Restaurant Brighton's guide to

Brighton Beer Garden Guide

Our top picks

Brighton Beer Gardens

At Oculist you’ll find one of Brighton’s best rooftop gardens to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, or if it’s on the chilly side there are plenty of heaters to keep you warm. Even better, it’s centrally located a short walk from the seafront and in the busy Lanes area. So the perfect spot to stop after an afternoon of shopping or a day at the beach. Oculist will take you through to the evening with great music and DJ sets on the rooftop. An amazing selection of drinks such as craft beer, wines and their signature cocktails are offered at Oculist. If you’re feeling peckish, then the Middle Eastern BaBBab menu will have something for you to devour.

*The kitchen at the Oculist will be closed until spring 2024

The garden at Arcobaleno is well secluded and sheltered. Festival lights hang from the trees growing up amongst the beer garden benches and smaller tables and chairs. The feel is casual, friendly and a little bit of a festival vibe. Drinks-wise, Arcobaleno has a strong offering of signature cocktails, with classics available too, and a good range of beers, wines and spirits. Local entertainment (which is nearly always free) keeps their indoor stage busy, making this a super Kemptown destination for summer nights when you’re looking for relaxed fun.

Lawned beer gardens are hard to come by in the city, so if you’re craving the lushness of real grass and flower beds then head to DaddyLonglegs. Set in Kemptown this sea-facing pub is a prime destination spot for outside wining and dining with friends. Their drinks offering is abundant with local and international organic wines, a dazzling array of spirits and plenty of great beers to enjoy in the garden. 

This lively Brighton pub, venue and kitchen is one of Brighton’s best known spots. They serve popular pub grub, daily and cater for a wide variety of dietary needs. If you’re looking for a great Sunday roast, then The Black Lion is a top option and has been awarded a top 20 position for Best Roast in Brighton in the BRAVOs 2020. Friday and Saturday nights here are a sure win if you’re chips in for upbeat city centre socials. You can expect to find; people drinking, dancing and generally having a great time. Their Brighton beer garden space consists of a heated and covered garden with some large cosy booths. With outside DJs in the summer months.

Alfresco dining in a globe style pod with a wooden table and chairs inside the pod on a sunny day. A feature in the Romantic Restaurants Brighton Guide
Photo credit: Coppa Club

The Coppa Club is conveniently located in the centre of the Lanes in the newly developed Hannington’s Lane. The spacious venue has full use of the adjoining square for a stylish and sheltered spot of drinking. The Igloos give you a little sense of exclusivity mixed with the practicality of protection from the elements, for cocktail sipping and living the paparazzi lifestyle whatever the weather.

This Brighton relic is seeped in our city’s fruity history. One of those venues that if you’re here on holiday it should be circled in red on your map, and if you’re a local you’ll likely be very familiar with it’s Victorian interiors. The Cricketers serve classic pub grub and offers its guests covered street side dining. Being placed in the heart of the trendy Lanes, it makes for the perfect spot for people watching whilst knocking back a pint and pie. Definitely one of our Brighton beer garden favourites. 

The Cleveland Arms is a bright modern Brighton pub in the Fiveways area with both Blaker’s Park and Preston Park in close proximity. The family friendly pub has an outdoor seating area at the front, perfect for keeping an eye on activity in the park while soaking up the sun and a crisp white wine or perfectly chilled pint. Inside there is a large conservatory area for sun worshippers on sunny but cooler days. The excellent food menu blends classic but elevated pub fare with stylish modern small plates that are centred on bold and creative flavours. 

The roof garden at the Mes will elevate you above the crowds, here you can enjoy classic cocktails, freshly mixed and shaken by the pros, well into the night. Decked out with overhead heating, shelter and a sound system to rival a club. It can be enjoyed all year round with weather dependent retractable awnings. The Mes is a must for your Brighton nightlife bucket list.

It would be impossible to compile a list of the best beer gardens Brighton has to offer without including OhSo Social, placed as it is with views between the Palace and West Pier. The open bar extends out into its sea-facing court giving you a whole day of sunshine. Great for families in the day. Come dusk and the tempo ups to a great beach party feel. The location makes this a busy spot, be prepared to share your table with strangers and your chips with seagulls, but honestly on the right day or night – it’s worth it. Also a great venue for a dance on certain dates, as this venue often has live DJs, so has a Brighton Club feel. 

Nestled in an unassuming corner of the Lanes is Post House. A demeure looking coffee shop on the outside, you might easily pass it by if you weren’t the savvy type reading this webpage. Inside, it is true, it’s a very coffee shop, but it’s also very bar (as the large white marble bar and shining display of spirit bottles and beer taps will testify to). Head through the back and voila! You’re in a secluded, shielded yard, decked with beer garden benches and bright murals. Post House serves a fine range of beers, wines and are more than a dab hand at cocktails, mojito’s in the sun anyone?

The terrace space on the south-facing seaside of the Brighton Metropole Bar is a fantastic spot to unwind and indulge in drinks and food while taking in the breathtaking view of the iconic West Pier. With its prime location overlooking the sea, the terrace offers a delightful al fresco experience, allowing guests to soak up the sun and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. Whether it’s a leisurely afternoon drink or a casual meal, the terrace provides a serene and picturesque setting to relax, socialise, and appreciate the stunning seaside ambiance of Brighton.

At The Roundhill Pub, enjoy streetside seating with cosy awnings and heating, making it a great place to be any time of day. Browse their menu for tempting vegan small plates to pair with your drink of choice—whether it’s one of their craft taps or cask lines, non-alcoholic cocktails, or a crisp glass of wine. The Roundhill are your friendly neighbourhood spot for lunch, dinner or their famous vegan Sunday roasts.

Family friendly, dogs welcome, serves knock out pub grub and has a great selection of beverages. The Ladies Mile has two huge outside spaces that offer covered seating in both front and the back beer gardens. There’s an enclosed child-friendly play area too. If you’re looking for a friendly local that will make sure that you, your friends and family are well looked after, then look no further.

The Railway Inn in Portslade is a large, community pub that’s popular for its fusion street food and busy calendar of events and offers. It has a large sunny beer garden at the rear that also offers shelter. The garden is designed for comfort and lazing in the sun, with a mix of basket, bench and stool seating and parasols for shade should you need them. The menu is a mix of Mexican and Asian street food with some pub classics there too, as well as a dedicated kids’ menu. So there really is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Permit Room offers options for outdoor seating. You can choose to sit at charming tables and chairs placed at the entrance, nestled amidst the cobblestone streets of the Lanes. Alternatively, experience a touch of elevated luxury on their rooftop terrace, complete with a retractable roof, cosy blankets, and heaters, ensuring a comfortable experience regardless of the weather.

The Lewes Road Inn is a popular Brighton pub for the young families and students that make up the local community. It has a large sunny garden area at the rear of the pub which is sheltered from the elements and decorated with bright murals. The pub is child and dog friendly and a great meeting place for families. The menu is largely Italian inspired and certain to please. There are classic pizzas and small plates, as well as burgers and a kids’ menu. On Sundays they serve a classic selection of roasts as well as veggie and vegan options.

If it is a Brighton beer garden with a view you are after then this one has got the best in town. Situated on the edge of Hanover, the panoramic views of the city are breathtaking. Head up there during sunset and find out for yourself how this pub got its name. The stunning views aside, this is a classy neighbourhood Brighton pub with high-end food and drink. Popular with locals and visitors in the know, this pub garden is certainly a winner when it comes to the scenery.

Photo credit: The Setting Sun

Head up to Kemptown and you can start getting a little bit more garden for your money. The prize for the biggest and most impressive beer garden in Brighton must go to The Sidewinder. With covered seating throughout this has got to be one of the best pub gardens Brighton has. An outdoor barbeque gets stoked-up most summers, expect good food, good drinks, friendly staff, DJs and live music.

Photo credit: Sidewinder

Drink internationally award-winning beer straight from the brewhouse. Brighton Bier are as authentically Brighton as you can get and when it comes to beer gardens these guys have brought an unrivalled gift to our city. With a capacity matched by few others in town and a bar stocked with the full range of their best house bevies, their Brighton beer garden offers the perfect spot to meet friends for post work drinks or weekend get-togethers. Pop-up food vendors are on rotation offering up Mexican, Japanese and Slovakian street food.

Haus on the Hill is a popular Hanover pub and taproom for local brewers Brighton Bier. The classic saloon-style bar leads out into a discrete Beer Gardens Brighton or courtyard with heated booths and a roof terrace that catches the summer afternoon sun. Here you’ll find a classic combination of good local beer as well as guest ales and a super friendly team who really do love their jobs. Breaking away from classic pub fare, you’ll be fed by the life-loving flavours of Danny O’Shea’s Caribbean Kitchen (think wings, burgers and curries with BBQ and jerk flavours, peas ‘n’ rice). Haus on the Hill is child and dog friendly.

When it comes to sheer scale the beer garden at The Hobgoblin is the daddy of beer gardens in Brighton. This massive space is one of the best spots in Brighton to take in some sunshine while enjoying a delicious real ale or craft beer. The Hobgoblin garden is open all year round with purpose-built sheltered booths and heat lamps. Regular drinks deals and daily student deals make this a good-spirited vibrant bar that attracts but isn’t restricted to, the alternative, rock, metal and indie crowd.

Hove

This popular gastropub and bistro boasts a fabulous heated Italian-themed garden ideal for long summer afternoons. Situated on First Avenue in the Palmeira Square area, Hove Place, is a multi-faceted Hove pub. Suitable as a spot to enjoy a social drink with a sharing charcuterie board, or head here for a full evening meal from their impressive menu. The secluded garden features plenty of greenery and shaded areas in addition to varied seating and social spaces.

The George Payne in Hove is a roomy and friendly Hove pub that’s dog and family friendly. As well as plenty of space inside you’ll find a large beer garden at the rear and more street side seating at the front. The beer garden is sunny and sheltered and perfect or afternoons or after work drinks. It’s a perennial space with a canvas awning and several heated cabins for the winter months too. The menu here is classic and modern pub fare with a real emphasis on championing local and seasonal produce and meat, fish and game from local butchers. On Sundays, they serve a classic Sunday roast – it’s very popular so booking ahead is advised.

The Poets Ale and Smokehouse in Hove has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. Not least of all its own smokery and butcher, for a menu of succulent, smokey and locally sourced meats. You’ll find most major sports are played here, but it doesn’t feel like a sports pub, and you’ll be as likely to catch tennis and cricket as football and rugby. The secret beer garden at the back is a secluded treasure. While the street-side tables at the front are a popular gathering place for local workers looking to catch the last of the day’s rays with a cool pint, good food and company. 

The Stirling Arms in Hove is a relaxed and welcoming local pub that serves a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes and a good selection of quality and premium drinks. It has a modern revamped terrace which catches the summer sun all afternoon long and additional street-side benches for watching the tranquil neighbourhood life go by. On Sundays, they serve a classic Sunday roast and the Sunday Gin and Jazz sessions make for a fun way to wind up the weekend. 

The Urchin pub pulls a crowd from all over the city and beyond, famed as it is for its amazing seafood menu and an epic selection of craft beers. Their own brewery The Larrikin is situated in the basement where co-owners Nick and Austen get up to all kinds of mad alchemy that always seems to work. A small garden area sits at street level with the good times frequently spilling out into this lovely neighbourhood street that keeps The Urchin at its heart. A stand-out Hove pub that we highly recommend.

You wouldn’t naturally look at the exterior of Paris Wine Bar on Church Road and think it boasted a spacious secluded rear garden, but it does. And this fact makes it extra special and a great find. On a sunny day head through the darkly decorated, luxuriously comfortable bar to a spacious garden that’s shielded from the wind but catches the daytime sun. The wine and cocktail menus are both extensive, as well as a good selection of beers and spirits. The food is modern British tapas, perfect for sharing al fresco style.

As the name suggests this pub is very focussed on their garden. The mock Tudor building houses a large family-friendly pub and kitchen, around the back you will find the largest beer garden in Hove. The large decked area features heated private booths with iPod docks, a large number of picnic tables with parasols and a BBQ. Situated on Portland Road in the area often now referred to as West Hove, it is the ideal option for those looking for somewhere in this area of the city. Photo credit: The Garden Bar

Another sizeable beer garden in Hove can be found at The Brunswick. Situated just a stone’s throw from the seafront, pub-music venue and kitchen has a lot going for it and is perenially busy. The garden has plenty of seating for large groups and is sun-drenched in the summer. The bar is well-stocked and there is a wide choice of food. As evening draws in you can even catch a show in the large separate performance space inside. Photo credit: The Brunswick

Sussex

Cider garden more like! Well, they do serve beer at The Cider Tap, good beer too, but it’s the cider that makes this restaurant and tap house stand out. You’ll be spoilt for choice by the unrivalled and eclectic selection of beverages to enjoy in the huge, west-facing garden. You can expect – a lush countryside setting, lush countryside ciders, and a menu from The Syndicate Kitchen that champions the best Sussex-grown and reared produce.

The Cricketers in Worthing boasts a spacious and inviting beer garden that offers a fantastic outdoor experience for all. This expansive garden provides ample seating and a perfect oasis for families and friends to relax and play. Kids can enjoy the large play area while adults can savour the outdoor bar and kitchen, complete with a pizza oven for delicious treats. Don’t miss the gelato counter, offering a variety of flavours, including dairy-free options. The Cricketers’ beer garden is a must-visit destination for a memorable outdoor dining experience in Worthing.

Hidden at the back of The New Inn in Hurstpierpoint is a gorgeous south-facing pub garden that catches the whole day’s sun. The floral border is a traditional English country garden and there’s a picturesque kitchen garden just beyond the children’s play area. The outdoor barbeque regularly gets fired up for pizza nights while the daily menu is modern, fresh (from the garden) and seasonal. It is a perfect family spot to relax with grass beneath your feet and a drop of something cold and sparkling from the local winery, Albourne Estate, in hand.

Morleys Bistro is a relaxed and comfortable Sussex restaurant that boasts a beautifully spacious and sunny garden. Here you can sip on a beautifully mixed cocktail, or a glass of quality wine while dining on elegant, classic bistro dishes prepared with seasonal and local ingredients. Morleys also has accommodation, for a quick escape or just night away. 

Just a short trip outside Brighton is our neighbouring village Rottingdeen. This picturesque dwelling is where you’ll find the equally idyllic pub The Plough. Enjoy home cooked pub lunches and dinners there daily, drink local ales and wines from their heated and covered courtyard or watch Goosey Lucy, lazily paddle around the village pond.  

This Grade II listed pub has been serving the people of Sussex for many years. Serving an unpretentious slice of traditional Sussex country pub atmosphere and a warm welcome to all, The Sportsman is a real favourite. The ample garden features a play area for children and plenty of space and seating. The Sussex pub is a firm favourite with dog walkers, families and cyclists who enjoy refuelling from the seasonal and rustic menu, while sipping on Cask Marque ales and enjoying the views.

This family-run Sussex pub, just south of Horsham, serves delicious seasonal food, organic wines and well-kept real ales. The beautiful pub is a popular venue for weddings and events thanks to its charming good looks and large garden. The perfectly maintained garden is a lovely space to sit back and enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of seating and greenery to enjoy. Thanks to its country setting there are lots of places to head for a walk before settling down for a cold drink and bite to eat. A cross between a pub and a Sussex restaurant because of its attentive service and wonderful food.

This wonderful example of a classic 16th Century English pub is situated in the small village of Ashurst. The beautiful Sussex pub with flagstone flooring and inglenook fireplaces is impressive enough, but then the garden takes things up a notch. With fantastic green spaces and picnic benches on which to enjoy them, the real star of the garden is the duck pond and deck. An idyllic spot to enjoy a drink and bite to eat, things do not get much better than this on a summers day.

The Shepherd and Dog is well known and loved in the city and beyond, and with good reason. This scenic country pub offers a modern line up of craft beers and ales and superb food. The fabulous garden offers wonderful views of the South Downs and plenty of respite for walkers, families and revellers alike. Grab the bus up to Devils Dyke and take the short walk down the other side to reap the rewards on offer.

Just down the road from The Shepherd and Dog, in the village of Poynings, you can find The Royal Oak. Another superb Sussex pub with a gloriously green and pretty garden. The Royal Oak is a slightly different offering to its neighbour. This traditional pub offers a menu of classic dishes and Sunday roasts which can be enjoyed in their garden while taking in the views over the Sussex countryside. The Royal Oak is family and dog friendly making it a great place to visit for some country air.

The Sussex Ox has a large garden with panoramic views of the South Downs. Nearby is the Ox’s organic farm from which the meat and vegetables on the menu come. The garden is also a fantastic area for children to burn off some energy while mum and dad enjoy a well-deserved drink in the sunshine! With the Long Man Of Wilmington close by there are plenty of walking trails to enjoy around The Ox too, perfect for walking off that delicious burger!

Q
&
A

Hove Place or Hove Place pub and gardens has the biggest beer garden in Hove and is tucked away unassumingly in the centre of Hove.

This is a close call between the Hobgoblin and The Sidewinder.