And just like that, the last weekend of March is upon us – we know, we can’t believe it either. You’ll be glad to know it’s shaping up to be a pretty good one. So, whether you fancy drinking Sussex dry at a beer and cider festival, embarking on a journey of self-discovery in Hove, venturing to Wonderland for a night of disco and funk, or sampling some cocktails at a hidden gem of a bar, we’ve got you covered. Bid farewell to winter and say hello to spring in all its glory in true Brighton fashion.
Ink-credible cocktails
You’ll know Etch, Steven Edwards’ gorgeous fine-dining restaurant in Hove, but have you been to their hidden gem of a basement cocktail bar? The intimate speakeasy-style bar is decked out in gorgeous deep hues – an ode to the venue’s former life as a tattoo parlour – with vibrant paintings by Ben Slow adding pops of colour. The drinks are every bit as good as you’d expect, with inventive originals and well-executed classics on the menu. It’s reservation only, so get booking!
214 – 216 Church Road, Brighton, BN3 2DJ
etchfood.co.uk
READ ALSO: 20 restaurants you need to eat at in 2023
Raise a toast to beer and cider
The North Sussex branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has put together an event to unite beer and cider lovers across the county. Running across both the Friday and Saturday in Horsham, you can look forward to enough draft beer (plus cider, perry and Sussex wines) to float a battleship, as well as beer and cheese-tasting sessions on the Saturday. Now, that’s a combo we never thought we’d see. Tickets include a festival glass, with grub available to purchase on the day. Camra members get free booze, so it might be worth signing up while you’re there.
Friday 24th – Saturday 25th March, 6 – 10pm; £7
Drill Hall, Horsham Drill Hall Denne Road, Horsham, RH12 1JF
Book tickets
Unleash your inner Indiana Jones
Get your scavenger hunting cap on this weekend as the whole of Brighton gets transformed into a puzzle that needs to be solved. This treasure hunt is a great way to get to know the city better and it’s suitable for the entire family, so grab the gang and embark on an action-packed, mind-boggling day of problem-solving. To get involved in the antics, you just need to download the Wanderlist app.
Saturday 25th – Sunday 26thMarch; 10am – 5pm; free
wanderlist.co.uk
Get artsy fartsy
Brighton’s monthly art and craft fair is back this weekend, and better than ever. Pop down to the heart of the Lanes to celebrate some of the best creatives the city has to offer. Browse through an array of locally handcrafted and unique pieces, ranging from jewellery, pottery, paintings and textiles. If you’ve got an important birthday or anniversary coming up, it’s the perfect place to find an original gift.
Saturday 25th March, 11am – 4.30pm; free
Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AF
Find inner peace
Step into a sacred space at the gorgeous Flow State in Hove this Friday evening with a breath and sound workshop designed to encourage you to tap into your hidden energies and resources. Expect a fusion of powerful breathwork (from our lovely co-founder, Betty) and transformational sound, coupled with cacao and crystal offerings, as well as insight into the upcoming astrological waves. If self-discovery isn’t enough of a present, your ticket also includes a cosmic gift.
Friday 24th March, 7pm – 10pm; £44
Flow State Hove, 48 Brunswick Street West, Hove, BN3 1EL
flowstate-hove.com
Grow your roots
Get your fingers green this Saturday at a Brighton plant swap. Whether you’re sick and tired of staring at the same old Yucca every morning, or like us, just can’t seem to keep that pesky Ficus alive – this is the perfect opportunity to unite with other plant-lovers and swap not only plants, but also knowledge. You may even get lucky on the raffle! Tickets include a complimentary drink and raffle ticket.
Saturday 25th March, 2 – 5pm; £11.55
Paris Wine Bar, 119 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2AF
Book tickets
Follow the white rabbit
Take a trip down the rabbit hole this weekend for a night of infectious beats, mind-bending themes, and 360-degree immersive visuals. Fever Club and Salon of Soul describe this as the “kind of party that Alice would attend now that she’s all grown up”. Now, that sounds like the kind of party that shouldn’t be missed. So, dust off that Wonderland-appropriate outfit that hasn’t seen the light of day since your last hurrah on St James’ Street – and get yourself down to TOM this Saturday. We reckon this night of funk and disco will leave you with a smile to match that of the Cheshire cat!
Saturday 25th March, 8pm; £20
The Old Market, Upper Market Street, Hove, BN3 1A
theoldmarket.com
Sit down for some comedy
If, like us, you’re in need of some serious laughs after a long winter, head down to Forge comedy club this Saturday to watch stand-up shows from comedians Eleanor Tiernan, Gareth Richards and Jimmy McGhie. As well as some rib-tickling hilarity, they’ll also be serving up pizza from local favourite Pizzaface. Seating is unreserved as standard, so we’d recommend arriving no later than 7.30pm for a night of gut-busting fun (anecdotes AND food).
Saturday 25th March, 8pm; £20
Ironworks Studios, 30 Cheapside, Brighton BN1 4GD
ironworks-studios.co.uk
Silence in the sand
Dance by the sea this Saturday as Hush Beats Silent Disco and Rosaria Gracia Dance transport you through the decades and into the world of dance. Bust a move on the sand (or pebbles!), as funky tunes are pumped straight into your individual headphones. No shape is too weird or wild. Top tip: request a song when buying your ticket, and they might just play it!
Saturday 25th March, 5.30pm – 6.45pm; £8
Shoreline, by Brighton Pier (Sealife Centre side) Brighton beach, BN2 1TW
Book tickets
By Lauren O’Brien
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