Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Craft Beers and Craft Ale Venues across Brighton and Sussex
Our top picks
Craft Beer Brighton - Best Craft Beer Bars, Breweries & Pubs in Brighton, Hove and Sussex
Brighton and Hove has become one of the UK’s most exciting destinations for craft beer, independent breweries and quality draft beer by the sea. From seafront taprooms and brewery pubs to hidden North Laine bars and Hove locals’ favourites, the city is packed with places serving fresh IPAs, pale ales, lagers, stouts and Sussex-brewed beers. This guide explores the best craft beer in Brighton, including brewery taprooms, beer pubs, waterfront bars and venues pairing great beer with food, live music and Brighton nightlife. Whether you’re searching for craft beer Brighton, draft beer in Brighton, Brighton breweries or the best pubs in Brighton and Hove, start here.
Craft beer is at the heart of neighbourhood indie The Westbourne. With a rotating selection that champions small independent breweries, it’s a genuine destination for beer lovers in Hove. Whether you’re popping in for a quick pint and a game of toad, settling in for an evening with friends or pairing beers with burgers and small plates, the drinks list is curated with care, with regular intros to new pours and changeovers to keep your craft beer curiosity up to date. Expect quality pours, knowledgeable staff and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere. There’s a beer garden too.
- This fully independent pub chooses their pours with knowledge and experience, and were early champions of the craft beer scene. Rotating craft beers including IPAs, pale ales, lagers and seasonal guest brews. Friendly and relaxed neighbourhood pub in Hove with great food, and a beer terrace wrapping round the outer walls.
Beer, amongst many other things, is one thing The Urchin does very well. With their own microbrewery in the basement, there are five craft keg taps, four cask pumps and over one hundred bottles and cans to choose from, The Urchin arguably has one of the biggest selections in Brighton and Hove. Enjoy the beer with deliciously paired and expertly cooked shellfish and seafood dishes, one of our favourites being their own oyster stout and a plate of rock oysters. Delivering some of the best craft beer Brighton has to offer, a Hove pub located close to George Street.
- Larrikin Microbrewery on site
- Shellfish pub
- Independent Brighton pub
Bison Beer has become one of Brighton and Hove’s best-known craft beer destinations, with popular venues in Hove and at Sea Lanes on Madeira Drive. Known for rotating taps, fresh IPAs, guest beers and natural wines, Bison attracts locals, visitors and hospitality professionals alike. With a strong Brighton seafront atmosphere, relaxed food offerings and beachfront views, it perfectly captures Brighton’s modern craft beer culture.
- Rotating craft beers including IPAs, pale ales, lagers and seasonal guest brews Relaxed seafront venues serving natural wines, cocktails and casual food Beachfront atmosphere in Hove and Madeira Drive, perfect for sunset drinks
Indulge in an exquisite array of craft beers, ales, and lagers at The Roundhill Pub. Their ever-evolving selection guarantees a delightful journey for your taste buds, with weekly rotations showcasing unique brews from local suppliers. From the bold flavours of Gun Brewery to the crisp refreshment of Roundhill’s signature lager, there’s something to suit every palate. Whether you’re catching up over a pint or savouring the experience alongside their renowned vegan Sunday roasts, The Roundhill welcomes you with open arms.
- Weekly roatations
- Local suppliers
- Vegan Sunday roasts
Cosy historic inns to lively seafront boozers and craft beer spots, Brighton’s pub scene has something for every occasion.
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.
This is a Brighton pub that could have a strong case for its own blue plaque given that it is the birthplace of Sussex brewing legends Dark Star. Now that the brewing process has moved to slightly more spacious surroundings, The Evening Star is back to being a great pub with a solid selection of Dark Star beers and a strong supporting cast of UK craft brewers. Ideally situated close to Brighton station, the pub has a strong community of real beer fans who appreciate the well-kept ales and ever-changing lineup.
- Famously recognised as the original birthplace of the Dark Star brewing empire.
- Features 22 lines, including 7 pristine cask pumps and 3 still real ciders.
- Renowned for keeping immaculate lines of local icon Burning Sky (Plateau and Aurora).
A trendy, neighborhood cult favorite located on Gloucester Road. The Pond has cemented its reputation by pairing an exceptionally well-curated, highly progressive craft beer list with mouth-watering Taiwanese bao buns. The atmosphere is consistently lively, intimate, and independent, attracting a highly passionate crowd of beer enthusiasts who love discovering rare, heavily hopped pales and complex sours.
- Renowned for pairing cutting-edge craft beer with handmade Taiwanese bao. Ever-changing tap list focusing on independent, highly rated UK craft breweries. Highly vibrant, cozy, and proudly independent North Laine favorite.
Tucked away just off the seafront, Beerbelly is a vibrant, dog-friendly independent micropub and bottleshop in Hove that pairs an intimate atmosphere with a brilliantly curated drink selection. The venue features a relaxed downstairs space complete with a dartboard, making it a fantastic social hub. Adding to the appeal, this pub in Hove partner with the legendary local pizzeria Pizzaface, allowing guests to order hot pizzas directly to their tables.
- Order Pizzaface pizza
- Known for sourcing heavy-hitting international wildcards, like Garage Project’s famous Pickle Beer.
- Includes a dedicated downstairs space with a traditional dartboard.
The Brunswick is a grand, iconic community pub and thriving arts venue in Hove that beautifully bridges the gap between a traditional English local and a modern cultural hub. Renowned for its theatrical, high-energy atmosphere, it boasts a massive live music space and a wonderful courtyard garden perfect for sunnier days. This Hove pub is a bustling, inclusive space where locals gather for everything from live jazz and indie gigs to spoken-word events. The bar mirrors this diversity, offering an accessible yet highly satisfying drink selection that keeps both traditional ale drinkers and modern craft enthusiasts happy.
- A premier live music and performance venue hosting events almost every night of the week.
- Features a beautiful, spacious courtyard garden tucked away from the main road.
- Effortlessly pairs traditional Sussex cask ales with modern independent craft lagers.
Slap-bang in the heart of The Lanes, this historic venue traces its roots back to a 1500s brewery and stands as one of Brighton’s ultimate crowd-pleasers. While it skips the hyper-rare craft beer selections of dedicated taprooms, it acts as a massive champion for local staple Laine Brew Co. alongside a wildly famous cocktail menu. It is an legendary multi-level institution that transitions seamlessly from a relaxed, family-friendly daytime hangout into a raucous, packed, late-night party hub.
- A quintessential, incredibly popular Brighton institution situated just a stone's throw from the beach. Features a reliable tap selection heavily focusing on accessible, local Laine Brew Co. pints. Famous for its award-winning Sunday roasts, massive heated beer garden, and late-night weekend DJ sets.
Nestled dramatically at the foot of the Devil’s Dyke downs, this idyllic, timber-framed 18th-century Sussex pub is a legendary destination for walkers and beer lovers alike. The Shepherd & Dog seamlessly blends historic charm with a progressive approach to craft beer and real ale. Its expansive, stream-side beer garden is spectacular, making it the perfect Sussex countryside retreat to enjoy a pristine pint of local ale alongside award-winning, locally sourced British pub classics.
- Picturesque, historic country pub located just outside Brighton at the base of the South Downs. Offers a fantastic blend of traditional Sussex cask ales and contemporary craft keg lines. Features a massive, beautiful tiered garden complete with an outdoor bar and natural stream.
This vast pub on the corner of Preston Circus has gone through quite a transformation in recent years. The Hare and Hounds is a lively and vibrant venue for those seeking a good night out. With a wide range of craft beer, ales and ciders and excellent Mexican food, there is a lot going for this place. As part of the Indigo pub group, the beer selection is varied and The Hare and Hounds take particular pride in their Meantime lager. This is a pub that caters to the needs of the many combining great food, beer and even an upstairs music venue.
- Vibrant London Road landmark known for its massive, open-plan layout and bare brickwork. Features a heavily rotated, premium selection of craft taps alongside three traditional cask pumps. Offers authentic, highly rated Thai street food and boasts a cleverly designed, booth-lined outdoor beer garden.
The Eight Bells Jevington, situated in the South Downs near Eastbourne, is a perfect country pub for enjoying local beers and ales. They feature a rotating selection of craft beers on draft, including guest real ales that change regularly. Whether you’re relaxing by the open fire inside or enjoying a pint outdoors during the summer, it’s an ideal spot to sample a range of local brews.
- Regularly changing craft beer on draft
- Elevated pub food
- Located near Eastbourne
See the public voted top 20 rated best pubs in Brighton and Hove.
Hanover will always be the best neighbourhood for a pub crawl. This list might help you organise yours.
Places to enjoy a Sussex countryside walk with a pub visit.
Wheer to enjoy a beer in the sunshine. Brighton, Hove and Sussex beer gardens.
A proper, fiercely loved neighborhood boozer climbing the steep incline of Southover Street in Hanover. Regularly featured in the Good Pub Guide, this lively, unpretentious pub offers a warm community welcome. The bar features over 20 draught lines moving seamlessly through cutting-edge UK craft, traditional real ales, and exceptional German wheat beers, alongside one of the best Sunday roasts in town.
- Essential, highly atmospheric neighborhood pub in the heart of Hanover. Features over 20 draught lines balancing real ale, craft, and continental imports. Renowned for excellent pub food, local warmth, and a dedicated function space.
This large Brighton pub is the home of the Laine Brew Co who have recently built a new brewery on the outskirts of the city. What this means for the punter is a huge selection of ales and craft beers at your beck and call and plenty of room for you and your mates to enjoy them. The pub hosts regular events and club nights making for a real party atmosphere with excellent beers to keep the party going.
- Iconic, energetic brewpub right in the heart of the North Laine. House brews include Laine Source Pale Ale and Ria Lager. Sprawling, vibrant venue featuring an on-site microbrewery kit.
At the Unbarred Brewery and Tap Room in Brighton, craft ale enthusiasts are in for a treat. This creative brewery showcases a diverse range of craft ales that are both innovative and full of flavour. From hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts and sours, there’s something to delight every palate. The taproom provides a welcoming space to sample these artisanal brews and often hosts events and collaborations with other local brewers. Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer aficionado or just curious to explore, Unbarred Brewery is a must-visit destination for a taste of Brighton’s craft beer scene.
- Tank-fresh, massive open-plan brewery taproom space. Known for Joosey NEIPA and innovative, dessert-like pastry stouts. Features 8+ rotating taps, guest collaborations, and fresh pizza.
If you are looking for a pub steeped in Brighton history then The Hand in Hand in Kemptown is right up there. This small and quirky Brighton pub has housed a microbrewery since 1989, and it is believed there has been a pub on this site for the last 150 years. This was the home of Brighton Bier for some time as well as the Kemptown Brewery which has recently been reborn as the Hand Brew Co. This is an excellent little pub that has a great selection of ales, craft beers and ciders that complement the superb atmosphere and décor.
- Enjoy hyper-fresh beers brewed directly on the premises by Hand Brew Co.
- Famous for its quirky, vibrant interior design and welcoming Kemptown spirit.
- The tap list rotates constantly with experimental pale ales and rich stouts.
An award-winning brewery and taproom operating in Brighton with an ethos heavily inspired by bold, expressive American brewing styles. Head Brewer Elias rebuilt the brand to focus on high-quality consistency and vibrant flavor. The taproom lets you drink crisp pints mere meters from where they were brewed, all wrapped in a fun, colorful, retro aesthetic.
- Dedicated, highly independent Brighton brewery taproom and event space.
- Flagship brew is Hazed & Confused, a highly crushable New England IPA.
- Focuses on clean, hop-forward American styles and small-batch experimental lines.
A fantastic, stylish city-center taproom on Dean Street boasting an incredible 22 craft beer taps. The space is modern, welcoming, and acts as a paradise for beer hunters, carrying a massive list of over 150 cans alongside an extensive wine menu. It serves as the sister site to Hanover’s The Independent, sharing a highly acclaimed curation team.
- Sleek city-center taproom with 20 rotating keg lines and 2 cask lines.
- Massive takeaway and drink-in fridge featuring over 150 craft cans.
- Seamlessly shares stock and click-and-collect options with The Independent.
Proudly standing as Brighton and Hove’s very first micropub, this Hove institution is a multi-award-winning sanctuary dedicated entirely to great conversation and pristine beer. Tucked away on Goldstone Villas, it deliberately eschews TVs, music, and gaming machines to focus purely on community spirit and real ale. They dispense five gravity-fed cask ales straight from a temperature-controlled stillage room, alongside two progressive craft keg lines and an exceptional, CAMRA-recognised real cider selection.
- Hove’s pioneering, proudly independent micropub and a multi-year CAMRA Pub of the Year winner. Serves five changing, gravity-fed cask ales and two KeyKeg lines focusing on unusual craft styles. Boasts a highly acclaimed, on-site 100L microbrewery producing hyper-local house ales like Pocketwatch Pale.
Brought to life by the brilliant team behind The Pond, this stylishly revived neighborhood pub on Upper North Street is a masterclass in pairing craft beer with elite Indian street food. The interior balances moody, ambient lighting with quirky tiger motifs, creating an effortlessly cool community vibe. The bar keeps craft lovers happy with ten rotating taps featuring regional standouts alongside Pondwater—a highly crushable flagship session pale brewed exclusively for the group.
- Created by the acclaimed crew behind The Pond, injecting vibrant new life into a historic Montpelier pub. Features ten rotating craft beer taps, local cask ales, and an exceptionally strong natural wine list. Hosts a legendary kitchen helmed by Chef Sabu Joseph, serving phenomenal, authentic Indian street food.
A brilliant, no-frills hybrid bottle shop and tap bar slotted directly into London Road’s vibrant Open Market. Operated in close alignment with local brewing interests, it serves as the perfect pitstop to sample tank-fresh pales while browsing local produce. The fridges are meticulously organised, highlighting top-tier UK craft breweries alongside classic Belgian Trappist and German lager styles.
- Unique, open-air style market bottle shop and daytime taproom bar.
- Keeps a heavy focus on local Sussex breweries and reliable UK craft mainstays.
- Deeply stocked fridges specialising in traditional German lagers and Belgian Trappists.
A historic, tiny gem tucked into Queensbury Mews just off the seafront that loomed large enough to win CAMRA Pub of the Year. Dating back to the 1870s, this incredibly cosy, wood-clad pub punches way above its weight class. It focuses heavily on pristine cask ales and cutting-edge craft kegs, famously acting as a Brighton stronghold for rare craft drops.
- Tiny, character-rich mews pub and former CAMRA Pub of the Year winner.
- Massive chalkboard featuring up to 40 rotating, meticulously curated beers.
- One of the exclusive local homes for Anspach & Hobday's London Black nitro porter.
Nestled on Preston Street, The Brick is Brighton’s ultimate destination for fine lager aficionados. Steered by the experienced team behind The Evening Star, this beautifully styled, black-fronted pub focuses primarily on authentic German and Czech-style lagers. Boasting a mind-blowing 20 taps, it brings a sophisticated but relaxed continental drinking culture to the heart of the city.
- Brighton's premier lager-focused tap bar, featuring 20 total draught lines.
- Showcases 4 authentic Czech side-pull Lukr faucets for the perfect pour.
- Famous for serving pristine Budvar Dark Lager in the traditional Hladinka style.
A fantastic addition to Duke Street, this multi-floor taproom is the second official outpost for the independent, family-owned brewery. Spread across four floors with a cosy, welcoming vibe, they pour 14 taps of their core range and monthly changing specials. Their beers are brewed using pure water from the Brecon Beacons and are entirely vegan-friendly.
- Spacious four-story city-center taproom serving handmade artisan pizzas.
- Highly unique core range that is 100% certified Gluten-Free.
- Famous for their signature, highly aromatic 4.5% Marmalade IPA.
A masterfully designed, effortlessly cool bottle shop and bar hybrid nestled in the Kemptown area (with a slick sister site in Hove). With an ultra-trendy interior anchored by a striking statement concrete bar and vinyl decks, it operates with zero flashing signage, relying purely on word-of-mouth. The drink curation is impeccable, spotlighting elite UK craft cans alongside natural, organic, and orange wines.
- Effortlessly cool, un-signposted hidden gem in Kemptown and Hove. Features top-tier UK craft royalty like DEYA, Verdant, and local Loud Shirt lines. Doubles as a progressive natural wine bar with live DJ decks spinning vinyl.
Tucked away in the lanes, Vine St Tap is a vibrant, insider-favorite craft hideout that regularly hosts exciting milestones for the Sussex brewing community. Known as a launching pad for new wave, micro-independent breweries, the taproom features highly progressive tap takeovers. It is highly regarded by locals for its fantastic, diverse rotation of modern hazy IPAs and exceptional non-alcoholic craft sours.
- Vibrant, hidden-alley craft taproom known for hosting local brewery launches. Exceptional rotation of modern hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, and experimental small-batches. Highly praised for carrying one of the best low-and-no alcohol craft selections in town.
Nestled beautifully in the South Downs National Park near Alfriston, this award-winning destination pub is a legendary farm-to-table powerhouse. Crucially, the Sussex Ox operates its own 2,000-acre organic, regenerative farm right behind the venue, supplying hyper-local pedigree Sussex beef and lamb. This passion for local quality extends directly to the bar, which showcases an exceptional, well-kept rotating selection of Sussex real ales and independent craft brews alongside an extensive bio-dynamic wine list.
- Acclaimed, idyllic country gastropub featuring breathtaking, 360-degree views of the South Downs. Serves hyper-local real ales from nearby icons like Harvey's and the coveted Burning Sky. Renowned for a spectacular farm-to-fork menu alongside a massive, tiered rolling beer garden.
The Independent (Hanover)
The Independent pub in Hanover, Brighton, is a haven for craft ale enthusiasts. With a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, including local brews and national favourites, it’s a paradise for beer lovers. This cosy and welcoming pub offers a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a pint or two with friends. The staff’s knowledge of their craft beer selection is commendable, ensuring you’ll find the perfect brew to suit your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a casual drinker, The Independent promises a delightful craft beer experience in the heart of Hanover.
- Acclaimed, idyllic country gastropub featuring breathtaking, 360-degree views of the South Downs. Serves hyper-local real ales from nearby icons like Harvey's and the coveted Burning Sky. Renowned for a spectacular farm-to-fork menu alongside a massive, tiered rolling beer garden.
If you want to get beer that has been brewed in the city directly from the source, then look no further than the Brighton Bierhaus. This close to Brighton city centre pub is the taproom for local brewery Brighton Bier. The award-winning brewery has been one of the success stories of Brighton’s beer scene and the Bierhaus is the latest feather in their cap. The brewery saved the pub from being turned into flats and have created one of the best places to drink anywhere. Not only can you get brewery-fresh Brighton Bier, they also source superb brews from top breweries from across the globe. With regular events and tap takeovers to look out for, this pub is a must for any serious beer aficionado.
- Massive selection of pristine German imports served in traditional steins.
- Showcases the complete core and experimental ranges of Brighton Bier.
Q
&
A
Brighton and Sussex are home to some of the UK’s best independent breweries, including Beak Brewery, Burning Sky Brewery, Harvey’s Brewery, UnBarred Brewery, Brighton Bier and Bison Beer.
Some of the best-known Sussex and Brighton beers include Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter, Beak Brewery’s Parade IPA, Burning Sky’s Artisan Pale Ale, UnBarred Joosy IPA and Brighton Bier lager. Many Brighton pubs and taprooms focus heavily on locally brewed Sussex beers.
For traditional cask ale drinkers, many locals consider Harvey’s Brewery Sussex Best Bitter the undisputed king of Sussex beer. Brewed in Lewes using local hops and South Downs-filtered water, it is regarded as one of Britain’s great classic bitters.
Craft beer enthusiasts often consider Beak Brewery one of the UK’s leading modern breweries. Their hazy New England IPAs, including Parade and Lul, are highly sought-after across Brighton craft beer bars.
Brighton and Hove has excellent pubs, taprooms and craft beer venues throughout the city. Popular spots include The Urchin, Bison Beer, UnBarred Brewery and independent pubs across North Laine, Hove and the seafront.
Brighton has become one of the UK’s leading craft beer destinations thanks to its independent breweries, seafront taprooms, creative pub culture and strong local hospitality scene. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditional Sussex ales to modern hazy IPAs and natural beer-focused bars.
Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter is a classic British cask ale brewed in Lewes. Known for its balanced flavour, local ingredients and long brewing heritage, it is considered a staple pint in Sussex pubs and regularly named one of England’s best bitters.
Modern hazy IPAs and New England-style beers remain hugely popular across Brighton craft beer bars. Beak Brewery’s Parade and Lul are among the most talked-about Sussex beers, while local breweries regularly rotate fresh seasonal brews and collaborations.
Yes. Brighton has several brewery taprooms and brewery-led venues where visitors can drink fresh beer directly from the source. Many also combine street food, pizza, live music and outdoor seating, especially during summer.
For seafront craft beer, Bison Beer at Sea Lanes on Madeira Drive is one of Brighton’s best-known beachfront beer spots. Hove seafront and Brighton Beach also feature pubs, terraces and bars serving local Sussex beers with sea views.
