It’s marathon weekend! If you’re running, first of all, we salute you! It’s also the inaugural Brighton Natural Wine Fair this weekend, so if you’ve got tickets, we’ll see you there; if you haven’t, pop yourself on the waiting list in case there are any returns and to find out more about what we’ve got planned next! On to the rest of the good stuff – cocktails, music and more…
Get your Abba on
This Saturday, 6th April is the exact date 50 years ago that Abba won the Eurovision in Brighton with ‘Waterloo’, the song that catapulted them to stardom, and Brighton is getting in on the celebrations. Brighton Museum has an exhibition (until 4th August; from £9.50) of film footage, photos and memorabilia recalling the Swedish band’s week in Brighton; and the Brighton Metropole hotel are marking the occasion with a Mamma Mia-inspired brunch (Saturday; 1pm – 3.30pm; £55). That means plenty of entertainment inspired by the Swedish band, tasty food, plus 90 minutes of unlimited Prosecco to wash it down with. And if you really want to recreate the vibe, then head to Brighton Dome – where the 1974 song contest was held – for a night of Abba’s greatest hits performed by Eurovision winners and royalty, such as Charlotte Perrelli and Katrina, and backed by the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus (Saturday; 7.30pm; from £50). Gimme gimme gimme!
Various times, locations and prices
Meet, greet and make your voice heard
The sea has been pretty grim of late – lots of rain means lots of sewage overflow and the water companies doing very little to make things better. Sian Berry, the Green party candidate replacing Caroline Lucas, is heading down to the beach on Saturday afternoon to talk to local swimmers (and non-swimmers) about the situation. She’ll be by the West Pier from 1pm – just look for the pink and blue Ruby Moon banner!
Saturday 6th April; 1pm
West Pier, Brighton, BN1 2LN
Have dinner at an award-winning restaurant
From this Friday, Lost in the Lanes are staying open for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays – hurrah! Recently named Best Lunch in the Bravos, head chef Sophie Taverner is known for her pared-back, ingredient-led cooking that lets flavours sing. We’re big fans of their brunches, and the canapés at the launch night (especially the rösti with tarama, and the cheese, blood orange and pickle) were divine, so you’re in for a treat. The dinner menu has plenty of meaty, veggie and vegan options and features a host of exciting flavours, from salmon crudo with citrus and jalapeño and globe artichoke with confit garlic and ricotta-toasted focaccia to heartier dishes like lamb lemonato with rosemary potato and herb salad. The cocktails (including the virgin ones) deserve a shout-out, too. The Switch Up – gin, lychee juice, elderflower, ginger, peychaud bitters, bud roses and lemon – is a dream in a glass.
Open for dinner Thursday – Saturday; 6pm – 10pm
Lost in the Lanes. 10 Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW
lostinthelanes.com
Enjoy these full-on floral displays
Tulleys seem to have cornered the market in huge immersive experiences and this year’s kaleidoscopic tulip extravaganza is no different. They’ve planted 500,000 tulips across 100 different species, creating a tulip field fiesta to rival Holland’s. It being Tulleys, you’ll also come across live roaming musicians, Dutch-themed food and drink, and, if that’s your bag, Insta photo opps a-plenty – they’ve even put up a windmill. For a slightly smaller (*just* 100,000 flowers and 120 different types), but arguably more authentic experience, head to Arundel Castle for their tulip festival. The riot of colour that surrounds the medieval castle is impressive stuff. We’d recommend making a day of it, with a beer and some food at The Brewhouse Project taproom.
Tulleys: Tuesday – Sunday; 9.30am – 6pm (8pm Friday – Sunday) until Monday 6th May; from £10
tulipfarm.co.uk
Arundel Castle: Tuesday – Sunday; 10am – 5pm; gardens-only tickets £15; tulips are expected to last until about 21st April
arundelcastle.org
Go to market
Paperdaisy Market are holding their first makers’ market at their new space at Jubilee Square (Saturday; 11am – 5pm; free) this Saturday. They always have a great selection of stalls from local artists, makers and small businesses to browse. And in another first, if you head over to the Georgian beauty that is Stanmer House, you can check out the handmade wares from over 40 artists and designers exhibiting at the Maker’s Fair debut there (Saturday and Sunday; 11am – 5pm; free). We’d recommend a walk in the woods if you head over – it’s not quite bluebell season, but still makes for a gorgeous stroll.
Various times, dates and locations
Nab yourself a free beer (and more)
Permit Room have got a nice little treat in store this weekend – they’re giving away their Mango Pale, a limited-edition collab with Unbarred Brewery, to anyone who says “local hero” to their server. It’s their way of appreciating the brilliant people running the marathon for great causes (donation links on their Insta), but also everyone else. We’re all heroes! The beer is only available when you’re sitting in, not for take away. Other marathon goodies are available at Shelter Hall – if you show your medal, you’ll get a free drink; and if you’re eating at veggie fine-dining resto Terre a Terre, finishers will get a free celebratory drink, too. Medallists, if you head to Brighton’s newest bar-resto No No Please for a meal, you’ll receive a free finishers-only home-made Snickers ice-cream at the end. And if you didn’t run, but make yourself a medal, they’ll give you a couple of scoops too! Flour Pot Bakery are also treating marathon runners – finishers can get a free coffee at any of their branches.
Free beer available at Permit Room from Sunday 7th – Wednesday 10th April
Permit Room, 32 East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HL
permitroom.co.uk
Enjoy a cocktail in this neighbourhood bar
For an entirely more intimate affair, head to the wee pink-hued outpost of Caccia & Tails on Preston Road. Slinging the best focaccia we’ve ever tasted by day and serving well-mixed cocktails by night, it’s the perfect new neighbourhood hangout. This Saturday, Cackle Alley Cat Klub are taking care of the tunes, with happy hour from 5pm.
Monday – Wednesday; 10am – 5pm and Thursday – Saturday; 10am – 10pm
70 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4QG
cacciaandtails.com
Get Brazilian carnival vibes in Brighton
Samba music is playing, you’ve got a Caipirinha in one hand and not a care in the world… Sounds good, right? That could be your Sunday evening if you head over to Verdict Jazz Club. They’re paying tribute to Brazil with a live performance from Brighton-based samba circle Samba Roda Viva with delicious feijoada, aka black bean stew, and plenty of cocktails on the menu. Grab your dancing shoes, warm up your vocal cords, and get set for a joyful evening. Brazilian weather sadly not included.
Sunday 11th February; 5pm – 8pm; £13.70 (entry + a portion of feijoada)
The Verdict Jazz Club, 159 Edward Street, Brighton, BN2 0JB
Book here
Change the world
Change the world, by changing what you pay attention to – that’s the focus for this year’s Brighton TedX and the line-up of speakers does not disappoint. If you don’t leave the Brighton Dome with a dried tear on your cheek or a burning desire to go and do something wonderful, then we’d be surprised. The day plans to celebrate a collection of ideas that are worth spreading, from inspiring speakers to life-changing stories. We reckon you’ll be left feeling energised and inspired to go forth and make stuff happen. It’s one not to miss.
Friday 5th April; 9am – 5pm; £47
Brighton Dome, Church Street, Brighton BN1 1U
Book tickets
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