Hello Brighton & Hove!

This is quite possibly one of the freshest, most hot-off-the-press editions of the Squawk yet. While Marley was right in the thick of the smoke, flaming torches, and sheer spectacle of the world-famous Lewes Bonfire celebrations, I had an equally indulgent evening across town. Last night I popped along to the opening of Marnie’s, a gorgeous new neighbourhood natural wine bar, before finally ticking off a long-overdue visit to The Rook Taproom. Safe to say, this week's recommendations could not be fresher.

The celebrations continue into the weekend, with major fireworks displays still lined up alongside a cracking mix of local markets and comedy. Sunday also marks Remembrance Sunday, with civic services, parades, and wreath-laying across Brighton, Hove, and Portslade; full details are in the listings below.

Wrap up warm and have a great weekend.

Here Is What's Squawking This Week

📚 Cult and rare indie magazines pop up at Artist Residence.
👑 Broadway adaptation of Cinderella lands at The Barn Theatre.
🍷 Deadpan French comic Marcel Lucont dissects audience gripes.
🎺 Brunswick hosts a free big-band night, playing from Basie to Bond.
💍 Independent wedding fair showcases DIY inspiration at WaterBear.

Marnie’s Wine Bar (my review)

I was fortunate enough to join the founder, Max, at the opening night of Marnie’s, and this gorgeous new neighbourhood wine bar is an absolute dream addition to our local scene. Taking his first solo venture into hospitality after years in the wine industry, Max has named the space after his niece, and that warm family connection shines through immediately; the room feels far more like settling into someone’s cosy, welcoming living room than your standard night out.

The room was already buzzing on night one, and it is easy to see why. The cellar focuses on unique, low-intervention bottles from small, family-run makers, celebrating wines with real character, alongside cocktails, craft beers, and freezer martinis. I was welcomed with a complimentary glass of crisp Pet Nat on arrival, followed by a fantastic glass of Italian Vespaiola.

To pair with the drinks, I had a chunk of wonderfully pungent, creamy Langres cheese served with crackers and a drizzle of honey that genuinely felt like another planet. While our city certainly has its share of places for a drink, you will leave an evening here with a completely different feeling. Whether you are dropping in for a pre-dinner pour or lingering all evening over a bottle of natural wine, give this new venture a warm visit; you won't be disappointed.

📍 50 Preston Road, BN1 4QF
🕒 Thu–Fri: 6pm-11pm, plus select Saturdays
💰 Low-intervention natural wines, artisan cheeses, tinnies, and small plates
🔗 Follow On Instagram

I will forever remember the 5th of November.

My first ever Bonfire Night in Lewes and I was blown away. My friend got me a ticket to the Southover Bonfire Society and I think all other bonfires will pale in comparison to this one. I didn’t know that Lewes Bonfire Night isn’t just about the failure of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, but also to commemorate the 17 Protestant martyrs who were burned to death in front of what is now Lewes Town Hall. A fascinating history.

But for the most part, I stayed inside this week. We carved pumpkins with varying degrees of success. My wife and I finally hit the Chilli trifecta (Hove, the Lanes, and Tamarind). We also completed a Christmas-themed escape room- I was helpful on exactly one puzzle, and that puzzle was about Die Hard. Which is a Christmas movie. I will fight you on this.

We have entered November, which means it’s officially my birthday month (I get a whole month to myself, right?). I’ve just ordered a cake from Brighton’s favourite baker, Rise Above It. She’s making a red velvet coffin cake to fit the theme “death to my 20s”. Party guests have been instructed to wear funeral attire. I’ve never been accused of being understated, and I’m certainly not going to start now.

But there’s plenty to keep us busy this week: Thai night at The Garden Cafe, CineCity Film Festival, and the inaugural Scrabble Night at the Bella Union Vinyl Shop. 

Never a boring week in Brighton. Thank goodness.

Marley x

ps. And if you can’t get enough of me, you can always follow me;

🔗 on TikTok
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🍺 The Rook Taproom (my review)

Having had my eye on this spot for a good while, I finally popped in yesterday to work my way through their exceptional drink selection. Tucked just off the busy Western Road on Dean Street, the venue itself has nearly two centuries of heritage, dating back to the days when bartenders poured pints fully suited, booted, and sporting ties.

Today, that vintage vibe gives way to an effortless haven where the team behind the bar are warm, down-to-earth, and ridiculously knowledgeable about their craft. Boasting 22 taps, more than 150 cans, and an extensive wine list, the lineup changes constantly, though I found it impossible to resist pouring a fresh pint of Beak. Beyond being the ideal quiet corner for serious beer tasting, they also team up with their sister taproom, The Independent, to offer completely free local delivery every single Friday, or you can simply click and collect straight from the taproom. It is an unpretentious, craft-focused gem that delivers pure liquid perfection.

📍 38 Dean Street, Brighton, BN1 3EG
🕒 Mon to Thu 3pm-11pm, Fri to Sat 1pm-11.30pm, Sun 1pm-9pm
🔗 Visit their website

Fri

🎭 The Summer Palace | 7pm, Fri-Sun @ The Lantern Theatre
A chillingly funny psychological thriller starring writer Paul Bassett Davies and John Black, unravelling a tense interrogation under a totalitarian regime. More Info

📚 The Story Trail: Final Weekend | Fr-Sun @ Across Brighton & Hove
Catch the final days of this free public art trail featuring over 70 artist and community-decorated BookBench sculptures across the city in aid of Amaze Sussex. More Info

🎬 24th CINECITY Brighton Film Festival | Fri-15 Nov @ Multiple Venues
Brighton’s acclaimed cinema festival spans ten full days, showcasing exclusive international previews, award-winning features, local documentaries, and live-scored screenings. More Info

🎵 DJ Yoda: 80s Mixtape Live! | 7pm, Fri @ Concorde 2
Hip-hop pioneer DJ Yoda blends beats, iconic pop culture clips, TV nostalgia, and scratch mastery in his acclaimed audiovisual live showcase. More Info

🎭 The Importance of Being Earnest | Fri-14 Nov @ New Venture Theatre
Oscar Wilde’s delightfully absurd Victorian satire returns to the Theatre Upstairs, packed with sharp wit, double lives, and chaotic romantic entanglements. More Info

🎭 Curtain Up! The World of Toy Theatre | Fri - 9 Jan @ Brighton Toy Museum-Discover over two centuries of miniature stages, Georgian origins, and Victorian pantomimes in this unique visiting exhibition of historic toy theatres. More Info

🎸 Paul McCartney - A Celebration | 8pm, Fri @ Ironworks Studios
An intimate acoustic tribute honouring six decades of music from The Beatles, Wings, and solo hits, plus a fun Macca quiz. More Info

💀 Day Of The Dead Celebration | 6pm, Fri @ Shelter Hall
Celebrate with live Mariachi music, Margarita deals, and authentic Mexican street food alongside seven seafront kitchens. Table booking is highly recommended. More Info

💻 UX Brighton 2026: Emerging Methods | 10am, Fri @ Brighton Dome
A premier design conference exploring cutting-edge AI workflows, behavioural research methods, and future design tools, followed by an evening networking party. More Info

Sat

🎁 Kemptown Arts Association Xmas Art & Gift Market | 11am, Sat @ St. George's Church-A family-friendly festive market featuring over 20 local artists selling original art, prints, jewellery, ceramics, and gifts, plus an on-site cafe and play area. Free entry. More Info

🎶 ISQ: The Silence is Deafening Live | 2pm, Sat @ The Folklore Rooms
Vocalist Irene Serra brings her acclaimed alt-jazz quartet to an intimate afternoon show blending jazz musicianship, alt-pop textures, and atmospheric songwriting. This is a unique, one-of-a-kind event. More Info

👑 Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella | 2:30pm & 7:30pm, Sat @ The Barn Theatre, Southwick-Experience the Broadway adaptation of the classic fairytale, featuring fresh twists, a hilarious libretto, and an unforgettable musical score. More Info

🎭 Talking Only Me and You | 5pm & 7pm, Sat @ The Lantern Theatre
A poignant showcase of contemporary short scenes depicting youth experiences, connection, evolving friendships, and the awkward challenges of modern communication.

🕯️ Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight | 7pm, Sat @ Royal Pavilion
Experience Vivaldi’s revolutionary masterpiece in a breathtaking, candlelit setting capturing the vivid essence and emotional power of nature. More Info

🎤 Mark Thomas: 40 in Stand Up Years | 8pm, Sat @ The Old Market, Hove
One of the UK’s defining political and alternative comics hits the stage with a brand-new show celebrating four decades at the microphone. More Info

🎻 My Homeland | 7:30pm, Sat @ Brighton Dome (Concert Hall)
A moving orchestral concert exploring hope and new beginnings, showcasing works by Dvořák, Florence Price, and William Grant Still conducted by Kellen Gray. More Info

🎹 Piano Masterpieces and Forgotten Melodies | 6pm, Sat @ St Mary's Church, Kemptown-Pianist Jonathan Zoob performs a richly varied classical recital featuring works by Haydn, Liadov, Medtner, Rachmaninov, and Chopin. More Info

Sun

🍷 Marcel Lucont's Whine List | 7:30pm, Sun @ Ironworks Studios
The deadpan Frenchman serves up an interactive group-therapy comedy show dissecting audience woes, past misdemeanours, and deliciously petty grievances. More Info

💃 Come Alive: Echo Performing Arts CIC | 4pm, Sun @ The Old Market, Hove
A vibrant dance performance showcasing imagination, identity, and original talent from Brighton & Hove’s diverse community dancers. More Info

🎷 Big Band Night | 7pm, Sun @ The Brunswick, Hove
A lively evening of big-band jazz, covering everything from Count Basie and Sinatra classics to James Bond and Mario themes. Free admission with band collections. More Info

💍 Brighton Wedding Market | 11am, Sun @ WaterBear MusicBar
Explore Brighton's newest affordable DIY venue and connect with independent local vendors, live music, and wedding inspiration. Free entry. More Info

🎤 Simon Brodkin: Unleashed | 7:30pm, Sun @ Brighton Dome (Concert Hall)
The acclaimed comedian and infamous prankster brings his boundary-pushing, high-energy stand-up show to the Concert Hall stage. More Info