Brighton

IF YOU fancy a night out, the UK has some cracking spots – from more chilled venues to lively spots with big crowds.

One UK city was even recently named as one of the best places to go on a night out in the world.

With so much choice though, it can be hard to know where to go in the city.

So, here are our top spots for a night out across the UK:

Brighton

According to Time Out, Brighton is the best city to go on a night out in the UK and one of the best spots in the world.

The publication commented: “Brighton’s legacy as the home of the UK’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene continues to thrive.

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“Of all cities on this ranking, Brighton received the highest score for its sense of community, with 84 per cent of locals saying it’s easy to make connections in the seaside city.”

Travel reporter Alice Penwill said: “Brighton is fun whatever the weather, and whatever the time.

“During the day you can enjoy the delights of the seaside, then in the evening head to the pubs and club – which is why it’s a hot spot for hens, stags, birthdays and a good ol’night out.

“One of the most popular spots is OHSO Social thanks to its position on the beachfront.

“During the day it has a relaxed vibe full of friends catching up over a pint with live music in the background. Then from the early evening it turns up a notch with DJ events and beach parties.

“You can stay there for the whole day if you like as on Saturdays it opens at 10am and closes at 2am.

“On one wet and windy night in Brighton, myself and some friends ventured to the Beach Huts down on the front to try out some karaoke.

“You can book out the hut, pick the tunes and staff will deliver drinks to you don’t even have to leave to go to the bar and stay singing your heart out instead.”

London

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the capital and when it comes to a night out in London, there really is something for everyone.

For example, the city is home to Britain’s biggest nightclub – Drumsheds.

Able to host up to 15,000 people, the venue is inside a former IKEA warehouse and has various different events including parties, festivals and DJ sessions.

And you’ll be able to find 24-hour cafes in the city as well – for example, you could head to Polo Bar on Liverpool Street which serves full English breakfast 24 hours a day.

Or head to Duck & Waffle which is on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate, so you can enjoy panoramic views no matter the time.

There are some other spots that don’t quite run the 24 hours a day but are still worth visiting like Bar Italia for espresso at between 7am and 5am the following day.

Or head to London Night Cafe in Aldgate – a dedicated late-night workspace and lounge.

When it comes to themed bars, London has a load as well.

You can head to Bunga 90 in Covent Garden, where you venture through a time machine disguised as a fridge, back to the 90s – complete with giant pizzas and fun memorabilia.

Or drop by Fairgame right next to St Paul’s Cathedral, where you can get competitive with different carnival-style games.

Manchester

Manchester is a a fantastic night out for a late one (with many bars open past 3am) but is also seen as the Gaming Capital of the North.

So for any keen gamers, there loads of fun things to choose from.

Try Chaos Karts, a real-life indoor Mario Kart attraction, or NQ64, with retro arcades and themed drinks.

Of course some of the biggest nights out are found on Canal Street, part of the city’s Gay Village.

Expect everything from live music to drag shows as you bar hop along the pubs.

Deputy Travel Editor, Kara Godfrey added: “Manchester has a fantastic bar scene with one of the most famous being Schofields, often named one of the best in the UK.

“But my favourites? Try The Morris or Bar Shrimp, both of which have very unique cocktail menus that transport you back in time.

“But if you want to go on into the late hours, end your night at K2, with two floors of karaoke which is open until 4am on weekends.

“And end with some chips and gravy, of course…”

Glasgow

Glasgow was recently named one of Time Out’s best cities to visit in Europe this year, ranking fourth.

Having recently visited the city, Travel Reporter Cyann Fielding says she gets it: “Often overshadowed by the capital Edinburgh, Glasgow has a lot to see and do.

“Rather uniquely, Glasgow’s night scene transports you to deep south America. Buck’s Bar is great for famished visitors, with giant chicken burgers and a true Texan vibe inside.

“A couple of doors down, you’ll find Maggie’s Rock n’ Rodeo – and it is as fun as it sounds.

“A small crowd shuffled around the dancefloor, performing a number of different line dances to a live country singer – what could be more fun?

You can even have a go at a mechanical bull at the venue as well.

If you want to continue your night, head to The Park Bar, , which is a traditional and historic Scottish pub dating back to 1895 with live traditional music often including an accordion player.

Newcastle

Up in the north, Newcastle is a great spot for a walkable night out with many spots close together.

Former Sun reporter, Ryan Gray said: “Newcastle isn’t just a place for crazy nights out, cheap trebles and drinking shots with celebs.

“It also has more than its fair share of relaxing pubs, perfect for whiling away an evening with a couple of pints.

“Undoubtedly the best place to do that is the Ouseburn Valley, with historic boozers like the Cumberland Arms, the Tyne Bar and the Ship making for a fantastic pub crawl away from the craziness of the city centre.

Here you can head to Free Trade, which has amazing views of the Tyne as well as a beer garden.

The city is also home to some great tap rooms and breweries.

For live music enthusiasts, there are a number of venues with large gigs as well as venues with more intimate shows.

Ryan added: “Smaller venues like the Head of Steam opposite the train station showcase the next generation of musical talent, while the Cluny in the Ouseburn Valley regularly hosts established names.

“Elsewhere, the City Hall and Utilita Arena are your go-to spots for bigger names, while Newcastle United’s football stadium St James’ Park has been known to host blockbuster gigs as well.

“With a scene that has produced the likes of Sam Fender in recent years, going to the smaller venues might be worth your while if you want to catch the next wave of talent before it hits the big time.”

Who: Chelsea vs Brighton
What: English Premier League
Where: Stamford Bridge, London, United Kingdom
When: Sunday, August 30, at 2pm (13:00 GMT)
How to follow: Al Jazeera Sport will bring you all the build-up from 10:00 GMT ahead of our live text commentary stream

Chelsea and Brighton will look to build on decent starts to the season, as the Blues welcome the Seagulls to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea began life under new coach Xabi Alonso with a breathless 3-2 victory at West London neighbours Fulham in the Premier League on Monday as their exciting front three of Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer all found the net.

They then followed that up with a solid 2-0 win over Luton in the League Cup on Thursday.

But Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton side also came into the game in a buoyant mood after recording back-to-back 4-0 home wins over Aston Villa in their Premier League opener last weekend and against Norwegian side Tromso in a Europa Conference League playoff on Thursday.

Brighton will also fancy their chances against Chelsea, having won their last three league games against the Blues while finding the net three times on each occasion.

Fernandez’s Chelsea future uncertain as Alonso seeks commitment

Alonso said he wants players that “feel a desire” to play for Chelsea after Enzo Fernandez was left out of Thursday’s League Cup win over Luton.

The Argentina midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester City, but no suitor has yet met Chelsea’s reported 120 million-pound ($162m) valuation of Fernandez.

The 25-year-old came off the bench in the Blues’s 3-2 win over Fulham to give Alonso a winning start to his reign in the Premier League on Monday.

However, the former Real Madrid boss hinted that Fernandez may not be involved against Brighton.

“We need to take everything into consideration: players that are in good moments, players that are not feeling that energy to play. For me, it’s very important that they feel that desire to play and to have good preparation,” said Alonso.

“We talked and we decided that [for Luton] it was better not to be part of the squad. He’s a top player, there’s no doubt about that.”

Alonso happy with squad ‘balance’ amid busy transfer window

Selling Fernandez would ease the pressure on Chelsea to meet financial sustainability regulations after another window of heavy investment in the transfer market.

Morgan Rogers, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Valentin Barco, Pep Chavarria, Danny Welbeck, Emmanuel Emegha and Geovany Quenda have arrived at Stamford Bridge for combined fees in excess of 300 million pounds ($406m).

Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez is also set to join to replace the error-prone Robert Sanchez as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.

There have also been a number of departures from the club in recent days, including strikers Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson.

Alonso, who previously said his bloated squad size needed to be drastically cut, is satisfied with the clear-out.

“We are quite close to the plan that we had. We will see where we finish, if it’s fully executed or there are some things still to be done,” he added.

“But overall the balance of what we have is going to be good. We need to see how the last few days develop.”

Hurzeler warns of Cole Palmer threat

After a poor season, Palmer looked back to his best against Fulham as he thrived while roaming in a free role under Alonso.

During his pre-match news conference, Hurzeler warned his side cannot defend against Palmer on a “one-to-one” basis and must be collectively strong to stop the playmaker and Chelsea’s other talents.

The German coach said he was happy with his own squad as the transfer window is set to close.

“There’s a minor issue with small injuries but I’m not here to complain; I’m here to find solutions together with my team and that’s what we try to do since day one, so yes, I’m happy with the squad,” he said.

He said new signings Jaouen Hadjam and Promise David should be available for the Chelsea game.

I think they are two great players. Two great personalities. They make our squad stronger,” he said.

Prediction

The Opta supercomputer has made Chelsea the favourites, with a win probability of 49.6 percent. Brighton were given a 26 percent chance of winning, while a draw was estimated at a 24.4 percent likelihood.

Head-to-head

The two clubs have faced each other 28 times, with Chelsea winning 16 games, Brighton winning 7, and five matches ending as draws.

Brighton have won the last four encounters between the two sides, with Chelsea’s last victory in the tie coming back in September 2024.

Last five encounters:

• April 21, 2026: Brighton 3-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
• September 27, 2025: Chelsea 1-3 Brighton (Premier League)
• February 14, 2025: Brighton 3-0 Chelsea (Premier League)
• February 08, 2025: Brighton 2-1 Chelsea (FA Cup fourth round)
• September 28, 2024: Chelsea 4-2 Brighton (Premier League)

What happened the last time the two clubs met?

Brighton’s Ferdi Kadioglu netted an early opener, and Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck scored in the second half to pile more misery on floundering Chelsea in a 3-0 Premier League victory back in April.

The result saw Brighton climb above their visitors to sixth in the table, with Chelsea in the midst of a dire run of results that would see them miss out on European football this season.

Chelsea’s team news

Marco Palestra remains unavailable with an injury, as is Jordan Henderson, who continues to recover from a broken wrist sustained while celebrating England’s last-16 World Cup win over Mexico.

However, Alonso said he was hopeful that key midfielder Moises Caicedo will be fit enough to face his former club, while Levi Colwill and Geovany Quenda are also in contention to play.

Defender Wesley Fofana returns after serving his suspension for a red card on the final day of last season at Sunderland.

Alonso suggested that the unsettled Enzo Fernandez may not feature as he is being linked with a move to Manchester City.

Predicted starting XI:

Sanchez (goalkeeper); Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, Caicedo, James, Chavarria; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro

Brighton’s team news

Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, Stefanos Tzimas and Evan Ferguson are all long-term absentees for Brighton.

Jack Hinshelwood and Georginio Rutter are doubts after picking up knocks. If Rutter is unable to feature, then either Charalampos Kostoulas or new loan signing Promise David could start up front.

Predicted starting XI:

Verbruggen (goalkeeper); Kadioglu, Boscagli, Dunk, Vuskovic; Wieffer, Ayari; Gomez, Gross, De Cuyper; Kostoulas

Liverpool will take on Tottenham as the teams who compete in Europe enter in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Leeds could potentially face Chelsea, should the London club beat Luton on Thursday.

Manchester United face Premier League opposition in Brighton, while holders Manchester City host Norwich.

Fleetwood, the only fourth-tier side left in the competition, host Sheffield United.

The nine Premier League teams that are playing in Europe – Arsenal, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Sunderland – all enter the Carabao Cup in the third round.

To avoid clashes with the opening rounds of the Champions League and Europa League, matches will be played across the weeks commencing Monday, 7 and Monday, 14 September.

The final two places will be decided on Thursday when Chelsea host Luton (19:30 BST) and Fulham take on AFC Wimbledon (20:00 BST).

THE seaside town of Brighton isn’t exactly off the radar – but it could be become a new hub for tourists.

In terms of its artsy scene, the coastal city has been said to potentially ‘rival Margate‘ with a new attraction.

With buildings covered in beautiful murals, handmade trinkets being sold at markets and the fact that it’s home to many creatives, it’s surprising that Brighton doesn’t have an art gallery.

But that could be set to change as a development plan has revealed one could open on the seafront.

This isn’t too dissimilar to Margate in Kent which is home to the world-class Turner Contemporary.

The Black Rock area in Brighton next to Brighton Marina is set to be developed – while there are no official plans, it could become a gallery.

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According to Time Out, the local council are in talks with a major London art institution. 

That isn’t the only part of Brighton getting a new look – another part of the town’s redesign is on the seafront.

The council are looking to update the King’s Road paddling pool and play area.

The local council are currently looking for proposals that must have a “high-quality family play area and paddling pool that will remain free for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The hope is that the existing pool, play area as well as surrounding facilities will be upgraded and modernised.

Speaking of pools, Brighton just a few years ago opened a seafront lido called Sea Lanes which sits right by the seafront on Madeira Drive.

The 50metre swimming pool has six lanes and is heated to 19C year-round.

On the day sessions are £11.90 per adult and £7.60 for concessions.

Thanks to several businesses being open on-site, Sea Lanes is a great spot to grab a drink and bite to eat.

One such place is a cafe called Fika, which boasts about serving “an epic brunch and damn good coffee“.

Think re-fuelling smoothies and enormous breakfast and brunch sandwiches.

There’s barbecue restaurant Wood x Coal, which “captures the essence of Brighton and Hove’s spirited soul” by serving “smoky flavours with modern culinary twists”.

Among its best loved options are its pizzas, which are served overlooking to beach.

Bison Beer meanwhile is a local craft beer company and has two bars, with 14 different draft beer options as well as spirits, wine and cocktails.

Another part of Brighton set to be upgraded is its historic arches along the King’s Road.

The seafront arches are home to independent shops and beachfront cafes – and are set to undergo a £22million investment.

Later this year, the nearby Grade II listed Madeira Terrace will reopen  following a £750,000 revamp

Since Iraola replaced Arne Slot as Liverpool head coach, the Reds have signed Victor Munoz for £34.5m and Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona.

Jeremy Jacquet, the French centre-half, also arrived from Rennes in a deal worth £60m, but that was agreed back in January.

In terms of outgoings, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all left the club over the summer while Curtis Jones is in Italy to complete a £30m move to Inter Milan.

Iraola added: “You are asking me what we need – there are certain situations that for me are clear – especially now on the wing because we don’t have enough players specific to play in those positions.

“And then in other positions, I think we have to be open-minded in the market to see situations that honestly can improve our team.

“It’s not about signing because we need a player here. No, it’s about improving the squad. And we have very good players already here, so to improve our very good players, you need like a specific level of player, yes.”

In a separate interview with Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports, he said: “We will definitely sign some players. Some deals you have to wait until the end. But the end is the important picture, the one we will have on September 1. Because it is true that we are still quite thin.”

It’s not the first time that Iraola has said words to that effect, having echoed similar sentiments during Liverpool‘s pre-season tour in the USA when discussing Liverpool‘s defensive options, and internally the belief at Anfield is that it will be a busy end to the window for Liverpool

On Jones’ move to Inter Milan, Iraola said: “With Curtis, you know. I think it’s still not official but there is an ongoing situation. I understood with Curtis. I talked to him. I think in the first or second training session we talked.

“I value him a lot as a player. He loved this club – it was very clear since the beginning for me – but I understood that probably the outcome was going to be what it has been at the end.

“I’ve never hid it – for me Curtis is a very good player. A very, very good player, but I understood straight away when he talked to me about his situation. It was a situation that could happen and it looks like it is going to happen.”

AN A-list Hollywood actor was spotted shopping at a Pokémon market in Brighton – but would you have been able to recognise him in the crowds?

A TikTok user shared a snap of the star, 48, looking around a gymnasium in a white cap and glasses.

Molly Wheatley, user name @xo_mxlly_ox, captioned the snap: “That’s just a random man in a white hat…”

But then in the next slide she revealed exactly who it was, as she posed for a picture with none other than Tom Hardy.

Fans rushed to the comments section to swoon over the Venom star, with one writing: “WOAH.”

Another said: “my jaw hit the floor.”

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“I knew it was him before the second picture. I KNOW THAT HANDSOME MAN FROM A MILE OFF,” a third chimed in.

A fourth added: “Idk you but I hate you!!”

A fifth chimed in: “I would simply keel over.”

A sixth joked: “He is a pretty good tom hardy look alike tbf.”

Tom, who was born in Hammersmith, London, is a well known English actor who has starred in a number of popular films and TV shows since shooting to fame in the late 90s.

Some of his movie roles include in Star Trek: Nemesis, RocknRolla, Bronson, Warrior, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, Mad Max: Fury Road, Dunkirk, Venom, Spider-Man: No Way Home, The Bikeriders and Havoc.

Meanwhile he’s also been in Wuthering Heights, Peaky Blinders, Taboo, Oliver Twist, and most recently MobLand.

He has also won the Rising Star Award at the British Academy Film Awards in 2011, as well as the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Actor in an Action Movie in 2015.

And fans will be over the moon to know that Tom is reprising his role as Harry Da Souza on MobLand, after it was said that the hunky actor had been fired from the Paramount+ hit.

Deadline confirmed the integral cast – which is also made up of Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren – will remain for the third instalment, and that includes Tom.

And last month The Sun exclusively revealed a world-exclusive first look at the upcoming action.