Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Pubs in Brighton
Our top picks
Brighton Pubs Guide
Brighton is renowned for its vibrant pub culture, with a pub-to-resident ratio that is hard to beat – one Brighton pub for every 250 residents.
Whether you’re in search of traditional ale houses, trendy cocktail bars, or charming beer gardens, our Brighton pubs guide has you covered. Indulge in the gastronomical delights of pub classics that perfectly accompany locally brewed beers and fine wines. And if you’re up for more, explore the cocktail bars in Brighton, pubs in Hove, and our round-ups of pubs in Sussex.
Cheers to a memorable night out in the lively pub scene of Brighton!
Brighton Pubs
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.
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 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.
This lively pub, venue and kitchen is one of Brighton’s best-known spots. Often packed come Friday and Saturday nights with people drinking, dancing and generally having a great time, few Brighton pubs experience such a transformation over the course of a day. Pop by in the day for a refuge from the hustle and bustle of Brighton’s Lanes and a bite to eat from the gastro pub menu and return to get the party started in the evening at this popular night spot.
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.
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 Mesmerist Brighton in The Lanes is a long standing favourite among locals. With two floors, three bars and a roof terrace – The Mesmerist has plenty of tricks up its sleeve to keep visitors on their toes. As well as the fantastic interior, nightlife and drink selection, the food offering is also a reason to visit too. Their irresistible menu showcases Tex-Mex inspired cuisine alongside classic favourites. Saturdays still feature classic brunches, while Sundays offer traditional Sunday roast delights.
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.
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.
Tucked a little further out of town, The Ladies Mile in Patcham is a community pub with a strong local spirit. The kitchen is run by Circle Kitchen and serves a good range of classic pub fare as well as a children’s menu. Sunday lunch is a big hit for the whole family here and is well worth checking out (booking advised).
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!
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.
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.
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Hanover in Brighton is a popular neighbourhood for pubs, with a pub on almost every corner. Brighton seafront, Hove and of course central Brighton also boast a great selection of pubs and bars.
According to the BRAVOs (Brighton Restaurant Awards Vote Online) in 2023, The ‘Eddy’ or Edinburgh near Brighton station is the ‘best local’ in 2023 after 56,983 votes were cast by the Brighton public. Others in this winning Top 20 list include The Urchin, The Ladies Mile, Haus on the Hill, The Cleveland Arms, Better Half, The Basket Makers and Daddy Longlegs.
With approximately 340 pubs, Brighton and Hove is on a par with Liverpool (477 pubs) with 11 pubs per square mile which gives you a different pub for each day of the year. Here are the public voted best pubs in Brighton for 2023 according to the BRAVOs (Brighton Restaurant Awards Vote Online) London has the most pubs with 4,400. The Cricketers in Brighton is one of Brighton’s most famous pubs and The Black Lion next to it, is one of the most popular.
Dog friendly pubs in Brighton and Hove are plentiful and popular ones include The Basket Makers Arms, The Dorset, The Cleveland Arms, The Better Half and Hove Place. The following restaurants and cafes are also dog friendly.
