October Unpacked: Unpack tasty treats in Brighton and Hove throughout October
October Unpacked returns to Brighton and Hove for a second edition this month, writes Nick Mosley.
If last year’s inaugural event was anything to go by, October is rapidly becoming one of the most action-packed months in the city’s events calendar with over 200 arts, performance, family-friendly and, of course, food and drinks events listed in the Unpacked brochure and website.
Driven by the Brighton and Hove Tourism Alliance and Discover Brighton, the idea is pretty straightforward: bring together venues, performers, event organisers and restaurateurs in a free-access programme that will give tourists a reason to visit the city in the shoulder season and also get residents to explore more of the city. And there’s certainly plenty going on.
One of the main strands is The Taste Trail, running throughout October across various city centre venues. It’s a good excuse to discover some of the places you may have walked past without ever actually darkening their doors – and, more importantly, to eat your way around the city while doing it. Simply look for the orange Taste Trail posters in windows and ask the venue what’s on offer; it might be a a reduced price dish or even a completely free taster. As no ticket or wristband is required, either way you’ll bag a tasty bargain.
At Nostos in Holland Road, Wednesdays are given over to unlimited Greek street food. Enjoy as much as you like from a selection of authentic Greek favourites, including gyros and souvlaki. I’ve eaten at Nostos many times so its a personal favourite – and at £21 per person this must be one of the best midweek evening dining deals to be had.
There are plenty more food and drink led events with a side order of entertainment.
Over at Brighton Racecourse on Thursday 15 October, the final race day of the season begins with the BITE Sussex Waiters’ Race. Waiters and bartenders will compete over a furlong; it's not just a question of speed though as points will be deducted for spilling wine from the glasses balanced on their trays. Racegoers will be able to bet on their favourite waiter with donations to charity.
Down in the seafront Kings Road Arches, The Winkle is positively bursting with four October Unpacked events. On Thursday 15 October there’s a Sea-Cuterie and wine tasting night, Surf and Turf makes an appearance on Friday 23 October, Brighton Ghost Walk’s Rob Marks hosts a dining spooktacular on Wednesday 28 October and team Winkle host a charity supper club for JustLife on Thursday 29 October.
Throughout October, The Sussex Peasant’s mobile farmers markets are on the road with their Big Autumn Markets that brings together their regular offering alongside additional food and drink stalls from local producers. Autumn is my favourite times of year for Sussex food, so this is a particularly timely addition to the Unpacked programme. Drop by and stock up at St Ann’s Well Garden in Hove on Friday 16 October or Preston Park on Saturday 17 October.
If beer is more up your Straße then Oktoberfest returns to Shelter Hall on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October. Expect German-inspired food, plenty of beer and all the traditional Oktoberfest-style thigh-slapping and stein clinking merriment that goes with it.
There’s also a chance to venture deeper into the drinks cabinet with a Mezcal tasting and food pairing evening with Erika Martinez of Gente de Mezcal at Old School Studios in Roedean Road on Saturday 24 October. Think of Mezcal as Tequila’s smoky, slightly more rebellious bedfellow.
Mexican food also features elsewhere in the Unpacked programme with La Choza’s always fun and very popular Day of the Dead celebrations bringing one of Brighton’s best-known Mexican street-food names in to spice up the October mix.
With Halloween falling on Saturday 31 October this year, there are – literally – a frightening number of weekend events.
For parents looking for a family-friendly evening, then BITE Sussex and SEA LIFE Brighton are partnering up for ‘Little Monsters Under The Sea’ – an evening of tricks and tasty treats throughout the aquarium. You’re free to explore with tickets including a hot dog from Nostos, glow-in-the-dark ice cream from Boho Gelato, a spooky chocolate gift from Brighton Beach House, games and colouring with Brighton Toy & Model Museum and ‘shock-corn’ snacks. There’ll also be a charity tombola and prize for best dressed Little Monster plus a pay bar for adults. Note that adults must be accompanied by children for this event.
What I particularly admire about October Unpacked is that despite all the challenges facing the visitor economy, there are still some people prepared to organise events, collaborate, experiment and invite us enjoy the arts, culture and hospitality on our doorstep, much of which we can all be guilty of taking for granted.
Everything you need know is at www.discoverbrighton.org/october-unpacked/
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