Eight things to do this weekend | 14th – 16th July

It’s pissing it down as we type and as Saturday is St Swithin’s Day – the day that predicts 40 days of rain if it’s wet, if you believe British folklore – we’re getting a bit nervous about what old Swithin has done with the summer. Ok, the weather may have pushed a few things inside or forward, but our weekend fun isn’t going to be cowed by a storm risk or two. So grab a brolly and come on in…

l'atelier-du-vin-brighton-nick-harvey

1. Get 50 percent off cocktails at Hove’s latest secret bar

Popular bar L’Atelier du Vin has opened a Prohibition-style cocktail bar hidden deep underneath its Curds and Cases shop on Western Road in Hove. Head downstairs through the secret doorway and settle into a deep velvet sofa, then make the most of their exceptional champagne collection, sexy cocktails, award-winning cheeses (don’t miss the charcoal Cheddar) and charcuterie boards. It’s dark, decadent and too damn good to have just the one. And because the bar is still in its soft opening phase, they’re offering 50 percent off selected cocktails on Fridays and Saturdays until 23rd July (6pm – 11.30pm), so that means more drinks for less money. You’ll need the secret password, though. Just quote ‘BOOTLEGGER’ when you book. Shh, don’t tell everyone!
Currently open Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm – midnight
34 – 35 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1AF
latelierduvin.co.uk

2. Get discounted gelato this National Ice-Cream Day

Traditional Italian gelato maker Badiani – they’ve been making gelato since 1932 – made its sweet debut in Brighton’s Lanes last month. And to celebrate National Ice-Cream Day (we’re so on board with this particular holiday), aka this Sunday, they’ve offered BOTI readers a tasty discount. Just head along to the Brighton store on Sunday, holler ‘Brighton On The Inside’ at them (inside voices only, please) and you’ll be treated to a juicy 15 percent off their range of tempting goodies. Nice ice, baby.
Daily; midday – 9pm (15 percent discount only available this Sunday)
10 Duke Street, Brighton, BN1 1AH
badiani1932.com

3. Celebrate Trans Pride

This weekend it’s time to celebrate trans lives and gender diversity with a whole host of joyous events. Did you know it’s the 10th anniversary of Brighton Trans Pride this year and that Brighton has the largest event of its kind outside the US and was the first one in Europe? Well, now you do. The weather may have messed with the protest march route (11am for speeches at Jubilee Square before the march starts at midday or there’s a shorter accessible one from the Clocktower at 12.30pm), but it’s all still going ahead. Forecast storms put paid to the original plans for post-march celebrations at Brunswick Square – but never fear, it’s all been moved inside Brighton Dome (acts start at 1pm) and The Actors (from 6pm). The official Traumfrau after-party has already sold out, but the brilliant Ledward Centre and The Queery (meet at their space for 10am if you’d like a group to march with) are also holding Trans Pride events (life-drawing and creative writing, and a photography exhibition showcasing 10 years of Trans Pride). And, if you’re not too exhausted by Sunday, there’s a casual beach party by the Pier (11am – 5pm).
Friday 14th – Sunday 16th July; various times, prices and locations
transpridebrighton.org (keep an eye on their Instagram for any last-minute changes)

brunswick-brighton

4. Grab a pint at the Brunswick Beer Festival

You better beer-lieve it, the Brunswick Beer Festival is back with its summer edition. Yes, that’s three whole days of drinking delight. With 15 cask ales, over 20 keg craft beers, and eight different ciders, we’re going to need a whole weekend to try them all. There’s also food courtesy of the brilliant Humble Plates, plus live music and DJs. And did we mention it’s free? Weather-permitting, we’ll be kicking back in that spacious beer garden of theirs.
Friday 14th – Sunday 16th July; free
The Brunswick, 1 – 3 Holland Rd, BN3 1JF, Hove
Brunswickpub.co.uk

5. Join a drum & bass bike ride

The DJ on the bike, Dom Whiting, is bringing his energy, mixing skills, drum & bass sets and trusty bike back to Brighton for another epic ride this weekend. It’s a simple enough premise – Dom brings the tunes, you bring your bike and together you make the streets your club – but aren’t those always the most fun? The idea was born in lockdown, but Dom and his souped-up bike’s (decks on the front, speakers on the back) events have only increased in popularity since. Want to get in on the ride? Grab your bike and pedal over to Black Rock Station for the 2pm start on Sunday.
Sunday 16th July; 2pm; free
Black Rock Station, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1DZ

domwhiting.co.uk

6. Feast your eyes, ears and belly at a food and music festival

After several date changes, the Brighton debut of chef Tom Kerridge’s music and food festival, Pub In The Park, is finally here. So what can you expect? Live music (with a healthy nod to the 90s) from the likes of Happy Mondays, The Brand New Heavies, Stereo MCs, Example and Gabrielle, for starters. And, it’s a chef-founded festival, so you know there’s going to be plenty of foodie action, from live cooking zones to excellent eateries. Kerridge has gathered up some of his favourite chef pals – and their restaurants – to cook up a storm at the event. And plenty of Brighton faves will be there, from The Chilli Pickle to Cin Cin, as well as London fave Tapas Brindisa and Kerridge’s own two Michelin-starred The Hand and Flowers, of course. 14th – 16th July, 2023; from £47.20
Preston Park, Preston Road, Brighton BN1 6SD

pubintheparkuk.com

7. Pop over to a vintage pop-up

Curated by creative director and vintage buyer Daisy Grayston, OMV – aka Old Money Vintage – is holding a pop-up sale this weekend and it’s a must-attend for fashion fans. In keeping with the much-awaited release of Barbie next weekend (yes, we are excited for the Komedia dress-up screening), the pop-up promises a vintage, revived and pre-loved sartorial party of #Barbiecore-tastic, fashion fantasy proportions. And it’s pretty inclusive size-wise, too, with an exquisite edit of over 200 pieces, ranging from size 4 to size 18. Think iconic 90s brands like Escada and Charles Jordan, plus statement Italian vintage and unique accessories, beautifully arranged on six easy-to-shop themed rails. Dibs on that strawberry handbag. Pure fashion joy.
Friday 14th – Sunday 16th July; 10.30am – 5.30pm (Sat), 11am – 3pm (Sun)
The Converted Chapel, 114 Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UD

OMV

brighton-pier

8. Look after your beach on a day of action

Campaigning organisation Leave No Trace Brighton had organised a weekend of activities to educate people about our beaches and encourage everyone to pledge to take their crap home with them, rather than leaving it festering on the beach. Sadly, crappy weather forecasts (gale force winds, we’re looking at you) have meant that Saturday’s outdoor events have been postponed to next weekend, but Sunday’s are still going ahead. As well as an information hub by the Upside Down House, the gang are supporting the city council’s big clean-up event on Sunday at 11am – you know you want to help clear that inevitable post-storm debris. You can borrow gear from Leave No Trace all day if you’d like to do your bit. Rampion Offshore Wind Farms and the Sussex Dolphin Project are also giving short talks during the day.
Sunday 16th July; from 11am; various locations
Leave No Trace Brighton