🐦 Mary Portas Steps Into Red Route Row, Ocean Film Spectacles & Queer Country Nights!

Hello Brighton & Hove!

If your calendar is looking a bit bare this week, the city has more than enough lined up to fill every single slot. Between catching Susan Calman live at the Theatre Royal, diving into an unscripted, audience-led comedy show at Komedia, and discovering the stories of trailblazing local women over tea and cake, there is a brilliant mix to get stuck into. Throw in a free jazz jam session, climate comedy lectures, and all-you-can-bead crafting nights, and you have got every excuse to get out and about.

Let's jump straight in.

Here Is What's Squawking This Week

🏛️ Hanover pub hits market, triggering community buyout clock.
🚶 Kemptown shopping street set for car-free trial.
🌊 Landmark seafront arches restoration on track for 2027 completion.
🚌 Live info boards leave passengers chasing ghost buses.
🏬 Former maternity hospital site topped out for luxury flats.

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🛑 Mary Portas urges council to pause Western Road red route

Retail expert Mary Portas has called on Brighton and Hove City Council to halt plans for a red route on Western Road, warning the scheme could push independent businesses over the edge. Portas urged the council to conduct a full economic impact assessment before implementing camera-enforced restrictions, highlighting severe delivery issues for local traders and reduced access for disabled shoppers.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏛️ Montreal Arms put on market triggering community bid window

The Montreal Arms pub in Hanover has been put up for sale by owner Charlie Southall for £425,000, triggering a six-week window for local groups to register an interest in buying it. Because residents successfully designated the property an Asset of Community Value, an expression of interest by November 3 will grant the community six months to raise funds for a formal bid.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚶 Councillors back steps toward pedestrianising St James’s Street

City councillors have agreed to explore the pedestrianisation of St James’s Street in Kemp Town, starting with a trial community street event in spring. Transport leads confirmed that officers will conduct a feasibility study to evaluate the impact on local bus routes, deliveries, and disabled access, to help make the vibrant shopping corridor safer and more accessible.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🌊 Madeira Terrace first phase set for completion early next year

Contractors restoring the first 27 arches of Madeira Terrace have confirmed the initial phase is on track to finish in early 2027. Work over the coming months includes laying electrical cabling, installing control panels, and fitting the new lift, though council officials admit securing funding for subsequent western phases remains an ongoing challenge.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🛑 Changes to planning rules condemned as "affront to democracy"

Opposition councillors have fiercely criticised constitutional amendments that transfer more planning decisions from the elected Planning Committee to council officers behind closed doors. Labour members voted through the changes to align with new national legislation, despite warnings that removing ward councillor call-ins and public objection thresholds severely damages transparency.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏬 Mayor tops out 22 new flats on former maternity hospital site

Mayor Theresa Fowler attended a topping-out ceremony at 80 Buckingham Road, where developer Martin Homes is constructing 22 flats on the historic site of the former Sussex Maternity Hospital. The £15 million project, named Number Eighty, retains the area's Victorian character while delivering modern housing expected to contribute over £8 million to the local economy.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚌 Passengers express frustration over "ghost buses" on new info boards

Brighton bus passengers have complained about inaccurate live display boards showing "ghost buses" that countdown to arrival before vanishing from the screen entirely. Council transport leads acknowledged discrepancies between stop displays and mobile apps, attributing the issues to differing prediction logic and mapping data, and promised ongoing technical improvements.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

Also in the news:

🕰️ Public consultation launched on Hove's historic Floral Clock: The council has opened a public consultation to decide on a replacement for Palmeira Square's non-functioning 1953 Floral Clock, with options including an armillary sphere or community management.
→ read more on The Argus

⚡ Portslade showroom opens ultra-rapid EV charging hub: V2Power has launched a new ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging site at the BYD showroom on Victoria Road, offering discounted rates for local drivers without off-street parking.
→ read more on The Argus

🖌️ Hove seafront railings blasted to reveal Victorian details: Specialist contractors have begun garnet blasting 300 metres of cast-iron railings west of the Meeting Place cafe, stripping back old paint layers to reveal original 1880s Sussex Martlet emblems.
→ read more on The Argus

🏳️️‍🌈 Campaigner urges ticket levy on Brighton Pride to support LGBTQ+ venues: Activist Daniel Harris has called on the council and Pride organizers to introduce a £5 ticket levy to fund struggling local queer venues following recent closures in Kemptown.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🏞️ Cabinet to consider long-term vision for Black Rock site: Council leads are set to discuss a long-term strategy and interim usage plan for the vacant Black Rock seafront site, which recently hosted event spaces and a World Cup fan zone.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🥫 Council rejects emergency food stockpiling proposal: Transport and customer service leads confirmed the council will rely on community partnerships and pandemic learning rather than national food stockpiling to manage potential future supply chain disruptions.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

💡 Council pushes power firm to switch on Black Rock boardwalk lights: Transport leads have pledged to expedite discussions with UK Power Networks to connect electricity to over 100 seafront lights along the Black Rock boardwalk that have sat unlit for four years.
→ read more on Brighton and Hove News

🌊 IceBreakers

⏰ Weekly Dips & Community Gatherings
📍 Seafront Locations Across Brighton & Hove

Men’s mental health is a cause exceptionally close to my own heart. Having navigated my fair share of personal struggles over the years and seen so many mates battle through their own dark patches, I know how vital real connection, grounding, and support truly are. That is why I am so proud to champion IceBreakers, a phenomenal initiative co-founded by my very dear friend Jack Horner alongside a dedicated team of trustees.

IceBreakers isn’t about "fixing" anyone or offering formal therapy. It is a completely free, open-door space that brings men together in nature to dip, walk, connect, and reset. Built around "The IceBreakers Way" a grounding six-stage rhythm of breathing, movement, cold water immersion, and reheating it offers a powerful way to shake off life's tension alongside a supportive community. It is 100% free, always, and any man from any background is welcome to turn up and take part. If you or a man in your life could use a moment to reconnect and feel a bit more alive, get down to the Hove seafront and see what it’s all about.

🔗 Find your local Brighton dip and join the IceBreakers community

🍕 Rudy’s pizza

I was first introduced to this spot by a dear friend, and it quickly became our absolute go-to place in London whenever we wanted to catch up over delicious pizza and a couple of pints. In fact, it took every bit of effort for us to break away from it and actually try anywhere else. Naturally, I was over the moon when they opened up right here in Brighton on Jubilee Street.

They do proper authentic Neapolitan pizza with that light, 24-hour fermented dough baked in Stefano Ferrara ovens for the perfect char. Loaded with top-tier imported Italian ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and fior di latte mozzarella, every single slice hits the mark. It has easily landed in my top three favourite pizza spots in town, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone.

📍 17 Jubilee Street, Brighton, BN1 1GE
🕒 11:45am to 9:30pm (Sun to Thu), 11:45am to 10:30pm (Fri to Sat)
🔗 Check them out

🏠 The Kings House Penthouse

Occupying prime position atop Kings House, the iconic Grade II listed landmark on Hove seafront, this newly converted split-level penthouse delivers luxury living in an historic setting. The upper level features a spacious lounge and high-specification kitchen with unbeatable panoramic sea views through grand sash windows. Across the 4 double bedrooms, 3 boast private en-suite facilities, alongside a guest cloakroom and flexible space ideal for a home office. Residents enjoy a private sun-drenched roof terrace, dedicated concierge service, a residents' lounge, and an allocated space in the secure gated underground car park with private storage. Right, who do I need to bribe at the bank to make this my reality by Friday?

📍 Grand Avenue, Hove
💰 Guide Price £2,150,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

Tue

🎤 Katherine Jenkins | 7pm, Tue @ Brighton Dome (Concert Hall)
A live concert performance by Britain's best-selling classical crossover artist. More Info

🎷 The Brunswick Jazz Jam | 8pm, Tue @ The Brunswick
Brighton's longest-running free jazz jam session hosted by Paul Richards, featuring talented jazz musicians from across the South. More Info

Wed

🍹 Sober Social | 6pm, Wed @ Pink Moon
An inclusive, alcohol-free community hangout hosted by Brighton Neurodivergent Community for members to meet and socialize in a comfortable setting. More Info

🎬 SOUL TO SOUL: Cinema & the Politics of Return | 7pm, Wed @ The Rose Hill
A Black History Month screening of the 1971 concert documentary capturing an extraordinary musical encounter between African American and Ghanaian artists in Accra, introduced with a post-film discussion. More Info

🌊 Ocean Film Festival World Tour | 7:30pm, Wed @ Brighton Dome (Concert Hall)-A curated collection of short ocean films showcasing marine life, oceanographers, surfers, and divers in a cinematic celebration of the world's seas. More Info

🍕 1,000 Free Pizza Slices Giveaway | 12pm, Thu @ Connie's Pizza
Connie's Pizza is giving away 1,000 free pizza slices on a first-come, first-served basis, with voluntary donations going directly to support The Clock Tower Sanctuary. More Info

📿 All You Can Bead | 6pm, Wed @ The Islingword
A relaxed creative session with unlimited access to a pop-up Bead Bar to craft custom bracelets, necklaces, phone straps, and bag charms. More Info

🐻 Man or Bear | 8pm, Wed @ Brighton Dome (Studio Theatre)
A darkly comic play blending realism, movement, and music inspired by the viral question, exploring fear, resilience, and female friendship. More Info

🎤 Kane Brown: Crowd Work King | 8pm, Wed @ Komedia
A brand-new, fully unscripted show featuring one hour of live, on-the-spot audience participation and comedy made up in real time. More Info

🧘 Photo Fringe: SA TA NA MA | 4pm, Wed @ Brighton Seafront
A site-specific exhibition by photographic artist Eva Kalpadaki featuring sequential seascape imagery captured during Kundalini Yoga meditation sessions. More Info

🎙️ Susan Calman; Tall Tales | 7:30pm, Wed @ Theatre Royal
A hilarious new stand-up show filled with stories about cruising, driving tanks, cats, and getting older from the popular TV and radio comedian. More Info

Thur

🎙️ Josh Pugh | 7:30pm, Thu @ Theatre Royal
The Edinburgh Award-nominated viral sensation returns with a brand-new, clever, and heartwarming stand-up show about enjoying yourself and doing your best. More Info

🎵 Sounds Familiar Music Quiz | 6:30pm, Thu @ The Walrus
An energetic music quiz blending hit playlists with a party atmosphere, featuring rounds of chart classics, indie bangers, power ballads, and over 100 tunes. More Info

🌍 Matt Winning: Solastalgia | 7:30pm, Thu @ The Old Market
A storytelling climate comedy lecture by Dr Matt Winning exploring the distress caused by environmental change and how to save what we love. More Info

🎼 BPO Listening Club: Glitter and Be Gay (Stravinsky and Mozart) | 6pm, Thu @ Brighton Unitarian Church-An informal, illustrated talk with pianist Joanna MacGregor delving into the composers' intentions, social context, and musical motifs behind BPO's October concert. More Info

🤠 Queer Cxntry | 8pm, Thu @ Komedia (Basement)
A queer country club night hosted by Dame Jame featuring pink suits, The Northdown Rodeo, and country music performances. More Info

🎭 Crying Into Bins | 7:30pm, Thu @ Komedia (Studio)
A surreal, cathartically funny spoken word performance taking audiences on a journey through 20 years of working in the hospitality industry. More Info

Fri

🍂 Big Autumn Market | 9am, Fri @ St. George's Church
A celebration of seasonal food, farming, and community featuring local Sussex farmers, growers, bakers, and independent producers selling artisan bread, produce, cheese, and flowers. More Info

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Print Media Celebration | 5pm, Fri @ Bearly Awake
An evening celebrating queer print and independent publishing featuring curated LGBTQ+ magazines, exclusive issues, and a chance to meet the team behind BOYS! magazine. More Info

🎭 Woodhill | 7:30pm, Fri & Sat @ Brighton Dome (Corn Exchange)
An explosive documentary theatre and dance performance by LUNG theatre that uses gut-wrenching choreography and unflinching beats to investigate the crisis facing UK prisons through the eyes of three grieving families. More Info

🔊 Channel One Sound System | 7pm, Fri @ Volks Club
One of the UK’s longest-running reggae sound systems celebrates 45 years of breaking barriers with their iconic custom-built sound system on tour. More Info

🩺 Dr. Xand van Tulleken | 7pm, Fri @ Brighton Dome (Studio Theatre)
A insightful talk exploring the surge in modern healthcare innovations—from drug design to genomics—and navigating the confusing world of consumer health. More Info

👻 Ghostly Gatherings | 8pm, Fri @ Preston Manor
An after-dark ghost tour of one of Brighton's most haunted houses, complete with a glass of wine, nibbles, and expert guides revealing the estate's secrets. More Info

📜 The Fearless and Fabulous Women of Brighton and Hove | 2pm, Fri @ Brighton Unitarian Church-Local historian Louise Peskett highlights the intriguing and adventurous stories of the city's trailblazing women. Ticket includes tea, coffee, and cake. More Info

🎵 One Song | 12pm & 1pm, Fri @ Fabrica
An audio-visual installation and community archive by Kadir Karababa exploring how music carries memory, identity, and a sense of home across borders. More Info

Live Music

Safehouse Open Session | Tue @ Rose Hill
Coma Red | Tue @ Rossi Bar
MAAR | Tue @ Folklore Rooms
Ruel | Tue @ Chalk
Eilis Frawley + Support | Tue @ The Brunswick
Katherine Jenkins | Tue @ Brighton Dome - Concert HallJ
azz Jam | Tue @ The Brunswick
Yonaka | Tue @ Concorde 2
Bones Ate Arfa | Tue @ Green Door Store
Skating Polly + Lord Friday | Tue @ Hope & Ruin

JJerome87 | Wed @ Chalk
The Yummy Fur & Special Guests | Wed @ Prince Albert
TRIPLE A: AUTUMN TAKEOVER | Wed @ Daltons
Balls Deep with laughter | Wed @ The Brunswick
DICK VALENTINE ACOUSTIC 2026 (from The Electric Six) | Wed @ The Brunswick
Stone Hill Collective | Wed @ Folklore Rooms
Anciients | Wed @ Dust
Helicopter Pirates | Wed @ Rossi Bar
SOUL TO SOUL: ROUTES TO RETURN | Wed @ Rose Hill
HH: Winter Gardens + Opal Mag + Lucy Darke + Tears At The Table | Wed @ Hope & Ruin

STAY UP LATE 15 YEAR PARTY | Thu @ Daltons
The Wonder Stuff & Inspiral Carpets | Thu @ Brighton Dome Concert Hall
Six of One and Half-a-Dozen of the Other | Thu @ The Brunswick
The Wanted 2.0 | Thu @ Concorde 2
STAY UP LATE 15 YEAR PARTY | Thu @ Daltons
KOTOA | Thu @ Alphabet
Liege and Lief - Retro Folk-Rock Band | Thu @ The Brunswick
Yoko Miura, Viv Corringham, Lawrence Casserley, Gus Garside, James Parsons | Thu @ Rose Hill
Cryer Mya | Thu @ Folklore Rooms
Dateline + support | Thu @ Prince Albert
Violet Grohl | Thu @ Chalk
Fontaines D.C.: 'Dopamine Chamber' Listening Event | Thu @ Resident
Wasabi | Thu @ Rossi Bar
Ragdoll | Thu @ Green Door Store
Ulrika Spacek | Thu @ Hope & Ruin

Brighton Beach Boys: John Lennon | Fri @ The Brunswick
Ebony Osailah | Fri @ Folklore Rooms
The Amazons | Fri @ Chalk
Liam Cromby + The Morning Star | Fri @ The Brunswick
Josephine Foster | Fri @ The Old Market
Letz Zep | Fri @ Concorde 2
Kepler | Fri @ Concorde 2
Jungle, Jungle Tek, Breaks | Fri @ Patterns
PERENNIAL | Fri @ Alphabet
Borrowed Time Fractured, Vampire Slumber Party | Fri @ The Pipeline
Amplify & Basstripper | Fri @ Quarters
Jhariah | Fri @ Patterns
THIS IS IT! // INDIE CLUB NIGHT | Fri @ Daltons
ZERO 7 (DJ Set) | Fri @ Quarters
Harker + Burnt Tapes + Making Friends | Fri @ Prince Albert
CREATURES | Fri @ Caroline of Brunswick
Channel One Sound System UK Tour: Brighton | Fri @ Volks
Wasuremono | Fri @ Hope & Ruin
Aftershock presents: Amen4Tekno | Fri @ Volks

Last week's Isetta factory trivia proved to be a real head-scratcher! Over 34% of voters guessed the Reliant Robin, but 24.14% correctly identified the BMW Isetta bubble car. You can read all about the history here.

This week, we are looking at a delightful, hidden creative spot tucked away in Powis Square. First restored by artist Sam Toft and curated by Amber Elise, two iconic red London phone boxes have been continuously serving as Brighton's smallest art gallery since 2017, offering local creators a free space to exhibit their work.