What's On in Brighton & Hove: 12–18 July 2026

Good Morning, Brighton

We're properly into summer now, aren't we? The kind of week where you can't believe how good it feels just to wander down to the seafront with no rush. This week, there's some genuinely lovely things happening around the city—from our brilliant hairdressers making international headlines to exciting new food and drink spots opening their doors. Let's dive in.

This Week in Brighton & Hove

- Daniel Stanley's L'Oréal win: Our own Daniel from Peg Hair has been crowned Southern Regional Winner at the L'Oréal Colour Trophy—one of the world's longest-running hair competitions. Seventy years it's been running, and our local talent is up there shining. If you've been thinking about a new look, this might be the moment to book in.

- Blank Street Coffee arrives: New York's Instagram-famous matcha café is opening its first seaside location on East Street this weekend. If you've heard the buzz about their drinks but thought you'd have to fly to NYC, now's your chance. Fair warning: expect queues.

- Roebuck Estates wine bar at the Royal Pavilion: West Sussex sparkling wine is coming to the Pavilion this summer. English wine tastings and curated flights—perfect for a lazy afternoon in one of the city's most beautiful spots.

- Brighton Gay Men's Chorus goes 18th century: Mother Clap's Molly House is bringing queer history to life with a celebration of LGBTQ+ resilience across 300 years. A joyful, brilliant piece of theatre.

This Weekend

July's the time when Brighton Beach is absolutely thriving. The water's as warm as it'll get all year, and the seafront's buzzing without quite being rammed yet. Grab a spot on the pebbles, take a stroll along to Hove Lawns if you fancy somewhere quieter, or pop onto the Palace Pier just to feel that Victorian charm.

If you're exploring on foot, head north to the North Laine—the Saturday market will be running, and it's the perfect time to poke about the independent shops before ducking into Komedia if there's something on that catches your eye.

Preston Park is glorious right now if you want green space and a bit of breathing room. Pack a picnic, stretch out, and remember this is completely free.

Where to Eat and Drink This Week

Since we're featuring Hove this week, it's a good excuse to remind you how lovely Church Road and George Street are for a proper meal or drink.

The Gingerman on Norfolk Road is always reliable for excellent, unpretentious cooking—real food, friendly service, the kind of place you feel genuinely looked after.

If you fancy something a bit more relaxed, Cin Cin does brilliant Italian with genuine warmth. Summer evenings on their terrace are pretty special.

For something vegetarian-leaning, Terre à Terre (over in the Lanes, just a short walk away) is a local institution—innovative, seasonal, and genuinely exciting without being fussy.

Worth Knowing

If you're getting around this week, the Volk's Electric Railway is still running along the seafront—it's the world's oldest operating electric railway, and it's a lovely way to cover ground without melting in the heat.

Brightness peaks around mid-July, so make the most of these long evenings. Whether it's a beach walk at 9 p.m. or lingering over dinner as the light fades, this is when Brighton really sings.

Have a wonderful week, and do pop back in next Sunday for what's coming up.