After 5,555 days, January, widely touted as the most miserable month of the year, is over and we’ve made it to February. The days are tentatively getting longer and it feels that spring is a few steps closer. Hurrah! We’re celebrating with the much-anticipated (!) return (our eternal thanks to that one person who emailed to say they were missing it!) of our weekend guide. Here we go…
Swim when you’re winning
It’s that time again! Ethical swimwear brand Ruby Moon Swim and Yoga in the Lanes are back with a full-moon yoga session and sea swim with tunes from DJ Olivia Emes. Swap your sun salutations for some gentle luna ones before getting in the sea if you choose. The temperatures may be hovering around a balmy (ahem) 8.5C at the moment, but you can always just dip your feet for the experience. February dips aren’t for everyone! Even if you opt to stay on terra firma, it’s always a very special occasion. And if you’re after some tips on winter sea swimming, check out our article by the Seabirds here. Don’t forget the warm clothes!
Sunday 5th February; meet on the beach in front of the Lawns Cafe at 4.30pm; free
The `Lawns Cafe, Hove Promenade, Kingsway, Brighton
Take shelter
If you’ve always been curious about what an air-raid shelter looks like in real life rather than in a Netflix documentary, the not-so-secret shelter below Downs Junior School (it was rediscovered by accident during a routine drain inspection!) is opening this Sunday. The fully restored World War II shelter was built in 1939 and used to protect the school pupils and staff during the day and the community at other times. But now they’re opening once a month for fascinating 40-minute tours, complete with short films and sound effects, offering a brilliant insight into what the city was like during the war. And if you’re one of those people who, like us, particularly look forward to the tea shop/gift shop at the end of an experience, you’re also in luck!
Sunday 5th February; 10am – 1pm
Downs Junior School, Ditchling Road, Brighton, BN1 6ED
takeshelter.org.uk
Oh so seedy
It’s the 21st anniversary of community seed swap Seedy Sunday and they’re back at a new venue in central Brighton. Now’s the time to dig out any seeds you’ve saved (if you don’t have any, you can just pay 50p/packet) for swapping and prepare your brain for new growth with this year’s great series of talks. Topics include gardening for biodiversity, why we save seeds and no-dig gardening (we like the sound of that one!), as well as a local gardeners’ question time to help you with any planting woes. `Infinity Foods will be back selling its organic seed potatoes and shallots and there’ll be plenty of other stalls showcasing local growing initiatives and a wide variety of seeds. Alongside other food and drink providers, there’s a pay-as-you-feel pop-up cafe from Real Junk Food Project and Sussex Surplus, turning rescued surplus into delicious meals. Seedy does it.
Sunday 5th February; 10am – 4pm; £4 (under-18s go free)
Brighton Girls, Montpelier Road, Brighton BN1 3AT
seedysunday.org
Bin the bass
If you’re after a wheelie good time (sorry), you need to take yourself to a Bass Bin event. As far as we know, they’re the only ones running music events with a self-built wheelie bin sound system – it’s amazing what you can do with a bin. (And, let’s face it, a vast improvement on Brighton’s usual bin wars.) You’ll often find them on the beach here, but as it’s bloody freezing outside, they’re bringing the good vibes indoors at Brighton Electric. Bunkle, Gash b2b Tropical Selecta, Fat Mandy, Sister Minnie and more will providing the tunes across hip-hop, baseline, dubstep, jungle and drum and bass. It’s cash only, so don’t get caught out (we’ve been there!). If you forget, there’s a cash machine over the road from the venue.
Friday 3rd February; 6pm – 1am; minimum donation £3
Brighton Electric, Coombe Road, Brighton BN2 4AD
When you’re good to Momma…
Let’s take you back to 2005 when Brighton’s Momma Cherri (aka Charita Jones) appeared on Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares and stole a nation’s hearts. Her original restaurant may have closed but now she’s back every Saturday cooking her epic soul food – think American breakfast and lunch staples – at American cafe the Old Crow in West Hove. As well as Momma providing all of the good vibes, drag artist Tylernol and friends will be serving the food, the looks AND offering mini drag makeovers. Let the good times roll!
Saturday 4th February; various times; call 01273 749805 to book
Old Crow, 168 Portland Road, Hove
oldcrowinc.com
Eat, drink and be merry
We love to bring you all the foodie news, so if you’re looking for a new roast to savour (keep an eye out for our guide, coming soon!), check out Alberta’s – they of epic sando fame – who are newly resident at The Windmill. On Sundays, they roast and from Thursday to Saturday, they’re serving up those dreamy sandos and some brand-new dishes,. For more foodie inspo, have a look at our latest reviews of our recent meals out (we know, it’s a tough job). For some of the best cooking in the city with an unparalleled use of spice, head to Palmito or try Kindling for their small plates concept where it’s all about sustainability, seasonality and great service.
Thursday, 6pm – 9pm; Friday and Saturday; midday – 9pm and Sunday, midday – 6pm
Alberta’s at The Windmill, 69 Upper North Street, Brighton, BN1 3FL
thewindmillbrighton.com
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