Restaurants Brighton guide to
Sussex Breweries
Our top picks
Independent breweries, local pubs, and great beer across Sussex
The Sussex Brewery scene has become a hotbed for craft brewing, with a thriving mix of long-established names and new-wave microbreweries bringing bold ideas to the region’s pint glasses. From traditional ales to modern hop-forward styles, the diversity and quality of beer being brewed here is matched by the passion of the people behind it.
This guide gives a snapshot of the breweries operating across Sussex and where to enjoy their beers – whether at the source or in one of the many independent pubs and bars that champion local pours. It’s a curated overview, celebrating the growing beer scene across Brighton and Sussex.
Inside the Sussex Brewery Scene
Sussex has a rich brewing heritage, with traditional ales at its core and a new wave of craft breweries bringing fresh energy to the scene. From historic names like Harvey’s to small-batch innovators in Brighton and the Weald, Sussex beer is rooted in community, collaboration, and a love for local ingredients. Many breweries offer taprooms, tours, and pop-ups, often pairing their pints with street food or seasonal plates. You’ll also find Sussex beers poured proudly in independent pubs, supporting a culture where good beer, good food, and good company go hand in hand.
Brighton & Hove
Brighton’s beer scene is full of character – from taprooms and colourful microbreweries to beers brewed right inside the pub. Several local venues proudly pour Sussex beer, supporting the county’s independent brewers.
UnBarred – Modern and experimental beers brewed just off London Road. Try them at their taproom or at The Pond, or through local collaborations like their brew with Apiary.
Loud Shirt Brewing Co. – Small-batch craft brews with psychedelic flair. Often found at The Good Companions, The Brunswick, and Shepherd & Dog.
Laine Brew Co. – Accessible, flavourful beers brewed in Sussex and poured at venues including The Black Lion, Mesmerist, Signalman, and Oculist.
Larrikin at The Urchin – Brewed on site at The Urchin, a shellfish and craft beer pub in Hove run by co-owner Nick Jerrim, a long-time beer enthusiast.
Lost Pier – Craft beers brewed in Brighton and Burgess Hill, with occasional appearances at Brighton pubs.
Lewes
Lewes is rich in brewing history and innovation, home to both long-established names and new producers pushing creative styles.
Harvey’s Brewery – A Sussex institution, known for Best Bitter and Old Ale, found on taps across the county and recently announced an exciting collaboration with Brighton Bier.
Beak Brewery – Contemporary and hop-forward beers with a stylish taproom and shop in the heart of Lewes.
Abyss Brewing – Small batch brewing in Lewes with a pop-up taproom in Newhaven. Known for creative releases and local collaborations.
Burning Sky – Based in Firle, just outside Lewes, specialising in saisons, mixed fermentation, and barrel-aged beers.
Worthing
Worthing’s beer scene is growing fast, with local breweries making their way into pubs across Sussex.
Hand Brew Co. – Brewed in Worthing and served in Brighton at Hand in Hand and Watchmaker Arms. Hand Brew Co..
Cloak and Dagger – Independent brewery creating distinctive beers with personality.
Brewhouse & Kitchen – Brewpub with an on-site brewery offering beer and food pairings.
Sunken Knave – a Worthing-born brewery with a love for British Old Ales, keep an eye out for their beers popping up across Sussex.
Wealden District & Mid Sussex
Rural Sussex is home to a number of small, independently run breweries – some with taprooms, others best discovered through the pubs that support them.
Long Man Brewery (Litlington) – Award-winning ales made in the Cuckmere Valley, served in Brighton at Mange Tout and Sussex award-winning Eight Bells Jevington.
Lakedown Brewery (Heathfield) – Family-run countryside brewery with a strong local following.
Three Acre Brewery (Blackboys) – Handcrafted beers from a small team, occasionally available on site. Recently announced they’ll be opening a microbrewery in Uckfield’s disused railway signal box.
Merakai Brewing Co. (Uckfield) – Bold, modern brewing with a taproom in Worthing.
360° Brewing Co. (Sheffield Park) – Reliable, well-rounded beers found across the region.
Gun Brewery (Heathfield) – Eco-conscious brewers with a focus on quality.
Hairy Dog Brewery (Wivelsfield) – Traditional brewing with a local touch.
Other Sussex Breweries
Scattered across Sussex are more independent brewers worth exploring — from woodland taprooms to classic breweries in market towns.
Firebird Brewing Co. (Horsham) – A blend of classic and modern styles.
Beer Me Brewery (Eastbourne) – A small, independent operation making its mark locally.
Missing Link Brewery (East Grinstead) – Set in the woods with a taproom that hosts regular events and food trucks. Great walks nearby!
Find Your Next Pint
To experience Sussex beer at its best, explore the pubs that pour it. Here are a few places to start:
- Hove Pubs – A great mix of traditional and modern spots, with plenty pouring local brews.
- Hanover Pubs – Known for its community feel and proper pub culture – expect plenty of Sussex beer on tap.
- BRAVO Best Brighton Pubs – See who topped the BRAVO public vote for Brighton’s best pubs.
- Dog-Friendly Pubs – Pints and paws welcome – find spots where four-legged friends are celebrated.
- Sussex Pubs with Walks – Work up a thirst and reward yourself at a pub along the way.
Each one offers a warm welcome and a great pint of something brewed nearby.
