Our guide to
Things to do in Brighton this July
Our top picks
Things to do in Brighton this July – The Scoop
July is summer at its very best. Summer holidays are just around the corner and everything feels a little lighter. Our plates are following suit – colourful, fresh and joyful. And with Pride just a short month away, the city is gearing up for one of its biggest celebrations of the year. In no particular order, here are our top 10 foodie things to do this July.
1. Graduation Celebration
Time to don your gown and mortarboard – school’s out for summer and, for university students, perhaps forever. Huge congratulations to everyone reaching the end of years of hard work. Family celebrations are now in order, and the city’s restaurants are ready to welcome you with special menus and offers. Our Restaurants Brighton Gift Vouchers make a great graduation gift too.
2. Have some pride!
Most places have Pride Month; round here, we have Pride Season. The next stop on the Pride train is Worthing Pride (4–5 July). After that, there are just a few short weeks to prepare for the big one. Brighton & Hove Pride lands on the first weekend in August, bringing a parade and party that stretches the length of the city, plus performances from RAYE, Diana Ross and friends. We’ll be updating our Pride guide regularly, but if you’re after that premium booking – brunch with a view, perhaps – now’s the time.
3. Spritz Summer
Anyone who thinks Aperol is over, is living under a rock. A cocktail trend that’s survived decades in Venice isn’t going anywhere just yet. You’ll find the classic half price all month at Wild Flor, while Fatto a Mano has created Flour Power – a special spritz-paired pizza – out now. Lost in the Lanes and The Metropole Bar both have dedicated spritz menus. And that’s just the beginning. This summer, it’s all about the Hugo. Long live the spritz!
4. By the sea
When the sun is shining, supper by the sea is hard to beat. Everyone has their favourite spot, but if you’re looking to branch out, here are a few of ours. The Regency for timeless seafood classics. Pearly Cow, Drift, Cecconi’s and Shelter Hall for long lunches under the shade of a parasol. The beautifully reimagined The Salt Room for seafood cooked over fire (read Hannah’s latest blog here). A proper breakfast at Roedean Cafe or head to Sora at Malmaison for Japanese cuisine overlooking Brighton Marina. There’s a seafront table for every occasion.
5. MasterChef Moment
Find two MasterChef winners in one kitchen on 21 July as 2023 champion and guest chef Tom Hamblet joins Steven Edwards at etch. Together they’ll create a one-off six-course menu showcasing the finest seasonal produce alongside the talent, creativity and passion of two exceptional chefs. A very special evening in Hove.
6. Raise a Glass (or Two!)
At Restaurants Brighton, we like to find time for self-improvement – preferably with a glass in hand. This month, discover a completely different approach to winemaking with nomadic winemaker Alex Brogan at Fourth and Church, where four paired dishes accompany the tasting on 5 July. Paris Wine Bar welcomes wine expert Luca D’Agostino from LWS Wines for an evening of culinary harmony with five paired courses on 14 July. Carne has a BBQ Summer Wine Supper on 9 July. Or head one of the Fire & Vine evenings at Artelium Vineyard for a real escape. Prefer something alcohol free? Try a Japanese tea tasting with Kissako instead.
7. Seafood Sustainably
At our sustainability workshop at Sea Lanes last month, we heard from Sarah Dobson about the UNESCO Biosphere. Two messages stood out. First, we should all be proud of the biodiversity on our doorstep – it’s genuinely special. Second, cod and mackerel should be off the menu while stocks recover. Never fear, fish fans – there’s still an abundance of sustainable, seasonal seafood to enjoy. Dive into Brighton & Hove’s finest seafood restaurants now.
8. Summer Supper Clubs
Summer supper clubs are one of the best ways to broaden your culinary horizons without leaving the city. This month there are some absolute corkers. Discover the flavours of Mexico City with chef Xavier Buendía and Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, raising money for its primary schools cookery project on 24 July. Explore the cuisine of Provence at IL Bistro on 30 July. We’re also desperate to try Table 35 at Furna – 10 seasonal sharing plates for £35, with the option to add three cocktails for another £35, every Wednesday and Thursday from 2 July. You know it’s going to be great.
9. It’s Roasting
Never question the commitment of the Sunday crowd. Heatwave or no heatwave, we all love a Sunday roast and our pubs and restaurants always rise to the occasion. For something a little different, try the Jazz Roast with chef Chrissie Ranx at Cases on 5 July, BRAVOS Best Roast winner Embers, or terre à terre – BRAVOS Best Restaurant 2024 and 2026 – for a vegetarian take on the Sunday tradition. There are plenty more indulgent options waiting to be discovered.
10. Worth Waiting For
Last but certainly not least comes the collaboration we’ve all been waiting for. At the end of the month, Bonsai Plant Kitchen welcomes London’s acclaimed Studio Gauthier. Bonsai head chef Arion Christophers and Studio Gauthier head chef Alexia Della Camino will work hand in hand to create a six-course menu unlike anything Brighton’s seen before. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to book Bonsai, this is it.
Q
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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.
