Best Brighton Pubs & Bars
Book your weekend away and enjoy Brighton’s pubs and bars
Welcome to Brighton’s Best Pubs & Bars, where you can find everything you need to know about the top pubs and bars in Brighton. This vibrant coastal city is known for its diverse nightlife and lively bar scene, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
From the oldest pub on the seafront, the Fortune of War, to the sophisticated Hotel Du Vin Brighton, this page provides a comprehensive guide to the best pubs and bars that Brighton has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for a pint of real ale or a perfectly crafted cocktail, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste in Brighton. So why not make a weekend of it and book your stay now to experience everything that Brighton’s pubs and bars have to offer.
Fortune of War
This lovely pub has been open since 1882, making it the oldest pub on the seafront. It is a good meeting place if you are going clubbing on the seafront. There are DJ’s playing at the weekends and it always has a friendly atmosphere and is never too crowded. The décor has a maritime theme and the pub provides beautiful views over the seafront. It has an outside seating area and a buzzy atmosphere during the summer months.
The Basketmakers Arms
Cosy corner pub much loved by locals and visitors alike. Serving homemade pub grub and offering a great selection of proper ales and craft beers. When the sun is shining you will see people spilling out onto the street from this old fashioned pub, relaxing on the benches and pavement. It’s worth trying to find a seat any time of year, to experience this North Laine favourite.
Lion & Lobster
If you are looking for a good, old fashioned, comfy pub with a great atmosphere then this is the place for you. The Lion and Lobster is very popular with the locals and has become a bit of a Brighton institution. It is a good venue to start your night before going out on the town. The pub is spread over three floors with a main bar downstairs complete with cosy real fires in winter. The second floor has a small bar within a beautiful dining room and the third floor is the outside smoker’s area complete with mini bar and outside heaters. The Sunday roasts are very popular but make sure you get there early.
Mash Tun
This is a very popular pub with locals and it is always busy. Mash Tun is a good all-rounder from after work drinks to pre-drinks on a Saturday night, to chilling out on a Sunday. The décor is shabby but this place comes alive with an amazing atmosphere in the summer. The tables outside are always packed with drinkers watching the world go by. It’s a great place to spend a sunny afternoon or a warm evening. There is usually a DJ at the weekends and sometimes live music. This is a really nice to pub to have a sociable drink with friends or a great place to start your weekend antics.
The Green Dragon
The Green Dragon has a rounded drinks menu with many gin and cocktail options with a few bombs and shots to boot. Dine exclusively with a Pieminister menu of funky pies pimped up with sides and toppings. You can save yourself the trouble and go for the Mothership, which has it all.
Ginger Pig
A fantastic spot for a top-notch meal and informal luxury. Listed in the GQ Top 10 Pubs in the UK and a MICHELIN Guide Inspector's favourite, this early 20th-century inn near the seafront offers Modern British food sourced from Sussex's finest suppliers.
Bison Beer
Bison Beer is a popular independent craft beer bar and bottle shop that has become a staple of the Church Road bar scene in Hove. This spot is a good all-rounder, perfect for an after-work pint or for enjoying the weekend with friends. It offers a constantly rotating selection of the best of UK craft breweries, alongside a wide range of wines and spirits, ensuring something for everyone. With a cozy vibe in the Winter and a roaring sun-trap in the Summer, its front terrace is ideal for soaking up the sun and watching the world go by. They frequently host weekly guest kitchens from Brighton's finest independent chefs, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening pairing great beer with great food.
The West Hill Tavern
If you're looking for a comfortable, independent pub with a real community feel and a creative edge, The West Hill Tavern, or 'The Westie' as locals call it, is a wonderful choice. It’s a beloved family-run pub just a two-minute walk from Brighton station that feels like a true home-from-home on the hill. It’s a great spot to soak up relaxed vibes, enjoy free wifi, or settle in for the evening as DJs set the soundtrack on weekends. The pub also supports local artists, with rotating artwork for sale on the walls. It takes its drinks seriously, focusing on a selection of Negronis and a curious gin list, alongside international craft beers. The main menu features delicious sourdough pizzas, and they are well-known for serving one of Brighton's best Sunday roasts, making it essential to book ahead.
Hotel Du Vin
A lovely start to your evening in a classy venue. The bar is part of the Hotel Du Vin chain and is open to non-guests to come in and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. It is a little on the pricey side but if it is sophistication you are after then look no further. The bar has an extensive list of wines and a wide selection of whiskies, rums and countless spirits. As well as relaxing in the main bar you can also enjoy a game of billiards located on the balcony above.
The Brick
The Brick has a craft beer selection, ranging from local brews to international favorites, alongside cocktails, wine, and spirits. Dine exclusively with gourmet burgers with creative and customizable options, alongside elevated pub classics and weekly specials. You can save yourself the trouble and go for one of their specials, which is focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
The Robin Hood
Tucked away on Norfolk Square, The Robin Hood is warm, welcoming, and dedicated to giving every punter that authentic "regular" experience. You will find classic pub drinks alongside crowd-pleasing pizzas (including vegan options), fresh sausage rolls from The Brighton Sausage Co, and tasty bar snacks. Regular quizzes, live music, and fun annual street parties make this a pub that genuinely brings its neighbourhood together. One of those places where the staff remember your name by your second visit.
The Eddy
A family-run favourite on Upper Gloucester Road, The Eddy is both a welcoming neighbourhood boozer and a characterful destination venue. The well-stocked bar and relaxed vibe make it perfect for catching a match, settling in for a quiz night, or celebrating with friends. Ultra-stylish management and a warm Eddy welcome mean you always feel looked after. If you want a pub with genuine personality and no pretension, this is it.
The Ladies Mile
Up in Patcham, The Ladies Mile is a community pub through and through. Part of the Golden Lion Group, it serves excellent cask ales, local beers and ciders alongside deliciously fresh food. There is a child-friendly garden with a play area, plus pool tables and games inside, making it a brilliant choice for families. If you are exploring the South Downs or staying on the northern edge of the city, this is your local.
The Windmill
Dating back to 1828, The Windmill on Upper North Street has low ceilings, cosy nooks, and a south-facing front terrace that catches every last ray of sunshine. The drinks list is serious: locals swear by their Guinness (widely regarded as the best pint in Brighton), and the tap lineup features Sussex favourites like Unbarred, Burning Sky, and Beak Brewery, alongside Negronis and Margaritas on tap. Their "Hot Sandos" menu blends Japanese and Italian-American flavours, while the Sunday roast regularly gets called the best in the city. Live DJs on Saturday and Sunday afternoons keep the atmosphere buzzing.
Farm Tavern
Hidden down a backstreet off Western Road in Hove, the Farm Tavern is the kind of pub you would never stumble across unless someone told you about it. Candlelit, cosy, and gothic-tinged with a roaring fire, the atmosphere alone is worth the detour. The kitchen serves Eastern European-inspired small plates from Wednesday to Saturday: think pierogi dumplings, kielbasa hot dogs, and chicken schnitzel, followed by legendary Sunday roasts with standout veggie and vegan options. Throw in quiz nights, open mic, sea shanty evenings, and Drag Bingo, and you have one of the most characterful pubs in Brighton and Hove.
Better Half
The Better Half on Hove Place has personality to spare. Look up and you will find faux-Victorian portraits hung on the ceiling, each one paired with a cheeky cockney phrase. The food is gourmet pub fare done well: proper burgers, comforting pies, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts with creative vegan options. The craft beer selection is strong (Unbarred, Bedlam Golden Ale, Pilsner Lager) and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Dog-friendly, good value, and just a short walk from Hove Lawns and the seafront.
The Cleveland Arms
Overlooking Blakers Park in the Preston Park area, The Cleveland Arms pairs a refined food menu with proper neighbourhood pub warmth. The recently refurbished interior is all dark blue walls, exposed brick, deep varnished wood, and a big open fire in winter. Small plates like confit garlic butter potted shrimp sit alongside pub classics, and their Sunday roast has been recognised at both the BRAVO Awards and Knorr National Awards. Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3pm to 6pm. A brilliant choice for families, with a thoughtful children's menu and Blakers Park on the doorstep.
The Signalman
Just beside London Road station, The Signalman is a spacious, welcoming pub with bare-brick walls, book-filled corners, railway memorabilia, and a floor-to-ceiling library of board games. The real draw is the double beer garden: a colourful astro-turfed area with picnic tables plus heated, sheltered booths for year-round outdoor drinking. The kitchen delivers gastro-quality food at pub prices, from confit duck leg and slow roast pork belly to what some regulars call the best burger in Brighton. Monday quiz night (hosted by the fabulous Veronica von Beaverhausen) and Sunday open mic round out the week.
The Westbourne
The Westbourne on Portland Road in Hove champions small independent breweries with a rotating tap selection that rewards repeat visits. The refurbished interior is bright and airy with lofty ceilings and natural light by day, fairy lights by evening. Sunday roasts here are frequently called the best in Hove, and the veggie wellington with pearl barley and flaky pastry is a standout in its own right. Wednesday is 2-for-1 burger night if you are after a midweek deal. Dog-friendly, laid-back, and properly local.
Sidewinder
Voted "Brighton's Best Pub" by Argus readers, Sidewinder sits in the heart of Kemptown on St James's Street and has the bohemian energy to match. Two huge beer gardens (heated for year-round use) are the star, but the eclectic interior and weekend DJs keep things lively inside too. Smokin' Gringos serve Mexican street food from the kitchen daily, and Sundays bring a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar alongside traditional roasts. The "Big Gins" are famous, the craft beer rotation is strong, and the atmosphere is always up for it.
Crown's Brighton
If you are looking for a proper pub that stays open late, Crown's Brighton on Cranbourne Street delivers. Open until 2am on weekdays and 3am at weekends, it is one of the few independent pubs in the centre where you can enjoy live music almost every evening without a cover charge. Open mic Mondays and "Discover New Music" Wednesdays are highlights. The tap lineup is solid (Guinness, Camden Pale, Goose Island IPA, Leffe) and prices are fair for central Brighton. Cosy inside with fairy lights and outdoor heaters, and right next to Churchill Square if you need your bearings.
Argyle Arms
Winner of Best East Sussex Pub at the 2025 Bar & Pubs National Awards, the Argyle Arms on Argyle Road is a proper Texas BBQ and smokehouse housed in an 1866 heritage pub. All the meat is smoked on-site from locally sourced, pasture-raised animals, and the brisket, ribs, and pulled pork burgers are genuinely outstanding. The interior pairs warm lighting with open fireplaces and lounge seating, while sun-trap benches out front and a quiet garden out back give you options in warmer months. Craft beer rotates regularly and the cocktail list is well put together. A short walk north of Preston Circus and well worth the trip.
The Bell Tower
The newest pub on this list, The Bell Tower opened in October 2024 on Arundel Road in east Kemptown and has already earned a 4.7 rating. The interior is modern meets traditional: linen bistro curtains, wood-panelled walls, and houseplants throughout. The kitchen serves modern British pub fare with a twist, and the Sunday roasts come with perfect seasoning, generous portions, and beautiful plating. The Guinness pours well, Cruzcampo is on tap for something lighter, and the focus on local beers and wines keeps things interesting. Dog-friendly, warmly run, and a welcome addition to the Kemptown scene.
The Longman
Up in Patcham, The Longman is a traditional local pub with a surprise: an excellent in-house Thai kitchen (Keng's Thai Kitchen) serving standout Massaman curry that reviewers compare favourably to restaurants in Thailand itself. The Thai menu runs Monday to Saturday, while Alice's Sunday Kitchen takes over on Sundays with roasts featuring four meat choices and a veggie option. The pub itself was recently refurbished with comfortable seating, lovely outdoor areas, and multiple big screens for live sport. A proper community local with food that punches well above its weight.
Garden Bar
Three open fireplaces, each creating its own cosy zone, make the Garden Bar on Portland Road in Hove a winter favourite. Come summer, the massive beer garden out back is one of the largest in the area. Sunday roasts are a big draw (praised for being well cooked and generously portioned), and the kitchen also turns out solid fish, belly pork, and sausage rolls alongside strong vegan options. Six screens show Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Prime Video, so it gets lively on match days. Cocktails are worth a try too, especially the coffee martini.
Prestonville Arms
Five minutes' walk from Brighton station and five minutes from Seven Dials, the Prestonville Arms sits in the heart of Prestonville's quiet residential streets. The kitchen uses locally sourced, seasonal produce for classic dishes: Sussex burgers, fresh fish and chips, and a nut roast that vegans and vegetarians rave about. The Sunday roast, with locally sourced meats and cauliflower and stuffing as standard, has been called "the best pub roast I've ever had" by more than a few regulars. Inside, stripped wooden floors lead to a snug area with a sofa next to a log burner. The garden out back is a proper oasis.
The Setting Sun
Raised high on the bank of Hanover, The Setting Sun has what is arguably the best view from any pub in Brighton: a west-facing panorama sweeping over the rooftops all the way down to the sea. On a clear evening, the sunsets here are genuinely spectacular. The pub itself is a proper Hanover community local with a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and a loyal crowd. If you are visiting Brighton and want to see the city from a completely different angle, grab a pint and a spot on the terrace before golden hour.
Hove Place
Hove Place is more bistro than boozer, tucked at basement level on First Avenue just off Church Road. The food is restaurant quality: a deli board menu showcasing Sussex meats and cheeses, bistro-style mains using locally sourced produce, and Sunday roasts so popular you will need to book ahead. Over 100 spirits line the back bar alongside local ales, speciality beers, and a strong wine list. The real surprise is the rear garden, one of the largest outdoor seating areas in Hove and hugely popular once the sun comes out. Dog-friendly, great value for the quality, and a firm local favourite with 1,200+ Google reviews.
Kemptown Klub
A small private members venue on St George's Road (membership is free, over-25s only), the Kemptown Klub is a different kind of night out. The ground floor is a tranquil lounge bar with cocktails (the Aperol Spritz is a winner), continental beers, and Cornish cider, while downstairs a nightclub hosts 80s and 90s-themed nights. Owners Peter and Rachel are well-known faces on Brighton's LGBTQ+ scene, and if you want to hear some gossip from gay Brighton gone by, this could be just the place. Intimate, characterful, and a long way from the chain bar experience.
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