🐦 Hove vs Maccies, drive-thru drama

Hello Brighton! 👋

The solstice weekend is almost here, the city is buzzing, and we're thrilled to launch The Brighton Squawk—your new guide to make sure you don't miss a thing.

A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been patiently waiting for this day. To all our new readers, welcome to the flock!

The Squawk is a community conversation, and we'd love to hear from you. Reply to this email with feedback, hot tips on local stories, or to ask about partnership opportunities to feature your business. We read every single message.

Here's what's squawking this week:

📣 Hove vs. Maccies & a landmark unwrapped.
❤️ Puppies, rock cakes, and community spirit.
🍴 Cult roti, new doughnuts, and seaside cocktails.
🎉 Your guide to street parties, markets & family fun.

🍔 Hove Residents Protest McDonald’s Drive-Through

Plans for a new 24-hour McDonald’s drive-thru on Old Shoreham Road have sparked a backlash from Hove residents. Around 50 locals have formally objected to the proposal, citing the location's close proximity to several schools including Blatchington Mill and Hove Park.

Concerns primarily focus on increased traffic, noise, and litter, as well as the potential impact on children's health. While McDonald's states the new restaurant would create 120 jobs, residents remain worried about the effect on safety and the character of the local area.

🏛️ St Peter’s Church Is Almost Free of Scaffolding

A welcome sight for Brightonians: the scaffolding that has shrouded St Peter’s Church for more than a decade is finally coming down. The extensive restoration project, which began back in 2014, has included major repairs to the historic building's façade and the stabilisation of its iconic tower.

The grade II*-listed church, often called "Brighton's cathedral," is expected to be fully visible again by the end of summer. The removal of the scaffolding marks the end of a long wait for locals and visitors to once again admire its full gothic beauty without obstruction.

🚴 Thousands Complete London to Brighton Bike Ride

Over 15,000 cyclists flooded Madeira Drive this past weekend as they completed the annual London to Brighton Bike Ride. The celebrated event saw participants of all ages take on the 54-mile challenge, enjoying a sunny finish line on the Brighton seafront.

The ride is a massive fundraiser, and this year was no exception, with participants raising vital funds for the British Heart Foundation. Early estimates suggest the 2025 event is on track to break previous fundraising records, which regularly exceed £1 million for the charity.

🛍️ Charity & Community Day at the Royal Pavilion Gardens

Get ready for Brighton’s best community get-together! The annual Charity & Community Day returns to the beautiful Royal Pavilion Gardens on Saturday, June 28th, for a day packed with fun, music, and local pride.

Here’s what’s on:

• Live Music: Get moving to the vibrant rhythms of a live Samba band and enjoy performances from a local choir.

• Meet Cute Pups: Say hello to the adorable trainee puppies from Canine Partners and learn about their amazing work.

• Family Fun: Try your luck at the raffles and tombolas hosted by dozens of local charity stalls.

• A Famous Treat: Don't miss out on the world-famous rock cakes from the Pavilion Gardens Café, a tradition lovingly upheld by proprietor David Sewell.

This is the perfect day out for all ages to enjoy the sunshine, connect with neighbours, and support the incredible charities at the heart of our community.

📍 Royal Pavilion Gardens 
🗓️ Saturday, June 28th | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
🎟️ Free to attend

Brighton’s had a proper glow-up this spring — not just in sunshine, but in snacks. Three new spots have opened their doors, and frankly, they’re all worth a visit. Whether you’re craving flaky Malaysian flatbread, seaside cocktails, or a doughnut so good it could make your week — we’ve got you.

🌊 The Winkle – Cosy, Classy, and Right on the Seafront

📍 139 Kings Road, Seafront Arches
🧭 View on Google Maps

Tucked into one of Brighton’s iconic arches, The Winkle is part restaurant, part local hangout — and it just works. Think crab mac and cheese, wild mushrooms on toast, and cocktails at sunset from their 40-seat patio. Inside, it’s all warm lighting and seaside calm. Run by married couple Owen and PJ, it already feels like a Brighton classic.

🇲🇾 Roti King – Malaysian Street Food Lands in The Lanes

📍 Ship Street, Brighton Lanes
🧭 View on Google Maps

London’s cult favourite has finally opened its first outpost outside the M25 — and it’s landed right here in Brighton. Expect buttery, flaky Roti Canai flying off the griddle, rich mutton curry, and dhal so good you’ll be licking the bowl. The open kitchen adds theatre, and the lunchtime buzz is already strong.

🍩 The Donut Club – Dessert Like You’ve Never Seen It

📍 Duke Street, North Laine
🧭 View on Google Maps

Warning: one doughnut from The Donut Club may ruin all other desserts for you. This new artisan bakery is serving up outrageously beautiful, wildly indulgent doughnuts with toppings that look like art and taste like dreams. Perfect for a sugar hit, a gift, or just a walk-around treat with a flat white.

🏠 Hollywood Hills Meets Hove Park

This week’s standout? A stunning 6,000 sq ft eco-home in Hove Park featuring sea views, a cinema, gym, and infinity pool. The principal suite boasts a freestanding bath with sea views, while the sleek design includes floating staircases and a car turntable.

One for the dream board — or for someone with £6.5M to spare.

📍 Hove Park
🔗 View on Rightmove

🌟 Top Picks

🌞 7 Dials Summer Solstice Party
Saturday, 1:00 PM @ Seven Dials
Live music, kids’ games, pizza, pints, and sunshine — a wholesome mini festival hosted by several local businesss in the middle of town. More Details

🎉 Belfast Street Party – Hove
Saturday, 3:00 PM @ Belfast Street, Hove
Live bands, DJs, street food, and neighbourhood vibes. One of those under-the-radar Brighton gems. More Details

🎬 Picturehouse Outdoor Cinema
From Friday to June 27 @ Preston Manor South Lawn & Garden
An open-air cinema series on the lawns of a historic manor. Showings include 10 Things I Hate About You, The Wicker Man, The Princess Bride, Dirty Dancing, and Ghostbusters. More Details

🍩 BEATS & BAKES: Sober Bakery Day Rave
Friday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM @ The Flour Pot Bakery, Sydney St
Sourdough meets the sound system at this unique, alcohol-free daytime rave celebrating fresh tunes, fresh bakes, and feel-good energy. More Details

🗓️ General Events

⚡ London to Brighton EV Rally
Saturday, from 7:00 AM @ Madeira Drive
Watch electric vehicles race from London to Brighton, competing for energy efficiency awards. Join the after-party with food, drinks, live music, and family-friendly activities like an electric stunt show. More Details

🌱 BOM: Vegan Market
Saturday, 10:00 AM @ Brighton Open Market
Explore a brilliant range of plant-based food, gifts, crafts, beauty products, and other treats from local makers. More Details

🎭 Theatre Tour
Saturday, 11:00 AM @ Theatre Royal Brighton
A rare opportunity to take a peek behind the curtain and explore the history of Brighton’s most iconic and beautiful stage. Get Tickets

🎨 Learning Disability Pride Party
Friday, 7:00 PM–10:00 PM @ Puzzle Bored
Celebrate Learning Disability Pride Month with a night of art, music, performances and games. Tickets Just £6

📚 Fabric of Our Community: Living Library Event
Sunday, 2:30 PM @ Jubilee Library
Real people act as ‘living books’ sharing life stories and experiences. Chat, connect, and broaden your perspective. More Details

🏊 Pier to Pier Swim
Sunday, 3:00 PM @ Brighton Seafront
The city’s annual open-water swimming event, where participants race between the iconic West Pier and Palace Pier, supporting British Heart Foundation. More Details

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Events

🧸 Ted Camp: Adopt a Teddy Pop-Up
Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM @ 27 New Road
Choose from 100+ soft toys, sign an adoption certificate, and take home a new fluffy friend. Very wholesome. More Details

🚶 Family Wellbeing Walk
Saturday, 10:00 AM @ Hove Park
A slow, mindful stroll for little legs and big lungs, providing a free and relaxing reset before the weekend chaos. More Details

🌳 Tree Festival
Saturday & Sunday, Times Vary @ Various Locations
A city-wide celebration of Brighton & Hove’s trees, featuring a weekend of free guided walks, talks, and creative workshops. More Details

🎤 Live Music & Performances

🎭 Boys From The Blackstuff 
Wednesday–Saturday, 7:30 PM @ Theatre Royal Brighton
The powerful and poignant stage adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s seminal TV series about five unemployed men in 1980s Liverpool. Tickets

🤣 Dom Joly: Work in Progress 
Thursday, 8:00 PM @ Komedia
The Trigger Happy TV icon and master of mischief returns to the stage to test out new material and share some vintage rants. Tickets

🎤 Miss Americana – Taylor Swift Tribute 
Friday, 7:30 PM @ Brighton Centre
A high-energy tribute show packed with Tay Tay’s greatest hits. Tickets

🕺 Uncle Monty’s Solstice Showdown 
Friday, 8:00 PM @ Brighton Electric
A colourful night of alt music, performance art, drag and DJs. Expect glitter, chaos and very bright outfits. Tickets

🕺 Summer Oldskool Garage Beach Rave 
Saturday, 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM @ Horizon Club
An open-air throwback rave by the sea with big basslines and serious 90s energy, featuring a massive garage line-up. Tickets

🎤 Rob Lamberti Presents Perfectly George 
Saturday, 7:30 PM @ Theatre Royal Brighton
A pitch-perfect and critically acclaimed tribute to George Michael, featuring his greatest hits and promising big singalongs. Tickets

🎧 12-hour party with Skeptical & SP:MC 
Saturday, 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM @ The Arch
A massive all-night rave featuring the best in drum and bass, headlined by the legendary DJ Skeptical and host SP:MC. Tickets

🎶 Roots Garden Summer Sessions 
Sunday, 2:00 PM @ Concorde 2
Sound system al fresco with reggae, dub, and bass-heavy grooves. Seafront location, free entry, big energy. Details

✍️ John Crace: What The Hell Just Happened? 
Sunday, 7:30 PM @ Komedia
The Guardian’s beloved and weary political sketch writer brings his wit and wisdom to Brighton to try and make sense of it all. Tickets

🎭 Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical 
From 24th June to 28th @ Theatre Royal Brighton
A nostalgic and intoxicating musical based on the iconic 90s film, packed with pop classics from Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, and more. Tickets