Our guide to
Things to do in Brighton this December
Our top picks
Things to do in Brighton this January – The Scoop
Welcome to 2026! A new year brimming with epicurean promise. For many of us, January is a chance to rest and recharge; for others, it’s all about cosiness and comfort in the heart of winter. Wherever you fall, we’ve got a few ideas to share. In no particular order, here are our Top 10 Foodie Things to Do in January 2026.
1. Winter Wellness
January is always a whole lot better when you focus on feeling good. Start a gentle exercise practice, book a Brighton sauna with friends, treat yourself to a spa day, or head to Sea Lanes for a swim followed by a wholesome brunch. Make wellness a plan, not a chore – take a long country walk, then settle in for pub lunch with friends. Remember, a well-timed treat is part of it, too.
“Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much.” – Michael Pollan
2. Veganuary
This annual celebration of vegan eating is a brilliant excuse to go plant-forward. Whether it’s the start of something new or a yearly refresh, January is the perfect time to explore Brighton’s vibrant vegan scene. Here’s our BRAVOS Plant Champions Checklist, plus a few top picks for Veganuary 2026:
- Bonsai Plant Kitchen – award-winning Asian cooking, with that distinctive binchotan-char flavour
- terre à terre – Brighton’s most celebrated veggie restaurant, serving seasonal vegan dishes
- Majahma – sustainable Indian vegan or vegetarian delivery (save with a regular subscription)
- Purezza – vegan pizza made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients
- The Roundhill – beloved Brighton local serving a vegan menu with global flavours and a warm welcome
Also worth a look: The Coconut Island, Shaanxi and Mowgli for strong vegan options, plus local favourites like Fourth & Church and Cin Cin, where Veganuary specials make a much anticipated return.
3. Spend Your Vouchers
The number of unused vouchers languishing in sock drawers is astounding. Don’t be that person! If you were lucky enough to receive (or even win!) a Restaurants Brighton voucher – or you’ve got a gift card for a favourite spot – January is the time to get it booked. All that’s left is to choose a date and pick up the phone.
4. Connect With Friends
The end of the party season can feel a bit like being dropped off a social cliff. Instead of sliding into a lonely month-long box set marathon, seek out connection and reach out to friends (they’ll probably love it too!). Swap so-called Blue Monday for Brew Monday on 19 January: put the kettle on and share a second cuppa – and a slice of cake – with your bestie instead.
5. New for 2026
Despite the hospitality industry’s well-publicised challenges, the Brighton & Hove scene shows little sign of slowing down. 2025 brought a host of exciting openings – think The North Star, Marea, Namo, BeerBelly and Wood x Coal – and 2026 is off to a strong start, with hot new spots to explore. Coming soon: chef Sophie Taverner’s Hove épicerie At The Table, Stem from the team behind Dilsk, The Crazy Goose from the Black Rock Restaurants, and plenty more besides.
6. Burns Night 2026
“Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face…!” Local Scots (and haggis lovers) have been waiting all year for an excuse to raise a wee dram to Rabbie Burns over a traditional haggis supper. Burns Night falls on Sunday 25 January, and there are a few great ways to celebrate: book in for TERRA at Tottington Manor, or head to Brighton Ceilidh Collective on Friday 23 January for songs, poems, dinner and dancing. And for a top-notch whisky tasting, explore the hundreds of bottles at Cut Your Wolf Loose. Watch this space for more.
7. Deals & Steals!
If you shelled out a little too much over the festive period, a certain amount of purse string and belt-tightening may be in order. No problem – you can definitely eat well for less this January. Our BRAVOS Best Value checklist is a budgeter’s goldmine, and a great place to start.
Keep an eye on our popular Offers page for £10 lunches, discounts and deals, too.
8. Low & No
The low- and no-alcohol scene is absolutely thriving, which may make the idea of Dry January more palatable. If you’re planning to shelve the booze for a New Year reset, there’s no need to hide away – most of your favourite cocktail bars, pubs and restaurants now have plenty of brilliant options. Try Brighton’s new aperitivo spot Bar 50ml, swing by Curio in Preston Circus, head to Fourth & Church to explore their special low & no menu for January, or book Furna (from 20 January) to try wonderful mocktails and Copenhagen Sparkling Tea (a Team RB favourite).
Follow Sussex drinks expert Tom Surgey for more recommendations.
9. Creature Comforts
Doing January well means leaning into comfort. Luckily, there are a few delicious excuses to do just that. National Croissant Day on 30 January – our Francophile editor Hannah swears by Bayon Bakery and Julien Plumart for the most authentic. Obviously, National Hot Chocolate Day on 31 January calls for a trip to Knoops. And then there’s National Pie Day on 23 January. It’s a US import, but we’re not going to quibble when there’s a pie in the mix.
10. The 10th Annual BRAVO Awards
Behind the scenes, the wheels are already turning. There’s nothing for you to do just yet, but we want to keep you in the loop so you’re ready to go, go, go…
Here are key dates for your diary:
- 3 Feb – nominations go live
- 10 Feb – voting opens
- 10 March – voting closes
- 31 March – winners announced
Q
&
A
Brighton is a foodie’s dream, with events like the Brighton Foodies Festival, Seafood & Oyster Festival, Cocktail Week, pasta-making workshops, and wine tasting at Sussex vineyards. Restaurants Brighton’s Things to Do in Brighton guide highlights monthly food and drink events, from fine dining guest chef evenings to casual street food markets. You can also see our daily food and drink events guide which features all the food and drink things to do in the city.
Yes – throughout the year you can enjoy seasonal events such as the Brighton Festival food pop-ups in May, Sussex vineyard tours in summer, Brighton Cocktail Week in autumn, and festive markets with mulled wine in December. Our monthly guide lists every seasonal highlight so you never miss out. the guide is updated monthly, plus we also have the Brighton events guide with daily updated events.
Families can enjoy the Brighton Pier, the SEA LIFE Centre, and child-friendly restaurants offering dedicated kids’ menus. The guide also covers activities like outdoor fun at Woodfire Camping, or events at the Secret Vineyard, seafront bike rides, and kid-friendly workshops such as cupcake decorating or pizza making. You can see a list of daily changing things to in Brighton on our events guide.
Absolutely – take a stroll along Brighton beach, enjoy fish and chips with a view, explore the Palace Pier, or visit beachside bars and dog-friendly cafes. Our guide also highlights seafront events like seafood festivals, outdoor concerts, and alfresco dining at beachfront restaurants. See our daily Brighton events guide which lists all the food and drink in the coming days and weeks. This is updated daily.
Brighton offers rich cultural attractions including the Royal Pavilion, Theatre Royal, Brighton Dome, Brighton Centre, and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery. Our monthly things to do guide for Brighton often links these venues with nearby dining spots for a full day or evening out. Have a look at our Brighton Events guide too, which gives you a list of daily activities, what’s going on in Brighton and Hove.
Yes – from romantic Sussex vineyard tours and sunset cocktails at rooftop bars to intimate fine dining experiences and live jazz nights, there’s plenty for couples. Our guide curates the most romantic activities alongside where to book the perfect table in Brighton. We also have a seperate designated page just for couples so you can make the most out of your stay or visit to Brighton.
Brighton has a thriving hands-on food scene with pasta-making workshops, cocktail masterclasses, wine and cheese pairings, and baking courses. The guide lists the best classes each month, ideal for date nights, birthdays, or team-building experiences. You can see individual food and drink events on our Brighton Events Guide. You can also have a look at the Brighton Community Kitchen which hosts a range of food and drink events every month.
During Brighton Pride, the city comes alive with colourful parades, themed Brighton brunches, and Pride parties at bars and clubs. In May, the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe bring street food markets, theatre, music, and unique dining experiences. Our guide covers all the highlights so you can plan your visit.
Yes – our Things to Do in Brighton guide includes free attractions like the beach, street art tours, and open-air events, plus affordable Brighton dining deals such as 2-for-1 offers, happy hours, and midweek restaurant promotions.
