Home to some of the finest boozers on the south coast, our seaside town knows a thing or two about freshly-poured pints and cosy corners. Whether you're wanting to sip cocktails while overlooking the sea or fancy a mega Sunday roast in The Lanes, there's a watering hole for every occasion. Need some inspo? Here's our roundup of the best pubs in Brighton.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 16th July 2024
Head down to Oculist on Boyce's Street for some tasty grub and stunning views. Not only does this hotspot offer a fabulous menu with a range of much-loved classics, but there's also a rooftop terrace for those Insta-worthy snapshots on sunny days.
Located on the scenic edge of Hove's beautiful lagoon and seafront, The Gather Inn is a real gem for those after swoon-worthy views. Nab a table by the window, where you'll be able to catch the sunset, all with an ice-cold bevvy in hand.
The Black Lion is renowned in these parts for drool-worthy burgers, making it a firm choice for the best pub lunch in Brighton. Choose between a host of toppings, from streaked bacon to Mexicana cheese and spicy jalapenos. Better yet? There's a fully-heated garden perfect for sinking pints.
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The White Rabbit is bringing a little kitsch to the heart of North Laine. Step inside this eccentric hideaway for quirky interiors, including a red telephone box and vintage furnishings, alongside themed parties or acoustic music nights.
Sitting pretty just shy of the train station, Grand Central is a stalwart venue in the town's nightlife circles thanks to its charming interiors, gastropub food and hidden gin bar. There's also a stunning rooftop space - making it one of the best pubs in Brighton city centre.
After the best pubs in Brighton for live music? The Mesmerist is a great option. This venue is a triple threat, as it boasts entertainment, a 70s-inspired cocktail lounge and a crackin' roof terrace for those sunny days, always guaranteeing punters a good time.
Easy Tiger at The Hampton is a firm contender when it comes to top Brighton boozers. Not only have the team behind The Pond collaborated with chef Sabu Joseph for a top-notch Indian-inspired menu, but this spot is also dog-friendly and has an awesome beer garden.
If you're on the hunt for top-notch pubs on Brighton's seafront, then visit Tempest. Nestle into a cosy cove, where your seats are set into the rock and the walls are adorned with intricate drawings, for some fabulous food accompanied by live music.
On the hunt for the best pubs in Brighton and Hove? Then venture to Old Albion, a unique drinking den and gin palace that will quench your thirst, and then some. With an excellent craft beer selection and over 40 different gins, this hub provides an eclectic setting for pours.
On the hunt for a pretty Brighton boozer? We thought so. Make your way to Castle Street's The Fitz Regent for the gorgeous Grade II interiors, alongside an epic lineup of events. From bottomless brunches to live music sets, punters certainly won't get bored here.
Looking for the best pub in Brighton? The Joker is sure to impress. Touting a beer garden on the ground floor, alongside an upstairs cocktail bar, including marble-topped tables and plush furnishings, this venue does it all.
Overlooking the gorgeous Preston Park, this relaxed pub has a family-friendly policy. Offering a selection of wholesome eats, from gourmet bangers and mash to 28-day aged rib-eye steaks, this is the ideal pitstop for a midweek pick-me-up.
After the best pubs in Brighton town centre? Add East Street Tap to your list. Not only inspired by the cool Eastern shores of America, but it also prides itself on serving up some of the finest bevvies from the other side of the Atlantic, including Trillium, Alchemist and Brooklyn.
Searching for the best food pubs in Brighton? The North Laine Brewhouse not only boasts its own on-site microbrewery, but also some tasty grub, such as burgers or Sunday roasts. On top of that, there are also sports screenings, live music and quiz nights.
Kemptown's favourite spot, Sidewinder doesn't mess about when it comes to food or drink. From Sunday feasting to vegan hot dogs, hearty burgers and gin specials, this spot is a must-visit for those after somewhere to chow down.
For live music, great DJs and one of the most electric atmospheres in town, head to West Street's party pub: Inn On The Square. Boasting sunny streetside tables, it's the perfect summer haunt for grabbing a couple of cold ones and soaking up warm rays.
The oldest pub in Brighton, having been on the scene since 1547, The Cricketers is a stellar spot for all your drinking and dining antics. From Victorian touches across the decor to delish grub, this place has everything you need.
Part pub, part games arcade, this London Road drinking hole is a big kid's dream. From the virtual reality booths and remote control race track to a fully immersive escape room, it's our top pick when it comes to group nights out.
A popular haunt among the LGBTQ+ community, The Actors really fronts a welcoming atmosphere. The all-inclusive space boasts a crackin' pizza menu for those after tasty grub, all before the lights go down for entertainment, including live DJs and quiz nights.
Just a short walk away from Prince Albert Street in the heart of Brighton, The Pump House is a traditional pub decked out in wooden walls, leather barstools and golden chandeliers. Dating back to 1766, you'll find plenty of history and character here, including a stone fireplace carved with the initials of the original owner. Enjoy a cracking selection of cask ales and spirits, as well as a classic British menu of veggie cottage pie, chargrilled ribeye steak or baked macaroni cheese, among many other tasty treats.
Situated right on the beachfront, Fortune of War is a great pub for those sunny outings. Built in 1882, this traditional venue boasts quirky features that are made from boats, alongside a few nods to the seaside surfing community and a crackin' terrace space.
Based on the outskirts of Hove, The Stoneham is a popular haunt among those in the know. Decked out with fairy-lights, twinkling candles and quirky neon fixtures, it's as pretty as they come. Tuck into flavour-packed eats, from crispy confit belly of pork to salmon burgers.
If history is what you're after, the Bath Arms in The Lanes is bound to impress with its cobbled features. First built in 1868, this dog-friendly drinking den has plenty of cosy features, including exposed fireplaces and warming mahogany tones.
Found near the beachfront in Hove, The Brunswick is a cosy den that's ideal for casual craft beer sipping, as well as evenings of live music. On top of that, this also makes it onto our list of top pubs in Brighton, as there's a first-class beer garden for BBQs come the summer.
Tired of the same old boozers? A charming pub in North Laine, Foundation Head is a great shout for anyone on the hunt for good beer and even better scran. Enjoy chowing down on delicious burgers, nuggets and fries, while pairing them with a glass of vino or pint.
Perched between Gardner Street and North Road, The Dorset has been going strong for over 200 years. Whether you're grabbing a table on the outdoor terrace or sitting down on a mismatched chair in front of the open fire, this hub is an ideal venue all year round.
If you're looking for pubs in Brighton's The Lanes, then be sure to check out The Victory. Boasting a menu of British classics, from fish 'n' chips to a good ol' steak meal, this is a great watering hole to catch up with friends over tasty grub and a few pints.
Star & Garter is a favourite old Brighton pub, as it dates back to the 1750s and once hosted iconic guests like Charlie Chaplin. Not only that, but it has been tastefully restored and flaunts a menu of stuffed bao buns, panko smoked pork and other pan-Asian treats.
The Lion and Lobster can be seen a mile off thanks to its vibrant red exteriors, but inside it's another story. A maze of weaving staircases, period features and hidden beer gardens, this infamous drinking den looks to be straight out of a fairytale.
Kick back with a pint of something tasty over at The Walrus. Not only does this bustling hub showcase traditional interiors with modern touches, but it also boasts a magical rooftop garden. And if your stomach starts to rumble? Check out the scrumptious British grub on offer.
Located amongst the buzz of London Road, New Unity is a wonderland of quirky bottomless brunches, live sports screenings and unbeatable drinks deals. A popular pub with Brighton's student population, this laidback hub promises a fun night out that won't break the bank.
Home to crackin' Sunday roasts, Earth and Stars is one of the best pubs in Brighton for food. The weekday a la carte offering shouldn't be overlooked though - featuring everything from beer-battered smoked tofu to open ravioli, it's bursting with tasty delights.
If you're a seafood fan, then check out The Urchin in Hove. Home to fresh and sustainably-sourced fish, this is a great spot to enjoy some mouthwatering scallops, prawns and oysters, all complemented with a glass of crisp pinot grigio.
A cool pub in Seven Dials, Good Companions is all about home comforts and excellent company. Get the gang together for an afternoon session with some real Sussex ales or delicious food, including hot paninis, BBQ ribs and loaded fries.
With slick, but, welcoming interiors, oodles of craft beer and drool-worthy mac 'n' cheese on the menu, this town centre pub is an obvious choice for a few post-work pints. And on date nights? You'll be able to nab a cosy corner and delve into hearty eats.
One of the best country pubs in Brighton, The Royal Sovereign is all about those classic comforts. From its offering of quintessential British grub to its quirky vintage interiors and roaring open fires, this place was created with rainy days in mind.
A Hove favourite watering hole, The Wick Inn promises more than your average pub experience. While its got some great local ales, this place also happens to boast a secret upstairs speakeasy that serves up some of the town's best bourbon cocktails.
The West Hill Tavern is a Brighton staple that boasts cosy open fireplaces, cute corners and an outdoor terrace for when the sun shines. And when you're feeling peckish? Check out the loaded pizzas or hearty roasts.
