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🐦 New Shops, Bierhauses & 12 Days of Festive Events

🐦 New Shops, Bierhauses & 12 Days of Festive Events

A retail shake-up, a wild new Bier Haus date spot, and 12 days of festive events.

Ben Watkins
November 25, 2025

Good afternoon, Brighton! ☀️

The air is crisp, but the sun is shining beautifully! We've got a busy newsletter for you this week, covering the crucial debate around new homes and the pressure they're putting on local services, a look at an ongoing retail shake-up, and a peek inside a new Alpine-themed pub, for a winter warmer of a date. Plus, we’ve got 12 Days of Christmas events for everything festive in the run-up to Xmas!

Here's what's squawking this week:

📰 Local services under strain from new homes
🛍️ 2 new shops in shake-up for Churchill Square and beyond
🍻 We dive into Barbara’s Bier Haus for the perfect winter date
🎄 12 great Christmas events for everyone

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🏗️ Politicians warn new homes are straining local services

Politicians say Brighton and Hove’s rapid housebuilding is putting pressure on GPs, dentists, schools and hospitals. Former councillor Dawn Barnett criticised the dominance of high-density flats and said many new homes are not genuinely affordable.

Independent councillor Samer Bagaeen raised concerns about major developments in Hove, warning that local infrastructure is already stretched. Council leaders defended the building programme, arguing it is essential to tackle the housing crisis.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

📚 Council still owes £15m for Jubilee Library PFI deal

Brighton and Hove City Council still has more than £15 million left to pay on the PFI deal used to build and run the Jubilee Library. The contract ends in 2029, when the building will transfer to council ownership if the remaining balance is cleared.

Councillors say the end of the PFI comes at a difficult time, with several smaller libraries facing potential closure. Once the contract ends, government support will also stop, meaning no financial savings for the council.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🛍️ Brighton Retail Shake-Up as New Stores Open and Closures Announced

Crew Clothing has opened its new Churchill Square store, offering gifts to the first 50 customers who spent £50 or more. The brand says the launch is a homecoming for its Head of Retail South, who grew up in Brighton.
→ Read more on The Argus

H&M is set to take over the former Topshop unit, aslo in Churchill Square with a major flagship store including its homeware range. The retailer states that its two existing Churchill Square stores may be affected, although plans have not yet been confirmed.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

Poundland has started clearance sales of up to 40% as two more Sussex branches prepare to close, including Western Road in Brighton and Worthing town centre. The retailer says lease issues are behind the latest wave of shutdowns.
→ Read more on Sussex Express

🗳️ Consultation opens on major council reorganisation in Sussex

A seven-week public consultation has opened on plans to reorganise all councils in Sussex and introduce a directly elected mayor in 2026. Proposals include one, two or five new unitary authorities across the county.

Brighton and Hove City Council submitted the most contentious option, suggesting five unitary authorities and expanding the city's boundaries to Peacehaven and Falmer. Final decisions are expected early in 2026.
→ Read more on BBC News

Also in the news:

🏡 Safety regulator could delay 300 new Hove homes: Approval from the Building Safety Regulator could add up to 80 weeks of delays to the Sackville Road housing scheme, increasing costs significantly.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🚧 Road dug up just days after resurfacing: Emergency gas and water works were carried out on Ditchling Road less than three days after resurfacing finished, forcing the return of temporary traffic lights.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🍺 Sussex business owners call for fairer support: Local pub and hospitality bosses say last year’s tax hikes hit them hard and are urging the chancellor to reform business rates and VAT while reversing NI increases.
→ Read more on BBC News

🌳 National park to exceed major tree planting target: The South Downs National Park Authority is planting more than 40,000 trees this winter, taking its total to over 117,000 and setting a new goal of one million more by 2035.
→ Read more on BBC News

🍻 New Brighton pub to train young people with disabilities: The North Star on Pavilion Parade will provide real world hospitality experience for young people with learning disabilities, with profits funding Team Domenica.
→ Read more on BBC News

🚗 Have your say on Western Road red route: A new consultation has opened on extending red route restrictions to tackle illegal parking between Holland Road and Montpelier Road, open until 4 January.
→ Read more on Brighton and Hove News

🎄 12 Days of Christmas: Events For Everyone

🎅 The Brighton Santa Bus
Now to Mon 23 Dec @ Various locations
The city’s favourite festive tradition returns with 20 routes over 20 nights, complete with lights, music and Santa on the top deck. Track the bus live, view routes and donate to 12 local charities.
More Info

🎄 The Gonks’ Christmas Playground
Fri 5 Dec to Wed 24 Dec @ Churchill Square
Step into a whimsical winter world of interactive games, magical activities and festive fun for all ages, ending with a visit to Santa himself. Free entry and no booking required
More Info

🧭 Hove Christmas Trail
Mon 1 Dec to Wed 31 Dec, 8am to 5pm @ Hove
Pick up a Postcard to Santa and explore Hove’s festive trail of local shops, prizes and family-friendly activities.
More Info

🎨 Beav-Art & Sulli’s Creature Feature Art Show
Mon 1 Dec to Sun 7 Dec, 10am to 4pm @ Brighton Fishing Museum
A festive celebration of art and film with imaginative creations on display by the sea.
More Info

🎶 Festive Feelings
Thu 11 Dec, 7.30pm to 10pm @ All Saints Hove
An evening of musical theatre favourites with a live band in a beautiful candlelit setting.
More Info

😂 Comedy Crackers
Sun 14 Dec, 7.30pm to 10pm @ Theatre Royal Brighton
A star-studded night of comedy featuring Romesh Ranganathan, Kerry Godliman, Kyrah Gray and more.
More Info

✨ Glow Wild
Thu 27 Nov 2025 to Sat 3 Jan 2026 @ Wakehurst
Wakehurst’s award-winning light trail returns with giant lanterns, glowing wildlife and immersive installations.
More Info

🛍️ Flour Pot Christmas Markets
Wed 3 Dec & Thu 11 Dec, 6pm to 10pm @ Flour Pot
Two festive evenings featuring local traders, Christmas cocktails, mulled wine, kids face painting and a charity raffle.
More Info

🎙️ Like Minded Friends at Christmas
Sun 7 Dec, 7.30pm @ Brighton Dome
Tom Allen and Suzi Ruffell bring their hit podcast to the stage for festive chat and laughs.
More Info

🎤 Rob Brydon and His Fabulous Band
Sun 30 Nov, 7.30pm @ Brighton Dome
Songs, stories and impressions from Rob Brydon with his eight-piece band in a warm festive show.
More Info

👑 The Big Princess Christmas Ball
Sat 29 Nov, 3pm to 5pm @ Alcampo Lounge
A magical afternoon with the Snow Sisters, singing, dancing and a visit from Father Christmas. Each child receives a personalised royal invitation.
More Info

🎼 Christmas Carol Concert at the Royal Pavilion
Wed 17 Dec, 7pm doors, 7.30pm concert @ Royal Pavilion
A sparkling evening of Christmas carols performed by Brighton Chamber Choir and Brighton Consort in the stunning Music Room. Enjoy a glass of wine and a mince pie in the Banqueting Room during the interval. Ages 14+.
More Info

🍺 Barbara’s Bier Haus

If your idea of a great date involves giant steins, alpine chaos and the possibility of pressing a mysterious red button in a disco toilet, Barbara’s Bier Haus might be your new favourite adventure. Brighton’s newest opening landed on West Street last Friday after a major refurb, turning the former Walkabout into an après in the middle of the city.

Inside, you’ll find a full alpine makeover, dancing bartenders in lederhosen, ski-anthem playlists, a gondola for photos and drinks that arrive in towers so tall they have to be served to your table. Happy Hour runs every single day from 4pm to 8pm with 50 percent off cocktails, steins and their infamous shot skis.

📍 79 West Street, BN1
⏰ 4pm-3am Mon-Sun (from 12pm Sat)
🧑‍💻 Bookings, Menus & More

👗 A Regency Villa Ready For Revival

Tucked inside the elegant horseshoe of Powis Square, this double-fronted Regency villa is a rare Brighton gem with huge potential. The five-bedroom home comes with period features, a south-facing roof terrace with sea glimpses, a compact garden, plus a self-contained apartment and that near mythical central Brighton luxury: a garage.

📍 Powis Square, BN1
💰 £1,500,000
🔗 View on Rightmove

events marked with a * are sponsored

Wednesday

🎭 PEAR: Phobia
Wed 26 Nov, 8pm @ Komedia
Award winning identical-twin sketch duo bring their hit show to Brighton. Tickets

🎨 The Best of Tim Burton and Dark Fantasy by Moonlight
Wed 26 Nov, 6pm @ Theatre Royal
An orchestral tribute illuminated by a giant moon. Tickets

📝 The Brighton Slamologue
Wed 26 Nov, 7:30pm @ Sweet @ The Yellow Book
Weekly monologue slam with quirky performances and cash prizes. More Info

😂 Cool Aid Comedy
Wed 26 Nov, 8pm @ Caroline of Brunswick
Brighton’s longest running new material night with a fresh lineup every week. More Info

😂 Rotunda Comedy
Wed 26 Nov, 8pm @ Rotunda Café Bar
A monthly comedy night featuring top stand ups. Tickets

😂 Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny
Wed 26 Nov, 8pm @ Brighton Centre
One-liners from one of the world’s biggest comedy acts. Tickets

🎄 Christmas Wreath Making
Wed 26 Nov, 7pm @ The Garden Bar, Hove
Festive wreath workshop with full kit included. Tickets

💃 Daniel Martinez: Art of Andalucia
Wed 26 Nov, 7:30pm @ The Old Market
A powerful flamenco concert celebrating Andalucian culture. Tickets

Thursday

😂 Comic Boom Comedy Club
Thu 27 Nov, 7:30pm @ Komedia
Fast-paced night of rising stars plus a top headliner. More Info

🎭 Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival
Thu 27 Nov, 7pm @ The Old Market
A night of abridged Shakespeare performed by local schools. Tickets

🎉 SoSocial: Big November Meetup
Thu 27 Nov, 7pm @ Be At One Brighton
Relaxed after-work social event to meet new people. Tickets

Friday

🎶 Story Magic (two sessions)
Fri 28 Nov, 10am & 11am @ Komedia
Storytelling, music and movement sessions for young children. More Info

🎵 Back in Time 80s Show: Murdoch’s Crazy Eyes
Fri 28 Nov, 7pm doors @ Komedia
Live 5 piece band bringing classic 80s hits to life. Tickets

🎵 The Australian Pink Floyd Show
Fri 28 Nov, 7:30pm @ Brighton Centre
Wish You Were Here performed in full plus greatest hits. Tickets

🎤 Ross Noble: Cranium of Curiosities
Fri 28 Nov, 8pm @ Brighton Dome
A tornado of tangents from the master improviser. Tickets

😂 Andy Parsons: Please #@!$ Off To Mars
Fri 28 Nov, 8pm @ The Old Market
Sharp, satirical stand up from a Mock the Week favourite. Tickets

🎭 The Legends of Them
Fri 28 Nov, 7:30pm @ Brighton Dome
A boundary-breaking theatre piece blending memory and music. Tickets

🎤 Queen by Candlelight
Fri 28 Nov, 7:30pm @ Theatre Royal
West End singers and live rock band perform Queen’s biggest hits. Tickets

🎻 Tribute to Max Richter: Vivaldi Recomposed
Fri 28 Nov, 7pm @ St George’s Church
Atmospheric candlelit performance by the Mystery Ensemble. Tickets

Live Music

Last week’s coffee trivia brewed up a fun one. We asked where the name “cappuccino” comes from and nearly half of you got it right. The answer was the Italian phrase for “little cap,” referring to the cap of milk foam that sits neatly on top. The name dates back to the 17th century and was inspired by the Capuchin monks, whose brown robes and lighter hoods resembled the coffee’s colour and foam. 46.32% got it right!

This week, inspired by the new opening of Barbara’s Bier Haus, we’re skiing into a Bavarian Bier Haus: