🐦 Ice Rink Threatens Pavilion Gardens, Jonathan Pie Live & Indie Magazine Pop-Up!

Hello Brighton & Hove!

If your autumn calendar isn't already groaning under the weight of things to do, we are about to fix that. We've got a wildly eclectic lineup for you over the next few days, from sharp satirical comedy and independent magazine launches to classic classical music by candlelight and late-summer food pop-ups. Throw in a few major local headlines, and there is plenty to sink your teeth into.

Let's get straight to the good stuff!

Here Is What's Squawking This Week

⛸️ Winter ice rink threatens £6.5m Royal Pavilion garden restoration.
🎡 Council backs 25-year lease for Brighton Wheel's seafront return.
🏫 Global language school chain goes bust owing thousands locally.
🏳️‍🌈 Queer venues launch five-point rescue plan to save city nightlife.
🏗️ First phase of Madeira Terrace restoration on track for early next year.

Fancy reaching over 10,000+ Brightonians? Just reply to this email to ask about our options.

🏗️ Madeira Terrace restoration target set for early next year, symbolizing ongoing progress and renewal for Brighton.

Contractors restoring the first 27 arches of Madeira Terrace have confirmed that the initial phase is on track to be completed early next year. Work over the coming months will see concrete walkways poured, control panels and benches installed, and the new lift carriage fitted, though council officers admit funding for future phases remains a major challenge.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🎡 Returning Brighton Wheel backed as visitor numbers recover

Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet has approved a 25-year lease to allow the Brighton Wheel to return to its original site at Dalton’s Bastion. Senior councillors justified the decision by pointing to a recovery in visitor numbers, which reached 12.2 million last year, and noted that the operator will assume all commercial risks and maintenance costs.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏫 Global language school chain goes bust owing thousands in Brighton

International education group EC English has ceased operations and entered formal insolvency, abruptly closing its Manchester Street branch in Brighton. The sudden collapse has left hundreds of adult and junior language students stranded and has left local suppliers and accommodation providers owed tens of thousands of pounds.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🛑 Legal threat forces council to re-vote on Western Road red route

Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet has taken a "fresh decision" to re-approve the Western Road red route after traders launched formal legal proceedings. Council Leader Bella Sankey answered extensive questions from concerned business owners, confirming the scheme will proceed under an experimental order following upcoming road resurfacing works.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

💔 Cabinet approves closure of Wellington House day centre

Senior councillors have voted to close the Wellington House learning disability day centre despite vocal protests from families, carers, and trade unions outside Hove Town Hall. The council plans to transition its 21 vulnerable adult service users to private and third-sector providers to save £336,000 annually.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏳️‍🌈 Brighton LGBTQ+ venues launch five-point plan to save nightlife

Twelve prominent queer venues have formed the Brighton LGBTQ+ Business Group to tackle a growing crisis following the recent closures of R-Bar and Charles Street Tap. The coalition has presented a five-point plan to the council and police demanding enhanced safety marshals, year-round promotion, and dedicated support for the St James's Street area.
→ read more on The Argus

🍂 Royal Pavilion ice rink return threatens £6.5m garden restoration

Volunteer gardeners have warned that hosting the Royal Pavilion ice rink again this winter could jeopardise a £6.5 million restoration project and damage the historic grounds. The council and Brighton and Hove Museums confirmed that they are currently negotiating with rink operators to determine whether the attraction can return without disrupting scheduled works.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

Also in the news:

💰 Brighton advocacy charity awarded £411k lottery grant: Brighton and Hove Speak Out has secured £411,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to expand its voice and self-advocacy network for people with learning disabilities.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏨 Council leader writes to Home Office over asylum hotel closure: Council Leader Bella Sankey has raised concerns with the Home Office over the abrupt closure of a local asylum hotel, warning against dispersing resident families away from local schools and support networks.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

📖 Lost 15th-century manuscript discovered in Brighton archive: Researchers at The Keep have identified six pages from an outlawed 15th-century Catholic text saved during the Reformation by Sir John Gage of Firle Place.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🌭 Brighton Sausage Co celebrates 20 years in North Laine: Independent retailer Brighton Sausage Co is celebrating two decades on Gloucester Road, having expanded from a small shop floor to an award-winning regional producer.
→ read more on The Argus

📚 Hove children's bookshop receives £1,000 HarperCollins grant: The Book Nook in Hove has been awarded £1,000 to expand its community literacy outreach following a nomination by children's author Laura Ellen Anderson.
→ read more on The Argus

🅿️ Council proposes parking and yellow line changes on seafront: Brighton and Hove City Council has published traffic orders to replace single yellow lines with double yellows at Dukes Mound and convert coach bays on Madeira Drive into paid parking.
→ read more on The Argus

🗳️ Queen’s Park candidates clash over gender and safeguarding at hustings: Four of the five candidates standing in the upcoming Queen’s Park council by-election addressed questions on single-sex services and school safeguarding during a public hustings at St Luke’s Church Hall.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🎬 ITV drama Grace films in Whitehawk for seventh series: TV crews for the crime series Grace have been filming scenes inside the Holbrook apartment building on Findon Road as part of production for its latest season.
→ read more on The Argus

🗞️ Cover Story Brighton

As you know by now, I am always championing local startups. Launching a new business from scratch is bloody hard work; beyond that, I’ll always have a soft spot for female-led, female-owned businesses. Having had the absolute pleasure of meeting founder Leah the other week, I fell even more in love with her project. Not only is she building something brilliant from the ground up, but she’s also balancing it all as a mum and a wife. On top of that, despite running a digital newsletter, I am a total sucker for print. There is just something undeniably special about holding a freshly printed magazine or book in your hands and getting completely lost in its pages.

Leah realised that Brighton was sorely missing a dedicated space for the world-class, independent print culture being produced across the UK and beyond, so she decided to build one herself. While her ultimate dream is to open a permanent, fixed magazine shop right here in the city (watch this space, it’s coming!), she is cleverly kicking things off with a series of pop-up events. It’s a wonderful initiative to bring indie print back to Brighton, give us a reason to put our phones down, and build a real community around physical print. Please drop by, show her some proper local love, and grab something brilliant to read! See you there!

🔗 Explore Cover Story Brighton and order print online

Cover Story Pop-Up Event
📅 Fri 25th of Sep. 5pm-8pm
📍 Starfish & Coffee, 32 Egremont Place, Brighton, BN2 0GA
🔗 Find out more about Cover Story Pop-Ups & Events

🍕 Pommy’s Pizza (my review)

I grabbed lunch here the other day, and while I unfortunately missed that crazy Tiramisu launch the other week, co-hosted by Tiramisu George and Oatly, I'll definitely be back to try this week's tiramisu flavour. Regardless, I am a regular at this spot. It is my go-to, quick-fix, on-the-run lunch stop and the absolute perfect place to ease my mild pizza addiction. My personal favourite is the Vodka pizza, but they also have tons of vegan options (including a vegan, alcohol-free tiramisu) and gluten-free bases across the board.

Run by Italians serving up proper New York-style slices and whole pies, the vibe inside is easy, modern, and cool, neon-lit, with house music bouncing off the walls and a dead-friendly team. If you are after a quick bite, their lunch deal gets you a 1/4 slice, dip, and a drink for a tenner. Plus, they offer a student discount and 20% off your first online order if you order through their site or download the app.

📍 12 Imperial Arcade, Brighton, BN1 3EA | 56a George Street, Hove, BN3 3YB
🕒 12pm to 9pm (Mon to Wed), 11am to 11pm (Thu to Sun)
🔗 Check them out

🏠 The Marine Parade Regency Townhouse

Commanding a prime position directly on Marine Parade, this rare 9-bedroom Regency townhouse offers 4,087 sq ft of luxurious living across 5 immaculate floors. Modernised with vibrant Art Deco-inspired interior design, the home features a bespoke kitchen fitted with Carrara marble worktops and a La Cornue range oven, as well as a built-in bar leading to a private courtyard. The principal suite boasts a private south-facing balcony framing sweeping sea views, while a top-floor roof terrace overlooks the city skyline. Complete with a self-contained 2-bedroom lower-ground-floor apartment, it is an incredible opportunity just moments from Soho House.

📍 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2
💰 Guide Price £2,250,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tue

🎤 Sandro Ford: Lager Than Life | 8pm, Tue @ Komedia
The co-host of Problematic Pub Podcast brings his debut stand-up show featuring sharp observations, pub-bred storytelling, and a distinct comedy voice to Brighton. More Info

🧵 Zack Pinsent at Exploding Appendix | 7pm, Tue @ The Southern Belle, Hove In collaboration with Brighton Slow Fashion Week, Regency tailor Zack Pinsent discusses clothing, craft, and history, exploring what his approach to fashion can teach us about sustainability. More Info

Wed

🎬 Extra Geography (Q&A Screening) | 7:45pm, Wed @ Dukes at Komedia
A special Q&A screening of the acclaimed new coming-of-age film from director Molly Manners. More Info

🎬 In the Dark Movie Club - Legend (1985) | 7pm, Wed @ Presuming Ed
A screening of the Director's Cut of Ridley Scott's 80s dark fantasy film Legend, complete with post-movie discussions celebrating the film and Tim Curry's iconic performance. More Info

🎤 The End Of The World According To Jonathan Pie | 7:30pm, Wed & Thur @ Concert Hall, Brighton Dome-Fictional news reporter Jonathan Pie delivers scathing commentary and sharp satire targeting politicians and the media. More Info

🧶 Funky Patch Repair Workshop | 6pm, Wed @ The Upcycling Centre
A beginner-friendly workshop led by Trouser Project's Megan Lewis, teaching techniques like appliqué, sashiko stitching, hand painting, and stamping to upcycle old clothes with custom patches. More Info

🎭 Stand or Fall - The Play | 7:30pm, Wed to Fri @ Theatre Royal
A dramatic story following a group of Brighton & Hove Albion fans on an emotional journey from the last days at the Goldstone to Withdean, Wembley, and European football. More Info

Thur

🍽️ Support Local Supper Club | Thu @ Patio & Aperitif, Brighton
A community dining event focused on making friends and supporting local food spots, partnering this month with Patio and Aperitif for great food and drinks. More Info

🍷 End of Summer Tapas | 5pm, Thu @ Wine Barrel, Hove
A seasonal food-and-wine pop-up by Drink The Dressing featuring late-summer produce, autumn-inspired snacks, and wine pairings. More Info

🎭 The Invisible Woman | 8pm, Thu @ Ironworks Studios
Written and performed by Charlotte Palmer (EastEnders), this solo comedy play explores the challenges of navigating life, visibility, and society after turning 50. More Info

🎬 Doc Club Screening: "Shooting The Mafia" + Q&A | 6pm, Thu @ POST
Presented by TARA Films, this documentary screening about Italian photojournalist Letizia Battaglia's stand against the Mafia is followed by a 30-minute Q&A with director Kim Longinotto. More Info

🍷 First-Ever Wine Tasting by the Vine House | Thu @ Vine House
A guided tasting featuring seven unique wines from Central and Eastern Europe, presented by specialist importer George from Jolly Merchants, with delicious food pairings. More Info

🧵 I've Got 99 Problems But a Stitch Ain't One! | 5:30pm, Thu @ Plus X Innovation-Hosted by Plus X Innovation and Brighton Fashion Collective, this panel event brings together industry experts to explore circular thinking, mending, and sustainable innovations for the future of fashion. More Info

🎤 Comic Boom | 7:30pm, Thu @ Komedia
A feel-good, fast-paced night of stand-up featuring a lineup of rising stars, a top headlining comic, and host MCs. More Info

📖 Glossary Book Club | 6:30pm, Thu @ Tipsy Mares, Hove
A discussion of Jean Rhys's feminist classic Wide Sargasso Sea, exploring this iconic prequel to Jane Eyre over drinks in Hove. More Info

🎤 Morgan Rees: What A Bummer | 7pm, Thu @ The Forge Comedy Club
The online sensation and stand-up comic explores relationship trials, the wait for a diagnosis, and life as a Welsh valley boy as he integrates into a Gujarati family. More Info

🏊 The Rockinghorse Relay - Charity Swimathon | 7pm, Thu @ Sea Lanes Brighton-A 12-hour continuous swim relay supporting children's healthcare, where participants or teams can book one-hour slots to lap for charity. More Info

🎲 Yalla Brighton - Social Games Night | 7pm, Thu @ Baked, Hove
A relaxed, easy-going community evening featuring board games, good company, and an opportunity to meet new people. More Info

Fri

📖 Cover Story: Independent Magazines Pop-Up | 5pm, Fri @ Starfish & Coffee
A curated pop-up showcasing a hard-to-find collection of global independent magazines spanning art, fashion, culture, photography, music, and niche publishing. More Info

🍩 Donut Day at Spro! | Fri @ Spro Coffee Co
An all-day treat day featuring fresh Ace Doughnuts, with 50% of doughnut profits donated directly to local food bank charity Nurture Through Nature. More Info

🎻 Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight | 9pm, Fri @ Royal Pavilion
An atmospheric candlelight concert featuring Vivaldi's iconic classical masterpiece, The Four Seasons, performed in the historic setting of the Royal Pavilion. More Info

🍸 Brighton Cocktail Festival | Various Venues, Brighton
Still going on from last weekend, the country's biggest cocktail event returns for a city-wide celebration of mixology across Brighton & Hove's top bars and venues. More Info

📚 Charity Shop World by Tansy Hoskins: Brighton Book Launch | 6pm, Fri @ Books for Amnesty-Award-winning author Tansy Hoskins launches her new book investigating charity shops, textile waste, and community, featuring an in-conversation discussion, Q&A, and book signing. More Info

🤼 American Rumble Wrestling Spectacular | 7:30pm, Fri @ The Barn Theatre
An action-packed night of international pro wrestling featuring Premier Wrestling Federation Tag Team champions The Beards, New Zealand champion Spartan, and Ireland's Cieran Donnelly. More Info

🎵 Saint Etienne | 7:15pm, Fri @ Concert Hall, Brighton Dome
The London-based alt dance-pop trio performs live, featuring songs from their album Home Counties. More Info

🌱 Bonsai in the Park: End of Summer Party | Fri @ Garden Café Hove, St Ann’s Well Gardens-An exclusive one-night-only event featuring an eight-course plant-based and nut-free menu by Head Chef Arion Christophers alongside live music in the park. More Info

🏃 Beak Running Club x Sussex Wildlife Trust | 5:30pm, Fri @ Lewes Dripping Pan Car Park-A community run exploring Malling Down Nature Reserve alongside Sussex Wildlife Trust, featuring three route options, trail paths, free post-run drinks at The Beak Taproom, and Middle Eastern food by Kabak. More Info

🎭 Age is a Stage | 11am, Fri @ Theatre Royal
A playful creative workshop designed for older adults to ignite their creative spark and see the world through a fresh lens. More Info

Live Music

NOTES: A Wine and Music Pairing Night | Tue @ The Old Market
Jazz Jam | Tue @ The Brunswick
Soft Cell: 'Danceteria' Listening Event | Tue @ Resident
Cutflowers in Superbloom! Plus special guests | Tue @ Prince Albert
Michael Ball | Tue @ Brighton Dome - Concert Hall
The Lemonheads | Tue @ Chalk
Anna Rey | Tue @ Folklore Rooms
Joelio | Tue @ Rossi Bar
BIMM Freshers: Cade + more | Tue @ Green Door Store

Listen Club Listen Club #37: Abbas Zahedi | Wed @ Rose Hill
Watching Alice | Wed @ Rossi Bar
Ruckus (Camouflage release show) + Cauterized + Final Notice + Bodies in Landfill | Wed @ Prince Albert
Grace Petrie | Wed @ Concorde 2
Holy Fuck | Wed @ Chalk
REVOLT BRIGHTON PRESENTS | Wed @ Daltons
Sláine: The Horned God | Wed @ The Brunswick
Dead Air | Wed @ Green Door Store
Chinese American Bear | Wed @ Hope & Ruin
Lost in Motion | Wed @ Volks

Dead Bob + Roadkill Drive-Thru + TOP LEFT CLUB | Thu @ Prince Albert
In Other Words Poetry Night | Thu @ The Brunswick
IRAINA MANCINI | Thu @ Alphabet
LEOPARD PRINT PIG PRESENTS | Thu @ Daltons
Wasia Project: Live + Signing | Thu @ Resident
Sam Brookes | Thu @ Folklore Rooms
The Skinner Brothers | Thu @ Patterns
Be Kind Cadaver | Thu @ The Pipeline
BURN | Thu @ Rossi Bar
Pozi + Prayer Tech | Thu @ Green Door Store
HH Presents: Big Fear + Kate Peaches + Everyday Saints + Girl Apocrypha | Thu @ Hope & Ruin

Saint Etienne | Fri @ Brighton Dome - Concert Hall
Xylitol + Lula Frango and DJs | Fri @ The Brunswick
Just Radiohead | Fri @ Concorde 2
Divorce Attorney + support | Fri @ Prince Albert
Ormella | Fri @ The Brunswick
Gilla Band: Meet & Greet + Signing | Fri @ Resident
Siri Neel + Lu'Ami | Fri @ Folklore Rooms
Spotlight Events | Fri @ Fortune of War
Saint Etienne After Party | Fri @ Brighton Dome - Studio Theatre
Sourdure | Fri @ Rose Hill
THE DEAD REDS + ZIGGY PHOENIX | Fri @ Alphabet
Reggaeton Party (Brighton) September | Fri @ Dust
80s RE-MIX | Fri @ Caroline of Brunswick
The Noir Mates | Fri @ The Pipeline
CRUSHED | Fri @ Komedia
DISTORTED PROMOTIONS PRESENTS THE HEAVY FUNDRAISER | Fri @ Daltons
The Surfrajettes | Fri @ Patterns
New Wave Breakers | Fri @ Komedia
Freshly Baked - Basement Rave | Fri @ Patterns
Mungos Hi-Fi | Fri @ Quarters
The Flex | Fri @ Rossi Bar
Khan | Fri @ Green Door Store

Last week's tunnel trivia was a strong victory! A clear 62.71% of you knew that the lower entrance of the secret Roedean School cliff tunnel emerges directly onto the Undercliff Walk. You can view historical site details and photographs on the Subterranea Britannica Roedean School Tunnel Page.

This week, we are looking at Norfolk Square, a community-supported green space where local resident Dave Clapham has been brightening up the neighbourhood with whimsical installations. His latest creation is a sculpture of Dr Seuss's Lorax, standing guard over the garden's trees and plants. Over the years, Dave has built several popular community installations for the square, including sculptures of the Grinch and the Easter Bunny.