Good morning, Brighton. We have respite from the heat until next weekend so enjoy it whilst it lasts. Love Supreme Festival takes place Friday to Sunday at Glynde Place with tickets available for day sessions and camping so take a peek if you fancy a boogie.

In today’s Brighton Scoop:

- Phil Reynolds

Well, someone finally decided those iconic double-sided green benches on Hove seafront deserved a makeover – and what perfect timing! Eleven of these charming "cucumber benches" have been lovingly restored just as the season kicks off.

The renovation was a proper community affair: local businesses chipped in materials, Lloyds Bank and Network Rail volunteers grabbed sandpaper with surprising enthusiasm, and even the Community Payback Scheme lent a hand (quite literally – they tackled the weeds). The council's contractor R J Dance orchestrated the whole feel-good operation at zero cost to taxpayers.

Councillor David McGregor declared himself "thrilled" – fair enough, these beauties are now ready for countless hours of seafront people-watching. The council's also splashing out £280,000 on wider seafront TLC this summer, plus investigating creative funding through trendy new beach huts.

Thirteen kilometres of Victorian seaside charm to maintain? That's ambitious. But at least the benches are looking fabulous!

Brighton’s seafront patrol boat is back in action – and timing couldn't be better with the heatwave driving crowds to the water. After specialist training, the council's seafront team launched it ahead of the iconic Brighton Pier to Pier Swim Race (celebrating its 90th year, no less) on saturday.

The boat primarily operates during peak summer periods, working alongside RNLI lifeguards to keep swimmers safe. It'll monitor paddle boards and inflatables drifting too far out, offer water safety advice, and crack down on dodgy jet ski activity. More on the patrol boat.

Councillor McGregor reckons it's a win for confidence and prevention. The boat's part of a broader safety push this summer – think beefed-up CCTV, extra patrols, and school water-safety training. Smart thinking when the seaside's packed to the gills!

Brighton's gone absolutely barking mad – CuppaPug has officially launched, and these rescue pugs mean serious business. After a soft-opening shake-down, the café is now ready to serve themed drinks and cakes while adorable four-legged friends steal the show.

The grand opening on 26 June let visitors meet the resident pugs (including adoptable ones) in a calm, supervised setting. Founders Aaron and Matthew partnered with local legends David and Laura – the latter ditched 25 years as a solicitor to join the pug cause.

Best bit? They're running a cracking prize draw: top prize is a Texas trip for two (flights, three nights' hotel, CuppaPug Frisco entry), plus ten pairs of tickets to CuppaPug London's 4th birthday bash. Just £5 per entry, with proceeds going to charity.

It's wholesome chaos – rescue pugs, excellent coffee, and a chance to hobnob with the finest canines in the area.

☀️ | 📈 21° | 📉 15° | ☔️ <5% | 🌬️ SW 9mph | 🌊 <1ft

🌤️ | 📈 20° | 📉 15° | ☔️ 30% | 🌬️ SW 10mph | 🌊 <1ft

Cinema’s aren’t going to fill themselves. Break a habit of a lifetime, turn off Netflix, get off the sofa and potter down to your local (cinema).

Duke of York’s Picturehouse - Book

Toy Story 5 | Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day | A Private Life

Dukes at Komedia - Book

The Last Viking | Obsession | Toy Story 5 | Disclosure Day | Time & Water | | A Private Life

❤️ 30s & 40s Single's Mixer | Tuesday | Be @ One | 7pm | Info

🎈 Family friendly events

Great to have you follow the Scoop today. If you liked it, do share us with a friend. There’s a coffee on me if you spot me in town.