Our guide to
Things to do in Brighton
Our top picks
Things to do in Brighton this September – The Scoop
September feels like our other new year, and Brighton is back-to-school with bells on. We’re wired to hit the ground running, so channel that energy: reset your calendar, check your wish list, and book ahead. From classes to new restaurant openings and all the exciting things to do in Brighton, it’s the perfect time to learn something new, shake up your routine, and make the most of the season. This isn’t the end — it’s the beginning.
1. What’s Hot?
Get ready for this month’s hottest restaurant openings. Where to first?
- Namo – modern Thai dining from celebrated local restaurateur Bookie Mitchell
- Taro – Japanese “everyday dining” (ramen, udon, sushi) lands in Brighton
- Marea by Raphael Cagali – new restaurant from the two-Michelin-starred Da Terra team.
- Patio – small plates and wine, coming soon.
- Carne – the much-loved Hove steakhouse returns.
Book ahead for launch weeks, first-look menus, opening offers – there are plenty of things to do in Brighton this month.
2. Brighton Bake Off
Everyone’s favourite hygge show is back on 2 September, and baking fever is rising! For serious inspo and sweet skills, try these local heroes, plus Jacob’s Bakery bread coming soon. Level up this month with a course at:
- Open Bakery – including Jurgen’s Traditional Pretzels Class (learn from the master himself!)
- Brighton Community Kitchen
- Brighton Cookery School
From bread day to showstoppers, book now and bring the tent vibes home this September.
3. Autumn Menus
Chefs long for the harvest months – and with good reason. Corn is sweet with sunshine, fruit hangs heavy on the vine, and the seas yield some of the year’s best catches. Autumn menus are arriving ripe with promise. Start with the new menus at etch. (from 3 Sept) and Terra restaurant (from 8 Sept), then keep your eyes peeled for more. Gently lean into cosy season.
4. Seasonal Steals
Spent a bob or two over the summer months? September’s best offers are here, so you can have all the foodie fun without spending a fortune. Why wait for the weekend with these weekday wonders:
- Starfish & Coffee – Two amazing autumn offers. £10 Tuesday and bring a friend on “hump day” and one of you eats for free.
- terre a terre – kids ALWAYS eat free – except Saturday nights 😉
- Oeuf Cafe – Tini Tuesdays! £8 Martinis all day (with food)
- Bonsai Bento – we’re still so excited about this £15 bonza box.
5. Multitasking
Half of you already multitask (the rest – ‘nuff said!). September makes it marvellous with these terrific two-fers:
- Sip & Paint – “Sunsets Around The World” at Rockwater Hove. Brush in one hand, glass in the other. (Wed 10 Sept)
- Make & Eat – Learn to make pasta at fabulous Poco in Alfriston, then sit down to eat! (Thu 11 Sept)
- Woodfire x Embers – giants of the grill join forces for this feast in a field. (Thu 18 Sept)
- Pilates & Wine – a wellness and wine tasting combo at The Secret Vineyard is the perfect new season treat. (Sat 20 Sept)
6. Cocktail Hour!
The local scene shows no sign of slowing down. Build your own route with our BRAVO Best Cocktails checklist, then mix it up: seasonal sips at Bar Valentino, a pre-dinner aperitif at Furna, a perch at The Coal Shed’s beautiful bar, a spritz session at Cin Cin, and happy hour at Hotel du Vin.
Brighton Cocktail Festival runs 19–28 September, alongside Negroni Week, 22–28 September.
Alcohol-free? Book Tom Surgey’s PARCHED – The Driest Event of the Year at The Crypt on the Green, Farringdon, Wed 8 Oct.
7. Special Days
September packs in four delicious excuses! Here’s what to do…
- World Coconut Day (Tue 2 Sept) – Go to The Coconut Island (obviously) for Sri Lankan curries and dangerously good cocktails.
- World Paella Day (Sat 20 Sept) – Tinto Taperia cooks delicious paella to order. Try Ignacio’s Sunday Paella at The Urchin!
- National Chai Day (Sun 21 Sept) – The unlimited chai at Dishoom Permit Room. IYKYK.
- World Lobster Day (Thurs 25 Sept) – Burger and Lobster goes big with amazing offers and Lobster Rolls on the Loose (look out for bikes handing out free rolls on 17 Sept)
8. Recycle Week 2025
Recycle Week (Mon 22 – Sun 28 Sept) shines a light on one of hospitality’s toughest challenges: waste. For restaurants, it’s a major step on the sustainability journey and reduce, reuse, recycle is the menu for action.
Dive into our Sustainable Restaurants Guide to see who’s leading the way.
Check out 2025’s BRAVO Sustainability Champions for more inspiration – these places prove greener dining is more delicious.
9. Sussex Vineyard Harvest Experiences
Hip, sip, hooray for wine country! Brighton borders some of the UK’s finest vineyards, and the grape harvest is almost here. Fancy getting involved? Book a harvest experience or guided tour at a local estate, then taste the fruits of your labour. Even more immersive? Make a weekend of it with a stay at The Secret Vineyard’s magical ÖÖD House. Cheers to September.
10. Autumn Festival Season!
Not all of these are strictly food-focused – but that’s the joy of it: frame your day around great eats and you’re golden.
- Artwave (6–21 Sept) – artists, makers, and strategic restaurant bookings in Lewes and beyond.
- Dogs & Sprogs (6 Sept, Hove Lagoon) – family fun; refuel at Shoreline Café, Big Beach Café or Gather Inn.
- Goodwood Revival (Fri 12–Sun 14 Sept) – vintage vibes; book a Sussex supper after.
- Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival (Fri 12–Sun 14 Sept) – coastal classics and local pours.
- Worthing Food & Drink Festival (Sat 13–Sun 14 Sept) – free, bustling, delicious.
- Rye Harvest Wine & Food Fair (Sat 13–Sun 14 Sept) – vineyard meets market.
- South of England Autumn Show, Ardingly (Sat 27–Sun 28 Sept) – producers, demos, countryside fare.
- Michaelmas, Weald & Downland Museum (Sun 28 Sept) – harvest, crafts and hearty bites.
Pictured: Worthing Beach
Food Prep: October
- Get Christmas Ready – Book your party now and snap up amazing RB Gift Vouchers (2025’s tastiest treat!)
- OctoberUnpacked – debuts with a month-long celebration of Brighton’s food, drink, arts and culture.
- Oktoberfest – Germanic shenanigans at Shelter Hall and more at The Better Half, The Ladies Mile, The Bell Tower, The Dorset. Watch for something delicious at Wild Flor too…
- Hanover Beer Festival (Fri 3–Sun 5 Oct), then Eastbourne Beer Festival (Thu 9–Sat 11 Oct) and OctoberBEST (Sat 11–Sun 26 Oct) – limited-edition dining deals.
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.
