Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Brighton Seafront Bars
Our top picks
Brighton Seafront Bars Guide
Welcome to our Brighton Seafront Bars Guide.
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a drink under the canopy of the sun and in the company of stunning sea views. Lucky for us in Brighton and Hove our south-facing beach means that when the sun’s out we get it all day long and when it dips behind the horizon at sunset we can revel in the changing colours of its light. Our stretch of coastline is not only laced with sunshine, it’s also lined with great bars for you to hydrate in.
So, take a tour from east to west and join us on a Restaurants Brighton beach bar crawl. You may also like our guide to pubs in Brighton, the Brighton beer garden guide, our round up of pubs in Hove and the Restaurants Brighton guide to Brighton nightlife and Brighton Clubs.
A Brighton seafront bar in Brighton Marina. The marina in east Brighton harbours many a yacht and many a chain eatery, but dig a little bit deeper and you’ll unearth The Watershed. This gem of an independent venue is the perfect place to take the family or meet with friends. Count docked boats from the large west-facing deck and enjoy small plates and classic bistro mains. Catch the deck in its prime at sunset and toast farewell with a sundowner from the bar. Tranquil sea and blue sky go well with beer, just mind you don’t fall overboard! One of our favourite Brighton seafront bars, located at Brighton Marina.
Based at Brighton’s Black Rock, Daddy Longlegs is a vibrant and contemporary decorated Brighton pub with a lively local atmosphere. These guys should be marked on the map, as their wine list is superior to most in the city. They champion natural wines, premium spirits and delicious freshly prepared small plates. They’re located just across the road from the East Brighton seafront and if you’re not familiar with basking that side of the city, then these guys are worth walking an extra mile for. This venue also features in our Kemptown restaurants section as the food is very good.
Situated next to the iconic ‘doughnut’ jetty, Ohso is about as on the beach as you can get without sitting on pebbles. Open for a Brighton breakfast from 10am serving food until dinner. The transition from a family-friendly beach bar to a sunset disco and late-night party is no doubt aided by the extensive cocktail and drinks menu. So chilled sundowner vibes afternoon to early evening, then a great place to hang out in the evening as a Brighton seafront bar.
Lucky Beach, while listed as a Brighton cafe, actually does deliver on the bar front too. Their gin cocktails are some of the best around and they certainly know how to pour that perfect sundowner of a pint. Lucky for you Lucky Beach is walk-in only, so you can just rock up, and soak up the panoramic beach views of the sun-soaked paradise that is Brighton Seafront. Lucky Beach serves some of the best burgers in Brighton, all their produce has sustainability at their heart and it is a Brighton seafront bar-cafe which commands the best views on the seafront strip.
Situated on Brighton seafront, the Metropole Bar is a prime choice for those seeking a vibrant bar experience with stunning sea views. Offering an impressive selection of cocktails, patrons can indulge in popular choices like the Espresso Martini or the refreshing Sea Breeze. When it comes to dining, the menu offers mouthwatering options such as the Metropole Burger, Beer-Battered Fish and Chips, and the flavourful Halloumi Salad. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a delicious meal, sip on cocktails, or simply relax with a drink while taking in the beautiful seaside scenery, the Metropole Bar provides the perfect setting.
Undoubtedly occupying one of the best spots on the seafront, Rockwater benefits from panoramic views of the beach. Its impressive ship-like structure holds three main restaurants, a bar to the rear and a further six beach-facing cafe huts. There is something to suit every appetite; from bubbles and cocktails overlooking the sea on The Roof Terrace, to a welcome pint at the rustic bar in The Lodge. Or head to the lawn, where at the right time of year, you’ll also be able to enjoy screened matches and sports tournaments. With so much on offer, how will you ever choose?
With wonderful views over both east and west piers, The New Club outside seating area on King’s Road has been extended and now welcomes up to 60 people. House infused botanical cocktails, craft beers and an edgy urban feel make The New Club the place to kick back with the cool kids and enjoy a strong brunch menu, and watch the world go by.
Set between the piers, sea facing Shelter Hall Brighton is in prime position to catch you weary beach dwellers in need of hydrating. The fast paced and vibrant atmosphere of Brighton’s only food hall is infectiously fun, upbeat and the perfect destination for those of you looking for quality drinks and eats on the beach. Shelter Hal houses seven unique kitchens, all championing new, award-winning or up and coming chefs.
There are two Brighton seafront bars at your disposal. The main bar has everything you need to fuel a good time, and the Skylark bar provides bespoke cocktails from top mixologists.
Shelter Hall also hosts live music and events. You can keep up-to-date with their calendar here.
Tempest Inn, Brighton seafront bars guide
The Tempest has prime promenade placement, with a bar handily seated on the seafront. Inside it becomes a sprawling cavernous maze. A fun, young and lively venue and a food offering of Korean fried chicken (and a vegan menu too).
Brighton Music Hall
Like other venues on the King’s Way Arches strip, Brighton Music Hall has a large terrace coming out into the beach. Unlike other venues, they offer table service and table bookings so you can secure and hold your place in the sun. Making this venue extra special, however, is the live music sets from local talent that perform open-air sets, giving a little festival vibe to your pint.
Fortune of War, Brighton seafront bars guide
If you ask a local to name a Brighton seafront bar, The Fortune of War will probably be it 8/10 times. Opening in 1882 it is the oldest of its kind in Brighton and enjoys a healthy swell of customers all summer long. Now working together with Honest Burgers, they deliver some of the finest burgers in Brighton.
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- Oh So Social – This is in an ideal seafront location close to the Brighton Pier and is a great place to watch the sun go down in the west, behind the West Pier.
- Lucky Beach – Perfect location smack bang in the middle of the seafront. Cool place to hang out, sustainably focussed, great brunches and wonderful cocktails.
- The New Club – Seafront views off the main drag opposite the i-360 tower. A mix of New York style diner meets LA Coffee House. Great menu choices, lovely spot for cocktails and watching the world go by.
The bar at Shelter Hall on Brighton seafront is called Skylark. Shelter Hall is a chic seaside food court with global eats, plus cocktails, wine, craft beer & weekend live music.
Here is our Brighton nightclub round up, with many late night bars or clubs on Brighton seafront.
