Banish The Blues (The Brighton Way)
14 Days of Feel-Good Ideas for January
Some say the third Monday in January is the most miserable day of the year. But if you lean into feeling good, you can end the month feeling brighter than you did at the start. Here’s our day-by-day guide, packed with lovely local ideas to help you finish January on a high. Of course, you don’t have to do them all – but just imagine what would happen if you did…
Monday 19 January 2026
It’s Brew Monday – the Samaritans’ reminder to reach out to the people you love. Make time for a cuppa and a catch-up, whether that’s round your kitchen table or at your favourite Brighton & Hove café.
Tuesday 20 January 2026
It’s Veganuary, and health in 2026 is all about plant-powered, fibre-maxing food. Try one of Brighton’s best limited-edition menus while they’re still around. Our top picks for a feels-great, tastes-even-better Veganuary feast: Bonsai Plant Kitchen, Burnt Orange and terre à terre.
Wednesday 21 January 2026
Oeuf x Mama Shrooms is a stunning collab featuring shroom-powered drink and cocktails. Consider this your intro to functional refreshments – with a cosy, wind-down feel. Keep an eye on Oeuf’s socials for more details.
Thursday 22 January 2026
Try Helm’s weekly Thursday Art Club with Cult Milk – a beginner-friendly mixed media workshop designed for a creative pick-me-up, minus the pressure. Drop in solo or with friends, get making in the gallery, then stay on for 2-4-1 cocktails or Helm’s signature matcha.
Friday 23 January 2026
Dry January doesn’t mean staying in. Brighton’s bars are packed with smart low/no options – the kind that feel like a proper night out. Try The Coal Shed, Malmaison, Bar Valentino, Fourth & Church, Furna, Cin Cin, Bar 50ml or Wild Flor for some special sips.
Saturday 24 January 2026
Laugh it off at The Forge, Brighton’s No. 1 comedy club. The line-up’s coming soon, and the vibe is guaranteed to give you a lift – hosted by Steven Grant (also our BRAVO Awards Party MC). Doors 7pm, with local Pizzaface pizzas (order by 7.45pm).
Sunday 25 January 2026
Book this winter wild swimming session at The Secret Vineyard: a dip in a spring-fed lake, followed by a soak in a wood-fired hot tub then tea or coffee and biscuits in the cafe. Only for experienced winter swimmers – invigorating, confidence-boosting and mood-shifting.
Monday 26 January 2026
Start the week beautifully with Monday Bliss at The Grand: 10% off spa experiences. Get totally pampered – book a relaxing massage, unwind in the thermal areas. It’s self-care with a dose of vitamin sea.
Tuesday 27 January 2026
Get veg obsessed at the Pickle Party Fermentation Workshop. Learn the basics, then make two jars of bold, punchy pickles to take home. Hosted at The Roundhill Pub (6.30–8.30pm, £35pp). Wholesome, social, ferment-geek energy.
Wednesday 28 January 2026
Try Mowgli’s Lite Tiffin: bold, home-style Indian flavours designed for sharing at around 600 calories per person. It’s a lighter way to indulge this January. Or go bigger with the refreshed Sharing Menu for a full-on flavour tour.
Thursday 29 January 2026
Get Lost in Music with Brighton-based singer Tabi Gervis and friends Ronnie Cutmore and Cas, live at Lost In The Lanes. Enjoy Tabi’s unique blend of R&B, soul and jazzy pop alongside dinner and drinks.
Friday 30 January 2026
Choose your Friday fix: a guided Dark Skies walk in the South Downs (then a drink or pre-ordered dinner at Tottington Manor), or Comedy in the Pub at Rockwater Hove – low lighting and laughter doing the heavy lifting.
Saturday 31 January 2026
Cold water therapy, Brighton-style: swim at Sea Lanes, warm up in the Luna Hut sauna, then refuel with lunch at Wood x Coal. Bracing, grounding and ridiculously satisfying – you’ve earned it .
Sunday 1 February 2026
Finish the month with a weekend mini-break at No.124 Brighton: a slow morning on the seafront, Brighton’s newest spa, then an indulgent roast at Pearly Cow. The ultimate mood-lifter, with equal parts reset and reward.
