Happy Friday, Brighton & Hove!

With the weather looking like it can’t pick between winter and spring mode this weekend, I’ve got plenty to keep you busy sun or rain, from candlelit string quartets to chaotic bingo. This week, we’re also tucking into Tokyo-inspired eats on Baker Street and finding our zen in a Scandi-inspired shop on Bond Street.

Here’s what’s squawking this week: 

🍤 Bogan Bingo and bottomless brunch at Komedia
🕯️ Fleetwood Mac’s hits performed by a string quartet
🍱 Tokyo-inspired eats at award-winning Bonsai Plant Kitchen
🛍️ Design-led treasures and Scandi styles on Bond Street

Want to get your business in front of 5,200+ locals? Reply to this email for the details.

🛍️ HOLD

Lagom is the Swedish philosophy of just the right amount, with balance, sustainability, and finding happiness in having enough, and HOLD is Brighton’s own physical embodiment of it. It’s the flagship home of ‘Lagom Design’, a space dedicated to craft, longevity, and the kind of quiet inspiration that makes everyday life feel a bit more considered. The two-story space is all about curation, blending exclusive collaborations with hand-picked goods from small-batch producers. It’s another example of why our little city was named the most creative in the UK.

What really sets HOLD apart is its roster of designers who bring a serious punch of personality to the shelves. You'll find work from Molly McCammon, who describes her style as 'quite nostalgic, with a mid-century or vintage nod to it' and aims to illustrate what she calls 'the good life.' Alongside her are the joyful visuals of Judit Zengővári, who views her personal style as a muscle that grows with practice, resulting in playful compositions that 'bring joy and wonder.' They also feature the work of Ariana Martin, a self-described 'magpie for obscure 20th-century graphics,' her work is vibrant and ‘lyrical’ and seeks to provide that 'small and simple pleasure' that can really lift the spirit.

The shop feels more like an art gallery where design is championed over anything else, while being anchored in quality and impeccable service. The range of goods on sale is almost endless, from stunning gift wrapping paper and gift cards to bath mats, mugs and umbrellas. If you're hunting for a beautifully made gift or a small piece of personal indulgence, HOLD is the place for you, whether popping in or looking online. It’s a shop built on the belief that a well-designed object that lasts a lifetime, are one of life’s true pleasures.

📍 14 Bond Street, BN1 1RD
🕣 10-6pm (Mon-Sat), 11-5pm (Sun)
🔗 Visit their online storefront

🍱 Bonsai Plant Kitchen

With the BRAVOS 2026 winners announced this Tuesday, it’s the perfect time to revisit a spot that won the "Plant Champions" category at last year’s awards. Bonsai Plant Kitchen is a Tokyo-inspired neighbourhood spot that has evolved from a cult-favourite pop-up into a permanent, multi-award-winning fixture on Baker Street. This isn't just another vegan restaurant in a city that has more than anywhere else, it’s a high-octane, experimental kitchen that even the most dedicated carnivore would have no complaints after a few courses. The vibe is trendy and elegant, with polished benches, glass bricks, and a house soundtrack that makes every visit a real occasion.

The secret sauce as Bonsai is the traditional bincho grill, which uses premium Japanese white charcoal. Chef Dom Sherriff and his team infuse every dish with a deep, smoky BBQ char that simply can't be replicated by conventional grilling. The menu is a remix of Japanese techniques and Brighton spirit, featuring dishes like miso-glazed aubergine skewers, Sussex-grown mushroom tempura, and their famous no-pork spring rolls, described by a food critic at the Guardian as a "cacophony of non-sentient items" styled into a punchy, umami hit. The attention to detail is remarkable, from the house-made kimchi to the mixed vegetable gyoza finished with a blowtorch.

If you’re heading there for a midweek early dinner or Friday lunch, their £15 Bento Box is an absolute steal, offering a balanced spread of Szechuan tofu or char siu ‘chicken’ with steamed rice, pickles, and a house condiment. It’s available Monday to Thursday from 5-6pm and Friday from 12-2pm, making it one of the best value lunches in the city. For those looking to go all out, the £30 tasting menu is the way to go. It requires the whole table to participate but guarantees a curated journey through their best small plates and bincho-fired skewers, ensuring you don't miss out on the kitchen's most experimental hits.

Beyond the food, the bar serves up cocktails that hold their own against the bold flavours on the plate. I’ve become a big fan of a Spicy Margarita, which Bonsai do excelently with a tantalising blend of tequila and fresh lime with a serious kick. There’s also the Aperol Negroni, which offers a refreshing, citrusy twist on the bitter classic. Between the dragon murals, the friendly staff, and the deeply creative menu, Bonsai is a place designed to open minds. It’s the perfect example that vegan and veggie restaurants aren’t just for the non-meat-eaters, proving that plant-based cooking can be loud, smoky, and incredibly sophisticated.

📍 44-45 Baker Street
🕣 5-10:30pm (Mon-Thu & Sun), 12pm-Late (Fri-Sat)
🔗 Menu & More

Fri

👹 Garth Marenghi: This Bursted Earth | 7:30pm, Fri @ Brighton Dome
The horror master presents freshly rancid tales of sinister visions and giant skeleton moustaches from his latest book. More Info

🎭 The Treason Show | 8pm, Fri @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
The legendary satirical team returns with a trade-mark mix of topical sketches and witty parody songs. More Info

✨ Komedia Comedy Club | 8pm, Fri @ Komedia
Three top acts and an MC showcase the best of the UK's independent live comedy circuit. More Info

🐻 My First Cinema: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt | 11am, Fri @ Ropetackle Arts Centre
A wonderful animated adventure for little ones based on the best-selling bedtime book by Michael Rosen. More Info

🖼️ Helm Gallery: Take The Streets | 6pm, Fri @ Helm Gallery
A weekly takeover fusing art, music, tattoos, and cocktails in an electric creative space. More Info

Sat

🌿 Foraging Walk & Talk | 10:30am, Sat @ Plot 22
Dr Craig Jordan-Baker leads a walk connecting land, history, and language while identifying common edibles. More Info

🕯️ Candlelight: Coldplay vs Ed Sheeran | 7pm, Sat @ Royal Pavilion
A multi-sensory experience featuring hits performed by a string quartet in the iconic Royal Pavilion. More Info

👠 Frankie Fann's Double Feature | 8pm, Sat @ Artista Brighton
A drag variety show where the drinks flow and Frankie hosts a night of infamous cabaret affairs. More Info

🌊 The Big Rock Pool Challenge BioBlitz | 12pm, Sat @ Brighton Beach
Become a citizen scientist by exploring rock pools and recording biodiversity at Ovingdean. More Info

📜 BHASVIC Community History Festival | 11am - 2pm, Sat @ BHASVIC
The college opens its doors for a day of history and culture, featuring tours and displays. More Info

🎩 The Camp Legacy of Aubrey Beardsley | 1pm, Sat @ BHASVIC
Dr Dickon Edwards explores the camp legacy of Beardsley, from Oscar Wilde to Harry Styles. More Info

🎤 Soul of the City Choir Spring Gig | 6pm and 8:30pm, Sat @ All Saints Church, Hove
Experience the power of 200 voices singing in harmony at this uplifting spring showcase. More Info

Sun

🎻 The Protecting Veil: Guy Johnston | 2:45pm, Sun @ Brighton Dome
John Tavener’s spiritual masterpiece is paired with Vaughan Williams and Max Richter’s Vivaldi Recomposed. More Info

🚌 An Evening With Joe Thomas | 7pm, Sun @ Artista Brighton
The Inbetweeners star Joe Thomas shares stories and laughs about one of the nation's best-loved shows. More Info

🎬 Oska Bright Film Festival: Family Values | 4pm, Sun @ Brighton Dome Studio
A collection of short films exploring the complexities of family and parenthood from neurodivergent creators. More Info

🎨 Meet, Mingle, and Make Art! | 2pm, Sun @ Caroline of Brunswick
A relaxed social for creatives of all levels to meet, chat, and create together with zero pressure. More Info

🐊 The Enormous Crocodile The Musical | 10am and 2pm, Sun @ Theatre Royal
Roald Dahl’s classic tale comes to life in this snappy musical production for all ages. More Info

Live Music

The Cribs | Concorde 2 | Fri
Stella Donnelly | Alphabet | Fri
The Delines | The Old Market | Fri
Lo Fidelity Allstars | Chalk | Fri
Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys | Green Door Store | Fri
Memorials | Resident | Fri
Atticomatic | Prince Albert | Fri
Joshua Burnell | Komedia | Fri
The Total Stone Roses & Oaysis | Patterns | Fri

Hollie Cook | Chalk | Sat
Camo & Krooked | Concorde 2 | Sat
Sandy Rivera (Kings of Tomorrow) | Patterns | Sat
Chaos in the CBD | Patterns | Sat
Tatty Seaside All Dayer | Green Door Store | Sat
Don Letts (Rebel Dread Rockers) | Volks | Sat
The Curst Sons + Country Ties | Prince Albert | Sat

Kofi Stone | Chalk | Sun
The Vapors UK | Daltons | Sun
The Twilight Sad | Resident | Sun
Bedroomer | Green Door Store | Sun

🏏 Brighton & Hove Crescent CC - Players Wanted!

Friendly, long-established cricket club seeking players of all ages and abilities. Qualified coaches, quality practice nets, and a great social scene. Enjoy our lovely home ground (BN1 8UB) and idyllic away fixtures across Sussex.

Contact: www.pitchero.com/clubs/brightonandhovecrescent