Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Pubs in Brighton
Our top picks
Pubs in Brighton – From Seafront Views to Cosy Neighbourhood Locals
Brighton takes its pubs seriously, and has done for a very long time. With more pubs per head than almost any other city in England, and a neighbourhoods culture that makes each area feel genuinely distinct, the best pubs in Brighton are not just places to drink; they are the social backbone of the city. From historic Lanes taverns with Victorian interiors to neighbourhood locals in Hanover with log fires and legendary Sunday roasts, from craft beer pubs in North Laine to LGBTQ+ friendly pubs in Kemptown, from seafront bars with uninterrupted sea views to food pubs producing kitchen output that rivals any restaurant in the city, Brighton’s pub scene is one of the most diverse and enjoyable in the country. Every pub on this page has been chosen for a reason, and the BRAVO Best Brighton Pub award, voted for by the people who actually drink here, tells you where the very best of them sit. Whether you are a visitor exploring the city for the first time or a local looking for your next great local, this is your guide to pubs in Brighton.
Brighton Pubs
The Hartington (The Harty) is a top-tier Hanover local, known as the area’s social heart. It’s famed for serving Brighton’s best-selling Sunday Roast and boasts a massive all-weather heated Brighton beer garden with a Tiki Bar. Get competitive at the Thursday Quiz Night with a rollover cash prize, enjoy the true community vibe by the log fire, and take advantage of great daily food and drink deals. Plus, the space is available for Venue Hire for your private events.
Situated in the heart of the city, The North Star is the definition of a modern Brighton pub. Located opposite the Royal Pavilion, this stylish venue offers a genuinely warm welcome, whether you are planning a group celebration or popping in for a quick bite.
With spacious booths, alfresco dining, a children’s menu, a vibrant open kitchen serving fresh seasonal dishes, and a relaxed atmosphere, it is the perfect central spot for food lovers and socialising alike.
The Crazy Goose is a pub for contemporary tastes, set in a historic building in the heart of the Lanes. Local ales are on tap alongside Crazy Goose IPA, a stellar wine list and a great selection of premium spirits, craft cocktails and no and low options. Bar snacks lean nostalgic in the best way, while the menu delivers comforting British fare with a bistro twist. Think mouthwatering hand-made pies and rotisserie chicken. Your local? Lucky you.
Located by Brighton’s West Pier, Bench Sports Bar is the city’s newest pub-style hangout where every day feels like match day. Big screens show Sky Sports and TNT live, while the terrace offers sea views and a buzzing atmosphere. The menu delivers crowd-pleasers: fully loaded fries, juicy build-your-own burgers, crispy wings and classic pub bites, best enjoyed with £5 pints (on BHAFC game days) or signature cocktails. Family-friendly, dog-friendly and always lively, Bench is Brighton’s go-to pub for sport, food and unbeatable seafront vibes.
Nestled inside The Fountain Head, Boysterous Burgers brings mouthwatering flavours to this much-loved Brighton pub. With its cosy open fires, rustic charm, and a cracking selection of drinks, it’s the perfect spot to tuck into next-level smash burgers, fresh oysters, and hearty Sunday roasts. Whether you’re here for a laid-back pint, a midweek burger fix, or a weekend feast, this North Laine gem delivers top-notch food in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Set on Queens Park Road in Hanover, just a short walk from Queens Park, The Islingword is a characterful Brighton pub with a strong local following. Part of the Laine Pub Company, it’s known for its eclectic, Snoopers Paradise-style interior and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. There’s an alfresco outdoor area for warmer days, a function room for private hire, and a lively calendar of live music, bingo, and social events. With Moyos Burgers in the kitchen, it’s a great all-round pub for food, drinks, and good company.
The Bell Tower is a stylish new addition to Brighton’s vibrant pub scene, opening in October 2024 in Kemptown. Located on Arundel Road, it occupies the former Daddy Longlegs site and is part of the Golden Lion Group, which runs popular venues like The Cricketers and Hove Place. Blending modern and traditional decor, The Bell Tower offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a spacious beer garden. The menu features modern British pub fare, from hearty classics to lighter bites, making it an ideal spot for drinks, meals, and relaxing after exploring Kemptown.
The Cleveland Arms is a family friendly pub run by husband and wife, Jamie and Sarah, and their friendly team. The pub is light and airy with a large conservatory and additional outdoor seating. You’ll find local wines, craft beers and spirits at the bar. The kitchen serves up a blended menu to satisfy all types, from pub classics to small plates that celebrate creative cookery with bold flavours. And, of course, an excellent (award-winningly excellent) Sunday lunch. There are also regular drink and food offers.
The Dorset brings you everything you long for in a country pub, right in the centre of town: a rustic interior, a classic pub grub menu, alfresco dining and a welcoming, friendly front of house team. Right on the corner of North Road, the location is perfect for a pre or post-shopping bite to eat to a late afternoon, after work pint.
Examples on their most recent menu include pie of the day served with mash, fillet of cod with artichokes and sausage and mash, not forgetting their famous moules mariniere which has been a firm favourite among locals since the beginning.
Brighton is a city with lots of history and tradition, and The Cricketers is a slice of that past. The interior of this spacious pub is in keeping with its Victorian heritage, with a striking red theme throughout. Famous writer Graham Greene was once a regular at the pub, immortalising it in his novel “Brighton Rock”, the upstairs bar and function room is named in his honour.
A very popular Lanes pub, that has a superb food offering from the kitchen of Phil Bartley, serving pub classics made with superior, locally sourced ingredients. There’s a grizzly twist to this historic boozer, it’s said to have also been the haunt of “Jack the Ripper” who planned his murders from the upstairs bar.
The Roundhill Pub, near London Road, invites everyone to join them for a drink. They offer rotating beers, a wide selection of no and low-alcohol beverages, crafted cocktails, along with a sustainable wine list. You can perch at one of their tables, get cosy in a booth, or soak up some rays on their outside seating. While you’re there, they also offer a fantastic menu if you’re feeling peckish. If you find yourself visiting on a Thursday night, you’ll have the chance to enjoy either their open mic night or quiz night.
Situated in the Seven Dials area, The Chimney House stands as a beacon of culinary excellence and warm hospitality. Its spacious and classically styled interior exudes a rustic charm, perfectly complementing the delectable pub fare it is renowned for. Embracing patrons of all ages, this beloved neighbourhood establishment offers a diverse menu, ranging from timeless pub classics to irresistible desserts. Indulge in their famed Sunday roast, explore the dedicated kids’ menu, or discover the delights of their ever-changing specials board.
Located next to Churchill Square in the heart of Brighton, The Inn on the Square is a vibrant city-centre pub that’s perfect for lunch, after-work drinks and relaxed evenings with friends. Part of the Laine Pub Company, the kitchen serves quality pub food with a modern twist, including stacked sandwiches, crispy chicken burgers, loaded fries, small plates and generous Sunday roasts, alongside dishes from The Papaya Diaries. Pair your meal with craft beers, cocktails or a great selection of wines before heading out to explore Brighton’s shops, theatres and seafront.
Fortune of War, located on Brighton’s seafront, is a beloved local Brighton pub with a cult following. Its unique boat-shaped interior and quirky nautical décor create a warm atmosphere. The beer garden, overlooking the beach, is perfect for enjoying a drink while soaking in the sun. Open daily from midday, it offers a wide range of local craft beers, ales, and simple bar snacks. Popular with surfers and groups of friends, Fortune of War is ideal for anyone seeking a laid-back seaside vibe and a taste of Brighton’s vibrant pub scene.
As you arrive in Brighton by train you might just spy this pub on its perch overlooking the city. The West Hill Tavern has adjusted to life post-2020 lockdown by transforming itself into a community hub. Open from 11 am daily, The West Hill, or “Westie” welcomes daytime visitors and out of office workers with a feast of everything from coffee to cocktails, gooey toasties and artisanal pizzas from The Great British Charcuterie and Sunday feasts from the renowned kitchen of Phil Bartley.
The Regency Tavern in Brighton is a super glamorous Brighton pub, known for its opulent décor and elegant vibe. With its chandeliers, gold-framed mirrors, and velvet seating, it exudes old-world charm and sophistication. Located near the seafront, this hidden gem offers a cosy yet luxurious atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed drink or traditional pub meal. Its friendly service, welcoming vibe, and stunning interiors make it a unique spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a true taste of Brighton’s eccentric style. Good luck if you can find it, we have got lost visiting it several times!
Hanover, Hove and beyond
For a selection of pubs in Hove look no further than this handy list.
Hanover will always be the best neighbourhood for a pub crawl. This list might help you organise yours.
If it is a walk in the countryside followed by a refreshing pint, we hope these Sussex pubs will be able to help you out.
Even more good pubs
Taking the term gastropub and making it the best it can be, The Ginger Pig is a no-brainer when it comes to the best pubs in Brighton and Hove. Step inside and you can drink at the traditional bar, taking advantage of the amazing wine selection and superb cocktails.
If you want something to eat then the restaurant area will provide some of the best food available in the city. They have recently added rooms, making this perhaps an Inn rather than a pub now, but no matter which way you look at it The Ginger Pig is a winner every time.
The Hop Poles is one of those Brighton pubs that just seems to exude a sense of effortless cool and calm. A real gem of a pub, there is a feeling of arty creativity at The Hop Poles that ranges from the quirky décor right through to the quality food offering.
The pub is one that manages to traverse many different social groups, making for an interesting and diverse clientele. With regular events such as open mic and quiz nights, there is often something going on. This is a great pub for a quiet daytime drink with a good book or as an evening spot with friends.
The Mash Tun, Brighton Pub Guide
New Road in Brighton is the centre of the party when the sun is out, and The Mash Tun is often the focal point. A popular pub for students and revellers, The Mash Tun is often packed with Brighton’s coolest crowd. In keeping with many other Brighton pubs, they have a superb selection of craft beers and real ales in addition to some great grub to keep you nourished. When the sun is out this is the place to see, with the outside seating always full and lively.
Take a stroll up to Queens Park and you will find a pub that you would be proud to call your local. The Independent is just that. Free of any brewery ties, the pub can handpick its drinks offering and does so to great effect. Food is central to The Independent’s appeal, with a superb, restaurant quality, offering and Sunday roast that has people queuing out the door. With music and other events regularly taking place, The Independent represents all that is good in a pub.
This multi-level labyrinthine pub has got quite a cult reputation in Brighton and beyond. A regular mention in Brighton’s best roast columns, and a popular spot for all manner of social activities, The Lion and Lobster do all the things that you would expect from a pub well. It is a lively and buzzing pub where there is always something going on. With numerous screens over the different levels, it is great for watching live sport, and the individual restaurant is ideal if you prefer a quieter spot for your lunch or dinner.
The Greys in Brighton is a vibrant Brighton pub renowned for its lively atmosphere, great gigs, and an impressive selection of craft beers. Located in the heart of Hanover, it’s a favourite spot for music lovers and locals alike. With a cosy interior and a welcoming outdoor area, The Greys hosts regular live performances showcasing both local talent and established acts. Whether you’re in for a pint or a night of music, The Greys promises an unforgettable experience.
Pubs in the Lanes Brighton
The Lanes are Brighton’s most atmospheric neighbourhood, and the pubs within them carry that history and character effortlessly. The Cricketers is the oldest pub in Brighton, dating back to 1547, and is one of the most celebrated food pubs in Brighton, with a Victorian interior steeped in history and a kitchen producing pub classics made with superior locally sourced ingredients. The upstairs bar is named after Graham Greene, who was a regular here and immortalised the pub in Brighton Rock; less comfortingly, Jack the Ripper is said to have planned his crimes from the very same room. The Crazy Goose brings a more contemporary energy to the Lanes pub scene, set in a historic building with local ales on tap alongside its own Crazy Goose IPA, a stellar wine list, craft cocktails and a menu of comforting British fare including hand-made pies and rotisserie chicken. The Regency Tavern near the seafront is one of Brighton’s most gloriously eccentric pubs, its opulent interior of chandeliers, gold-framed mirrors and velvet seating feeling like a theatrical set rather than a drinking establishment. Finding it is part of the pleasure; it has been known to defeat even the most experienced Brighton navigators. Fortune of War on the seafront just at the edge of the Lanes is a Brighton institution with a cult following, its distinctive boat-shaped interior and nautical décor opening out onto a beer garden overlooking the beach that is one of the most beloved outdoor drinking spots in the city.
Pubs in North Laine Brighton
North Laine is Brighton’s most bohemian quarter, and its pubs carry that independent, creative spirit in equal measure. The Dorset on the corner of North Road is exactly what you want from a North Laine pub; rustic interior, classic pub grub, alfresco dining and a warmly welcoming team. The moules marinières has been a firm favourite with locals since the beginning, and the location makes it perfect for a pre or post-shopping pint or a lazy afternoon bite to eat. Boysterous Burgers at The Fountain Head combines a much-loved North Laine pub with a seriously good kitchen, producing smash burgers, fresh oysters and hearty Sunday roasts in a cosy setting with open fires and rustic charm that feels exactly as a North Laine pub should. The Mash Tun on New Road is a favourite with students and the city’s younger crowd, with an excellent selection of craft beers and real ales, and an outdoor seating area that becomes the heartbeat of New Road when the sun appears.
Pubs in Central Brighton
Central Brighton has a strong collection of pubs that serve the city’s busiest footfall without losing their individual character. The North Star, situated opposite the Royal Pavilion, is the definition of a modern Brighton pub done well; spacious booths, alfresco dining, a children’s menu, a vibrant open kitchen and a genuinely warm welcome make it one of the most versatile pubs in the city centre. The Inn on the Square next to Churchill Square is a lively city-centre pub serving quality food with a modern twist, craft beers, cocktails and generous Sunday roasts, making it a natural stop before or after shopping, theatre or a night out. The West Hill Tavern, perched above the city near Brighton station, has reinvented itself as a brilliant community hub open from 11am daily, offering everything from coffee to cocktails, toasties to artisan pizzas and Sunday feasts.
Pubs on the Brighton Seafront
The Brighton seafront pub experience is unlike anywhere else in England; sea air, salt on the wind and the sound of the waves providing a backdrop to your pint that no landlocked pub can match. Bench Sports Bar by the West Pier is the city’s go-to pub for sport, with big screens showing Sky Sports and TNT, a buzzing seafront terrace and a menu of loaded fries, build-your-own burgers, crispy wings and classic pub food. It is dog-friendly, family-friendly and genuinely fun. Fortune of War is one of the most recognisable pubs on the seafront, its beach-facing beer garden a legendary spot on a sunny Brighton afternoon. The Regency Tavern sits just off the seafront and provides a gloriously theatrical contrast; opulent and eccentric where the seafront pubs are breezy and casual. For those exploring seafront bars in Brighton more broadly, the stretch from the West Pier to the Palace Pier offers an almost unbroken run of drinking options covering every mood and occasion.
Pubs in Hanover Brighton
Hanover is widely regarded as Brighton’s best neighbourhood for a pub crawl, and it earns that reputation honestly. The streets here are steep, colourful and densely packed with independent pubs that have genuine community roots. The Hartington, known affectionately to locals as the Harty, is the social heart of Hanover; a top-tier neighbourhood pub famed for its Sunday roasts, a massive all-weather heated beer garden with a Tiki Bar, a Thursday quiz night with a rollover cash prize and a log fire in winter that is one of Brighton’s most welcoming sights. The Independent near Queens Park is exactly what its name promises; free of brewery ties, handpicking its drinks offering with care and running a kitchen that produces restaurant-quality food and a Sunday roast that has people queuing out the door. The Greys is the place for live music in Hanover, with regular gigs showcasing local talent and established acts alongside an impressive selection of craft beers and a cosy, welcoming interior. The Islingword on Queens Park Road is another Hanover favourite, part of the Laine Pub Company with an eclectic interior, alfresco seating, a lively calendar of events and Moyos Burgers in the kitchen keeping the food offer sharp. For the full picture of pubs in Hanover Brighton, the neighbourhood rewards exploration in every direction.
Pubs in Kemptown Brighton
Kemptown has one of the most vibrant and inclusive pub scenes in Brighton, centred on St James’s Street and the streets feeding off it. The neighbourhood is the heart of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community and its pubs reflect that open, welcoming spirit, with gay pubs in Brighton sitting comfortably alongside neighbourhood locals and stylish bars. The Bell Tower on Arundel Road is a welcome addition to the Kemptown pub scene, part of the Golden Lion Group and offering modern British pub fare, a spacious beer garden and a warm, well-considered interior. For those seeking the full range of Brighton nightlife alongside traditional pub culture, Kemptown offers both in abundance and within easy walking distance of the seafront.
Pubs in Hove
Hove pubs tend to be a little calmer in pace than their Brighton counterparts, with a strong neighbourhood character and a genuine warmth that keeps regulars returning. The Ginger Pig on Norfolk Square is one of the finest gastropubs in the city, with an exceptional wine list, superb cocktails and a food offering that sits at genuine restaurant quality. It has recently added rooms, making it as much an inn as a pub, but the quality in both the kitchen and behind the bar remains outstanding. The Farm Tavern is worth seeking out for its well-made cocktails, particularly the Margarita Thursdays that have built a devoted following among Hove locals. For the complete picture of pubs in Hove, the area from Western Road down to the seafront rewards a proper afternoon of exploration.
Pubs in Seven Dials and Preston Circus Brighton
The Seven Dials area and the streets around Preston Circus offer some of Brighton’s most characterful neighbourhood pubs, drawing a loyal local crowd that values quality over footfall. The Chimney House in Seven Dials stands as a beacon of warm hospitality with a rustic, classically styled interior, a menu ranging from pub classics to inspired seasonal specials and a Sunday roast that has become one of the most celebrated in the area. It is genuinely welcoming to all ages and the sort of pub that immediately feels like someone else’s much-loved local on your first visit and your own by the second.
Pubs in Fiveways and London Road Brighton
The Fiveways area and the London Road corridor are home to some of Brighton’s most interesting and independent pub options, sitting slightly away from the tourist trail and all the better for it. The Cleveland Arms is a family-friendly Fiveways pub run by husband and wife team Jamie and Sarah, with local wines, craft beers, a conservatory, outdoor seating and a kitchen producing everything from pub classics to small plates of creative cookery with bold flavours. The Sunday lunch here is award-winning and draws people from well beyond the immediate neighbourhood. The Roundhill near London Road is one of the most inclusive pubs in Brighton, with rotating beers, a wide selection of no and low alcohol options, craft cocktails, a sustainable wine list and a fully plant-based menu that makes it a genuinely welcoming spot for everyone. Thursday nights bring either an open mic or a quiz, making it one of the best pubs for an evening out in this part of the city.
Pubs in Patcham and North Brighton
For those living in or visiting the northern parts of Brighton, The Ladies Mile in Patcham is a strong neighbourhood option with a kitchen led by Bartley Kitchens serving quality, flavour-packed pub classics alongside seasonal specials and a thoroughly well-executed Sunday roast complete with homemade Yorkshire puddings and proper rich gravy. The family-friendly atmosphere and dedicated children’s menu make it an excellent choice for those with younger diners in tow.
Craft Beer Pubs in Brighton
Brighton has a thriving craft beer culture underpinned by some excellent local producers. Brighton’s microbreweries include Brighton Bier, whose taproom and distributed beers have made it a local institution, and a number of pubs across the city stock locally brewed ales and rotating craft taps that put the Sussex brewing scene front and centre. The Roundhill, The Greys, The Hartington and The Hop Poles all have particularly strong craft beer credentials, and the Sussex brewery guide is worth consulting if you want to plan a dedicated craft beer evening through the city’s best pubs.
Food Pubs in Brighton
Brighton’s food pub scene is exceptional, with kitchens that rival standalone restaurants in ambition and quality. The Cricketers, The Hartington, The Independent, The Cleveland Arms, The Chimney House and The Ginger Pig all produce food that would be noteworthy in any context. The Sunday roast is the great test of a Brighton food pub, and several on this list have won awards for theirs. For dedicated pub dining, the BRAVO Best Brighton Pub winners represent a reliable starting point; these are the pubs that the people of Brighton have voted the very best across every category, from food and drink to atmosphere and hospitality.
Best Pubs in Brighton by Area: The Full Picture
Brighton’s pub geography tells the story of a city made up of distinct, fiercely proud neighbourhoods, each with its own character and its own drinking culture. Hanover is the undisputed king of the Brighton pub crawl, with more quality independent locals per square mile than almost anywhere in the city. The Lanes offer history and atmosphere in abundance, with pubs that have been serving Brighton’s residents and visitors for centuries. North Laine brings bohemian energy and strong craft beer culture to its handful of excellent pubs. The seafront delivers views and a specific kind of breezy, sun-soaked pub experience that Brighton does better than anywhere. Kemptown is vibrant, inclusive and full of life at every hour. Seven Dials and Fiveways offer the quiet satisfaction of a truly neighbourhood local. Hove brings a slightly more relaxed pace and some of the finest gastropub cooking in the area.
Whether you are looking for a quiz night in Brighton, a dog-friendly pub in Brighton, a pub with a fire in Brighton, somewhere to watch football, a great Sunday roast pub in Brighton or simply the kind of local that makes you feel immediately at home, Brighton has it, in every neighbourhood, in every style, and at every hour of the day. This is one of the great pub cities of England, and it only gets better the more of it you explore.
Q
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Brighton is packed with good pubs offering everything from live sports to craft beers and cocktails. Whether you’re after a traditional boozer, a lively music venue, or a stylish gastropub, there’s something for everyone.
Yes, the historic Lanes are home to several charming pubs, many with cosy interiors, local ales, and great spots for a relaxed drink or people-watching in the heart of Brighton.
Kemptown has a vibrant pub scene, including quirky independents, stylish cocktail-led bars, and welcoming spots with sea views. Many are LGBTQ+ friendly, making Kemptown a hub for gay pubs in Brighton.
Hanover is known for its colourful streets and excellent pubs, from traditional locals to craft beer specialists. Many have a strong community feel, regular events, and real ales on tap.
Brighton has a thriving LGBTQ+ scene, with many gay pubs and bars located around Kemptown and the city centre. Expect inclusive spaces, great music and events, and a welcoming atmosphere.
From hearty Brighton Sunday roasts to fresh seafood and seasonal salads, Brighton’s pubs offer plenty of options for a Brighton pub lunch. Many also serve vegan and vegetarian dishes alongside traditional classics.
Yes, several Brighton pubs run special offers, including happy hours, set lunch deals, 2-for-1 meals, and discounted drinks on certain days – ideal for enjoying a great pub night out without breaking the bank.
Brighton has plenty of pubs or sports bars with big screens showing live football, from Premier League matches to international tournaments like the Euro’s, the World Cup and of course The Champions League and the different European Cups.. Many also serve food, so you can enjoy a pint and a meal during the game.
If you’re looking to watch Six Nations, Rugby World Cup or Premiership games in Brighton, you’ll find many Brighton pubs or Sports Bars with multiple screens, lively atmospheres, and a great selection of drinks.
Yes, Brighton is home to many dog-friendly pubs with water bowls, treats, and outdoor seating, as well as family-friendly pubs offering kids’ menus, high chairs, and welcoming spaces for all ages.
