Hello, Brighton & Hove!

Whether you’re hunting for golden eggs at Preston Manor or ducking the seafront crowds for some top-tier Mezcal on Ship Street, we’ve got plenty of Easter fun on this bank holiday. In the headlines this week is the city’s "risky" new bus plans and the heated row over our pothole-ridden roads, as well as some more feel-good news featuring Paris Hilton and Olly Alexander.

Here’s what’s squawking this week: 

🕳️ Council clashes over Brighton's pothole backlog
🚌 Labour resurrects "risky" bus franchising plan
🥚 6 egg-cellent local Easter weekend events
🍹 Dumplings and agave spirits in the North Laine

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🏗️ Valley Gardens Phase 3 "entering final months"

Brighton’s major seafront traffic overhaul is scheduled for completion this summer, with work on Steine Gardens’ new paths and green spaces set to begin shortly. From 13 April, the Aquarium junction will see five weeks of temporary traffic lights as new signals are installed, replacing the old roundabout with a pedestrian-friendly layout.

→ Read more on BBC News

🚌 Labour resurrects "risky" bus franchising plan

The council is set to study a move toward a franchising model for the city's bus network, despite a 2021 report warning it could be "detrimental" to passengers and taxpayers. While proponents argue it offers more local control, critics point out that Brighton already has the highest bus use per head outside London and that a takeover could lead to high costs and no guarantee of success.

→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🏥 Unanimous support for social housing at Brighton General site

Councillors have backed a cross-party motion to prioritise genuinely affordable social housing on the historic hospital site at the top of Elm Grove. The move aims to keep the land in public hands and provide homes for local key workers, such as bus drivers and healthcare staff, who are currently being priced out of the city.

→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🕳️ Verbal duel erupts over Brighton’s pothole "backlog"

A heated council debate saw Conservative and Labour members clash over the state of the city's roads following a punishing winter. While the opposition criticised a lack of transparency in repair priority lists, the administration blamed years of "underinvestment" and claimed they are now mending over 1,000 potholes a month with a boosted £5.3m budget.

→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

🧠 Lifeline support at Preston Park Recovery Centre under threat

Campaigners have secured cross-party support in their fight to stop mental health services at the Wellbeing Hub from being slashed from five days a week to just six hours. Protesters outside Hove Town Hall warned that the "sudden and dangerous" reduction would leave over 400 vulnerable users without a safety net, potentially forcing more people into overstretched NHS crisis services.

→ Read more on Brighton & Hove News

Also in the news:

🚂 Brighton Main Line 9-Day Closure in 2027: Passengers are being warned to plan ahead for February half-term next year, when the line between Three Bridges, Brighton, and Lewes will shut for major safety works. → read more on The Argus

🎤 Paris Hilton Joins Brighton Pride Icons: Reality star turned DJ Paris Hilton is confirmed as the "Sunday Icon" for Brighton & Hove Pride on 2 August, completing a 35th-anniversary bill that features Raye, Diana Ross, and Holly Johnson. → read more on BBC News

🥊 Brighton Boxer Adam Maca Hits 5-0: The 18-year-old local star continued his undefeated streak with a knockout victory at the Copper Box Arena, stopping Lydon Chircop in just four rounds. → read more on The Argus

🥋 Nam Yang Martial Arts Honoured for Inclusion: The Brighton-based gym has been recognised for its "amazing" work with refugees, the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities, teaching students to "kick and punch with love and respect." → read more on BBC News

🎀 Olly Alexander Becomes Sussex Beacon Patron: The It’s A Sin star has officially joined the Brighton HIV charity as a patron, pledging to help tackle health inequalities and support the hospice’s specialist care. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

☕ The Botanist Coffee Co Closes Two Shops: The independent roaster has shut its Gloucester Road and Pavilion sites as it "pivots" the business ahead of opening a larger joint venture location in the city centre. → read more on The Argus

🦪 Riddle and Finns Anniversary Oyster Bar Approved: The restaurant will host a temporary oyster and champagne bar on the promenade over Easter weekend to celebrate 20 years in the city, despite police concerns over beach drinking. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🍕 Late-Night Delivery Win for Square Pizza: The Pool Valley takeaway has been granted a licence for deliveries after 11pm, after the owner agreed to strict safety conditions including minimal lighting and extra security. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🥬 "Right to Grow" Volunteers Feed Whitehawk: Community gardeners are transforming unloved grass patches into thriving veg beds to provide fresh crops for local family hubs and residents. → read more on BBC News

🚽 Seafront Toilet Lack Leading to "Fouling": Residents have warned the council that the mile-long stretch between the Pier and Marina urgently needs more facilities to stop people fouling the beach. → read more on Brighton & Hove News

🐰 6 Great Easter Weekend Events

🛍️ Easter Makers Fair

If you've had enough chocolate, go support some local talent. Paper Daisy Events is taking over the Shoreham Centre on Saturday for a massive Easter fair. With dozens of independent businesses selling ceramics, jewellery, and small-batch food, it’s the best place to find something truly local.

📍 The Shoreham Centre | Sat 4 Apr, 10am-3:30pm
🎟️ Free entry | Browse exhibitors

🥚 The Big Easter Weekend at the Pier

The Palace Pier is back with its annual three-day extravaganza. It’s the classic seaside Easter experience. think arcade chaos combined with a massive egg hunt where you solve the Bunny’s clues to snag a reward. It gets busy quickly, so we'd recommend getting there early as reward entries are limited.

📍 Brighton Palace Pier | Fri 3 - Sun 5 Apr, 10am-4pm
🎟️ Free entry for residents | More info here

🌟 Preston Manor Golden Egg Hunt

For a slightly more "heritage" vibe, drop into Preston Manor for a self-led hunt through the Edwardian house and its gardens. It's a great shout for families who want a bit of history mixed with their sugar high, and find all the hidden golden eggs to claim a prize at the front desk.

📍 Preston Manor & Gardens | Fri 3 - Sun 12 Apr, 10am-4pm
🎟️ £2 per trail (+ admission) | Book tickets

🌷 Spring Trail at One Garden

If you want to escape the seafront crowds, head up to Stanmer Park. One Garden is hosting a nature-focused "Spring Trail" designed for primary-aged explorers to discover the gardens as they burst into life. There's also live music from the Stanmer Band on Saturday and Monday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm.

📍 One Garden, Stanmer Park | Fri 3 - Mon 6 Apr, 9:30am-5pm
🎟️ Suggested £2 donation | Plan your visit

🎭 Broadway by the Sea: A Musicals Party

Saltdean Lido is ditching the traditional eggs for something much louder on Saturday. They're hosting a massive musicals and movie daytime takeover with high-energy show tunes and a "sunset vibes" party atmosphere right by the pool. If you've got kids, check out the "Wild Science" animal egg hunt on Friday morning instead.

📍 Saltdean Lido | Fri 3 Apr (Science) & Sat 4 Apr (Musicals)
🎟️ £9.15 | Get tickets

🐰 The Great Hangleton Egg Hunt

For a proper old-school community feel, the Brighton & Hove Soirée Rotary are back at Hangleton Manor this Good Friday. It’s exactly what you remember from being a kid: a straightforward, cheerful egg hunt in the manor grounds followed by a legendary Easter bonnet competition.

📍 Hangleton Manor, Hove | Fri 3 Apr (Good Friday)
🎟️ £3 Entry | More Info

🍍 The Golden Pineapple

If you’re looking to dodge the stag-do crowds and the "pints of Cobra" chaos of the seafront, The Golden Pineapple on Ship Street is your safe haven. Since 2018, this intimate, table-service cocktail bar has been operating as a quiet oasis in the heart of the Laines. A golden pineapple has historically been a symbol of good hospitality, and that’s exactly the vibe here, friendly, polished service in a candlelit setting that feels more like a hidden secret than a high-street bar.

What really sets them apart is their status as an agave spirits specialist. They boast Brighton’s largest selection of Mezcal and Tequila, with over 100 bottles behind the bar. Their cocktail list features seasonal house creations and inventive twists on the classics, but they aren't precious about it, the staff genuinely love going "off-menu" to whip up something bespoke based on what you like. It’s quite rare for a bar to not have music blaring over your conversation these days, so the calmer atmosphere of the Golden Pineapple is a standout feature for central Brighton on a Saturday night.

The food is just as impressive, thanks to a kitchen residency from Papa Dumpling. Chef Liam brings a seasonal menu of hand-folded dumplings with global flavours that people are already raving about. Expect dim sum, gyoza, and bao with unexpected twists, alongside standout sides like veggie-friendly, coal-fired lion's mane skewers. It’s an ever-evolving menu, so there’s always something new to try, making it a spot you’ll find yourself coming back to more than once.

Owing to the petite size of the bar, they mainly cater to smaller groups, which keeps the atmosphere relaxed and exclusive. They have a strict no-fancy-dress and no-stags policy, which contributes to the mature, relaxed vibe that’s often missing from venues so close to the beach. Whether your ideal date is a midweek Mezcal or settling in for a Friday dumpling sharing platter, it’s a masterclass in how a modern Brighton bar should be run.

📍 14 Ship Street, BN1 1AD
🕣 5pm-11pm (Wed-Thu), 5pm-12:30am (Fri), 3pm-1am (Sat), 4pm-10pm (Sun)
🔗 Menu & More

🏰 The Jewel of Rottingdean

Steeped in history and once a retreat for the Pre-Raphaelite artist Sir Edward Burne-Jones, this 18th-century masterpiece is arguably the most iconic house on the village green. The sprawling 1.2-acre estate features 8,800 sq ft of meticulously restored Georgian luxury, complete with a heated pool, tennis court, and a self-contained cottage for guests who never want to leave.

📍 The Green, Rottingdean
💰 £4,000,000+
🔗 View on Rightmove

💞 Exploring the Challenges and Joys of Rupture & Repair
Sat 4th April 1.30pm-5pm @ Upstairs at The Actors, Kemptown
A half-day workshop exploring how to navigate conflict, repair relationships, and stay connected after rupture. With practical tools, reflective exercises, and a focus on accountability, community care and meaningful reconnection.* Book Your Ticket

Tue

🎬 Oska Bright - Drama
7pm, Tue @ Brighton Dome
A selection of beautifully crafted stories from neurodivergent creators as part of the world-leading film festival. More Info

🤝 Oska Bright - Industry Afternoon
2pm, Tue @ Brighton Dome
A dedicated networking session for learning disabled-focused cinema industry professionals. More Info

😂 See you next Tuesday!
8pm, Tue @ Artista
A leading new-material night featuring a mix of professional and up-and-coming comedians. More Info

Wed

🃏 Boast In Show
8pm, Wed @ Komedia
An award-winning live comedy show celebrating positivity and mischief for an April Fools special. More Info

📖 Brighton Telltales
7pm, Wed @ The Yellow Book
A monthly night of spoken word and traditional storytelling open to amateurs and seasoned pros. More Info

🔥 Cool-Aid Comedy
8pm, Wed @ Caroline of Brunswick
Brighton's longest-running new material night featuring pro acts and rising stars. More Info

🧸 Creative Holiday Club: Marionette Puppets
9:15am, Wed @ Brighton Dome
Children can get creative by making their very own magical animal marionette puppets. More Info

💰 Lca Fundraiser: Live Comedy Day!
8pm, Wed @ Komedia
A special show raising funds to recognise live comedy as a vital part of UK cultural life. More Info

🏆 Oska Bright Awards Ceremony
6:30pm, Wed @ Brighton Dome
Filmmakers from around the world gather to celebrate the standout works of the festival. More Info

🧠 Guide To Female Rage
7pm, Wed @ Brighthelm Centre
Psychologist Dr. Lalitaa Suglani explores hidden rage and how to release it in this session. More Info

Thu

📝 Harriet Richardson & Sarah Roberts
7:45pm, Thu @ The Forge Comedy Club
A work-in-progress show blending diaristic writing and comedy into something disarmingly funny. More Info

🍻 The Branding Needs Work
7:30pm, Thu @ Caxton Arms
A supportive comedy night where acts hone their sets and try fresh material. More Info

⚔️ Brighton Roast Battle
8pm, Thu @ Artista
Comedians go head-to-head in a competition to decide who has the sharpest playful jokes. More Info

🏠 David Elms Describes A Room
8pm, Thu @ Komedia
The veteran improviser builds a comedy mind palace before your eyes in this critically acclaimed hit. More Info

📻 Billy Nomates: Live Podcast
8pm, Thu @ The Actors
The Portrait Guy hosts Billy Nomates for a unique live podcast recording and painting session. More Info

🧐 John Kearns
7:30pm, Thu @ Brighton Dome
The multi-award winner presents his latest show, Tilting at Windmills, for a night of absurd comedy. More Info

🧢 MC Hammersmith
7:30pm, Thu @ The Forge Comedy Club
The world’s leading middle-class freestyle rapper presents an hour of improvised comedy raps. More Info

Fri

🤫 Confessions!
7:30pm, Fri @ Komedia
The Maydays turn anonymous audience secrets into spontaneous songs, sketches, and stories. More Info

💥 Filthy Fridays With Nick Helm
8pm, Fri @ The Brunswick
The human car crash of comedy himself brings his high-energy, chaotic brand of humour to Hove. More Info

🔨 Forge Comedy Club
8pm, Fri @ The Forge Comedy Club
Brighton's top-rated comedy venue presents a superb show featuring a pro-circuit lineup. 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

🔪 Murder! Live Game
12:30pm, Fri @ The Actors
A live Traitors-style experience of deception and deduction where the goal is to survive. More Info

🕶️ Secret Comedy Club Fridays
7pm, Fri @ Artista
Enjoy an intimate night of laughs at the winner of the Audience Choice Award for Best Fringe Venue. More Info

📖 Story Magic
10am and 11am, Fri @ Komedia
Natasha and Jack ignite the magic of storytelling for toddlers through music and movement. More Info

🎧 Tomora Artist Q&a
6:30pm, Fri @ Resident Music
Tom Rowlands (Chemical Brothers) and AURORA discuss their new collaborative album. More Info

Live Music

Bats In The Belfry | The Prince Albert | Tue
Pillow + Cean Capaill | The Rose Hill | Tue

Vulva Voce | The Brunswick | Wed
Black Doldrums | Green Door Store | Wed
Infected Rain & Butcher Babies | Concorde 2 | Wed
Sam Grassie | Rossi Bar | Wed
Shtëpi découvertes | Hope & Ruin | Wed

Happy Mondays | Brighton Dome | Thu
Split dogs | Green Door Store | Thu
BSEARL | Quarters | Thu
Emma Pollock | The Prince Albert | Thu
Fighting For Unity 8 | Daltons | Thu
The Miserable Rich | Hope & Ruin | Thu
The Old Market | The Old Market | Thu

Born On Road - Crossy + Gray | Quarters | Fri
Fairport Convention | The Old Market | Fri
Girls of the Internet | Hope & Ruin | Fri
Punks 4 Palestine 2gether | Daltons | Fri
Takuya Nakamura | Concorde 2 | Fri
Woking Calling | The Brunswick | Sat
Dan Owen | The Folklore Rooms | Sat
Twinnie | Komedia | Sat

Last week we asked which iconic American-born chain opened Brighton's very first burger spot in 1964? The answer was Wimpy, with 58% of you getting it spot on, the first location was at York Place, Wimpy may not be exactly thriving but they’re still around with 2 locations across the city today!

This week we’ve gone with a classic Easter theme, and I don’t know about you but I’ve never really questioned where the Easter Bunny comes from, and it’s quite surprising…

Clue: It originates from Lutherans and was originally a Hare, not a Rabbit!