What's On in Brighton & Hove: 23 August 2026

Good Morning, Brighton

What a brilliant week to be in our city! The summer's still got plenty of warmth in it, and there's a real buzz about—from national recognition for our independent food scene to new community celebrations springing up right here in Hove. If you haven't ventured into The Lanes lately, this is the perfect time to rediscover why locals keep coming back to those twisting medieval alleyways.

This Week in Brighton & Hove

- Jamun Brighton Named Kitchen of the Year — Our city centre is celebrating proper recognition: Jamun has just scooped Kitchen of the Year at the English Curry Awards. If you've been meaning to try it, this week feels like the right moment.

- Bardsley's Fish and Chips Turns 100 — Baker Street's legendary chippy has been serving golden, crispy cod for a century. That's a century! They've marked the occasion with special offers, so perfect time to grab some proper fish and chips from Brighton's oldest.

- Brighton Dyke Pride Launches New Event — A brilliant grassroots celebration is coming to St Ann's Well Gardens in Hove next month, created by and for the local dyke community. Lovely to see new community-led events taking root.

- O'Neill's Opens on Union Street — The Font has transformed into a contemporary sports bar and live music venue. Worth popping in to see what the team's done with the space.

This Weekend

With the sun still generous and August at its best, get down to Brighton Beach for a proper swim or paddle—the pebbles are warm underfoot and the water's actually swimmable. Grab a coffee from one of the seafront spots and watch the world go by.

Head into The Lanes on Saturday morning when the atmosphere's just right—the narrow streets are buzzing but not heaving, and you'll spot independent jewellery shops, vintage finds, and quirky boutiques tucked into corners. Pop into the Saturday market if you're after local crafts and street food.

If the weather holds, Preston Park is brilliant for a lazy afternoon—grab a picnic from one of our delis and sprawl out under the trees. Or take a nostalgic ride on Volk's Electric Railway along the seafront—it's the world's oldest operating electric railway and feels properly magical on a summer day.

For something different, Hove Lawns offers a quieter, gentler vibe than the main beach. Great for a stroll, and the surrounding restaurants on George Street are perfect for dinner afterwards.

Where to Eat and Drink This Week

The Lanes has some absolute treasures. English's of Brighton is a proper institution—been serving exceptional seafood since 1945, and it feels like stepping back into old Brighton the moment you walk in. Their fish and chips rival Bardsley's, honestly.

For something plant-forward, Terre à Terre offers imaginative vegetarian cooking that's nothing like "sad salad." Tucked away in these historic alleyways, it's exactly the kind of place that makes The Lanes special.

Want something convivial and buzzy? Cin Cin delivers proper Italian warmth and excellent pasta—ideal for a midweek dinner when you want to feel nourished and happy.

Worth Knowing

Pride season's building energy across the city, particularly in Kemp Town—if you're planning events that weekend, book early. Our Sussex Police have just been recognized nationally as the UK's best for answering 999 calls (over 98% within 10 seconds), so that's reassuring.

Parking in The Lanes can be fiddly; the train station's just north and it's a lovely walk down, or use the seafront car parks and stroll in from the beach.

Enjoy your week, Brighton!