | Friday, 7:30pm | Tickets

Last week, we took a trip back to the 14th century to find one of the sources of the modern Valentine’s Day. It turns out exactly 50% of you knew your Middle English poetry: Geoffrey Chaucer was indeed one of the first to link the day to romance in his 1382 poem Parliament of Fowls (before that, it was mostly about saints and sacrifice).

This week’s trivia, with our date spot of the week on the Rook Taproom, is on the biggest beer-loving nation, which consumes about 40% more beer than the country in 2nd place!