Things to do in Brighton

In their announcement of the roadmap to recovery, the government has made it clear that the four-step plan will be data-driven, which means each step only progresses if national data suggests it is safe to do so. The five-week gap between each step is to allow for data to filter through on the previous step and give a week’s preparation after the green light is given. As such all dates are subject to change and we’ll probably only know if the subsequent stage will happen a week before it is due. So planning and booking ahead is still a little tricky, but also worthwhile.

From 29 March groups of six or two-households will be able to meet in outdoor spaces including private gardens. If spring has sprung this is a perfect time to get out into greater Sussex for some country picnic action.

Pub gardens, alfresco dining areas and rooftop terraces will be able to open from 12 April (review pending). You’ll be able to meet in groups of six or from two households. Unlike last time there’s no curfew and you won’t have to have a substantial meal in order to have a drink. Table service is still mandatory in step 2.

Weddings, receptions and wakes will increase to 15 people.

The sun’s coming out and we’re going in-doors, yep, indoor dining is (hopefully) back! We’re still on parties of six or two households and mandatory table service. Should we get to 17 May without hiccups those venues without alfresco options come back into play. Take a look at the BRAVO 2020 winners as voted for by you, for some inspired choices on where to go. You’ve been cooking and eating at home for too long, and there’s a whole city of breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and drinks venues out there who have missed you.

Weddings, receptions and wakes will increase to 30 people.

It’s the longest day of the year and it’s taken a long -time coming! We think everyone is likely to take it and the 22 off (or why not the week?). There’s going to be cause to celebrate and we’ll be sharing all the details of who, what, where and how via our Food and Drink events page and Facebook group.

These dates aren’t set in stone and their successful implementation is down to all of us. The past year has been incredibly hard on everyone, especially for all aspects of hospitality. No shows have been a blight on the restaurant scene for a long time but became worse during the lockdown hiatus of 2020 to the point where fully booked venues found themselves closing early and empty, wasting food, paying staff for pointless shifts and losing morale. Help spread the word and make sure there’s #NoMoreNoShows this time around.