Pubs in Brighton: The Ultimate Guide to Brighton & Hove's Best Pubs

Brighton, the vibrant seaside city known as "London-by-the-Sea," boasts one of the UK's most eclectic and exciting pub scenes. From historic coaching inns to trendy craft beer bars, our comprehensive guide to pubs in Brighton helps you navigate this diverse drinking destination.

Why Brighton's Pub Scene is Legendary

Brighton's unique character attracts a diverse crowd—from students and artists to tourists and longtime residents—creating a pub culture like no other in the UK. The city offers:

Historic Pubs: Venues dating back centuries in atmospheric Lanes
Craft Beer Revolution: Leading the UK's craft beer movement
Seafront Locations: Stunning sea views while you sip
LGBTQ+ Friendly: Welcoming and inclusive atmosphere
Live Music: Thriving music scene across all genres
Food Innovation: From traditional pub grub to award-winning gastronomy

Brighton's Distinct Pub Areas

The Lanes & North Laine

The heart of Brighton's historic charm:

The Lanes: Medieval streets housing traditional pubs
North Laine: Bohemian quarter with quirky independent bars
Cobbled streets and Victorian architecture
Perfect for pub crawling on foot
Mix of locals and tourists
Street performers and buskers add atmosphere

Brighton Seafront

Drinking with a view:

Iconic beachfront locations
Sea air and sunset views
Tourist-friendly atmospheres
Outdoor seating in summer
From classic pubs to modern beach bars
Easy access from the Palace Pier

Kemptown

Brighton's vibrant LGBTQ+ quarter:

Rainbow-flag-flying welcoming venues
Diverse and inclusive atmosphere
Legendary nightlife
Mix of traditional pubs and modern bars
Strong community feel
Famous for Pride celebrations

Hove

Brighton's sophisticated neighbor:

More relaxed, residential atmosphere
Family-friendly venues
Quality gastropubs
Local community pubs
Quieter than central Brighton
Excellent food offerings

Hanover & Seven Dials

Trendy residential areas:

Hidden gems away from tourist crowds
Real ale and craft beer focus
Local community pubs
Regular events and live music
Friendly, neighborhood atmosphere
Worth the walk from the centre

Types of Brighton Pubs

1. Historic Traditional Pubs

Brighton's oldest establishments offer:

Original period features
Centuries of history
Traditional Sussex ales
Cozy snugs and nooks
Real fires in winter
Ghost stories and legends

Must-visit historic pubs: The Cricketers, Druid's Head, Battle of Trafalgar

2. Craft Beer Pubs & Micropubs

The craft beer revolution is strong in Brighton:

Rotating guest ales and craft beers
Brewery taprooms
International beer selections
Knowledgeable staff
Beer festivals and tap takeovers
Often smaller, intimate venues

Top craft beer venues: North Laine Brewhouse, Evening Star, Bison Beer

3. Gastropubs

Food-focused excellence:

Michelin-guide-worthy menus
Locally sourced Sussex produce
Innovative seasonal dishes
Extensive wine lists
Modern interiors with character
Booking essential for popular times

Notable gastropubs: The Ginger Pig, The Chilli Pickle (fusion), The Coal Shed

4. Music Venues & Live Pubs

Brighton's legendary music scene:

Intimate acoustic nights
Full band performances
Jazz and blues sessions
Open mic opportunities
Alternative and indie focus
Emerging artist showcases

Music pub highlights: The Prince Albert, The Hope & Ruin, Latest Music Bar

5. Seafront & Beach Bars

Coastal drinking experiences:

Direct beach access
Sea views and sunsets
More relaxed dress codes
Summer-focused (some seasonal)
BBQs and outdoor dining
Popular with tourists and locals

Popular Pub Features in Brighton

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Brighton loves its four-legged friends:

Many pubs welcome well-behaved dogs
Water bowls and treats common
Beer gardens perfect for dogs
Beach walks combined with pub visits
Dog-loving community

Top dog-friendly spots: Check Flookbook for the latest listings with filters

LGBTQ+ Friendly Venues

Brighton's inclusive pub culture:

Welcoming to all
Safe spaces
Diverse clientele
Pride celebrations year-round
Community hubs
Drag performances and themed nights

Vegan & Vegetarian Options

Plant-based excellence:

Brighton leads the UK in vegan options
Most pubs offer substantial vegan menus
Dedicated vegan pubs exist
Creative meat-free dishes
Allergy awareness high

Sports Pubs

For the sports fans:

Multiple screens
All major sports covered
Match day atmospheres
Food and drink deals
Both traditional and modern venues

Rooftop & Terrace Pubs

Elevated drinking experiences:

Sea views from above
Heated outdoor spaces
Year-round use
Romantic settings
Perfect for sunsets

Best Times to Visit Brighton Pubs

Weekend Visits

Brighton buzzes on weekends:

Friday/Saturday nights very busy
Book restaurants in advance
Expect queues at popular venues
Club-goers start in pubs
Late-night options plentiful

Weekday Charm

Midweek offers different experiences:

Quieter, more relaxed atmospheres
Easier to get tables
Happy hours and specials
Live music on specific nights
Quiz nights popular
Better for conversation

Festival Times

Brighton hosts major events:

Brighton Festival (May): Cultural celebration
Brighton Pride (August): Massive LGBTQ+ celebration
Brighton Fringe (May): Alternative arts festival
Great Escape (May): New music showcase
Burning the Clocks (December): Winter solstice

Book ahead during festivals—pubs fill fast!

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (June-August):

Beach bars in full swing
Outdoor seating at premium
Tourist peak season
Longer evenings, later nights
Seafront buzzing

Winter (December-February):

Cozy pub atmosphere
Real fires and warmth
Fewer tourists (except NYE)
Better availability
Christmas markets nearby

Getting to Brighton Pubs

By Train

Excellent rail connections:

London stations (Victoria, London Bridge, St Pancras)
Journey time: 55-90 minutes
Regular services throughout the day
Late-night trains weekends
Brighton station 10-minute walk to city centre

By Car

Road access from:

M23/A23 from London
A27 coast road
Limited city centre parking
Park & Ride options
Expensive city centre parking
Consider park outside and train in

Getting Around Brighton

Walking is best:

Compact city centre
Most pubs within 20-minute walk
Flat seafront, hilly in places
Well-lit main routes
Taxis plentiful late night

Public transport:

Excellent bus network
Taxis and Ubers available
Bike hire options
E-scooters available

Pub Crawl Routes

The Classic Lanes Crawl

Historic pub hopping:

Start at North Laine
Work through The Lanes
Hit seafront for views
Finish in Kemptown
10-12 pubs possible
4-5 hour tour

The Craft Beer Trail

For beer enthusiasts:

Begin at North Laine Brewhouse
Hit micropubs in North Laine
Visit brewery taprooms
End at Evening Star
Focus on quality over quantity
Educational and delicious

The Seafront Stroll

Coastal pub tour:

Start at Hove Lawns
Work eastward along coast
Stop at beach-adjacent pubs
End at Brighton Marina
Combine with beach walks
Best in good weather

Brighton Pub Culture & Etiquette

Ordering at the Bar

Brighton style:

Table service uncommon (except dining)
Queue at bar (British politeness applies)
Cash still accepted but card preferred
Tipping not expected but appreciated
Start a tab in busy venues

Dress Code

Relaxed and eclectic:

Very casual acceptable in most pubs
Smart casual for gastropubs
Beach wear okay at seafront
Express yourself—Brighton celebrates individuality
Some clubs require smart dress after 10pm

Booking

When to reserve:

Essential: Weekend dining, gastropubs
Recommended: Friday/Saturday evenings, festival times
Not needed: Midweek, drinking-only, quieter pubs
Group visits: Always call ahead for 6+

Nearby Attractions

Combine pub visits with:

Brighton Pier: Classic seaside entertainment
Royal Pavilion: Exotic palace and gardens
British Airways i360: Viewing tower
Brighton Museum: Art and history
Devil's Dyke: Stunning countryside views
Volks Railway: World's oldest electric railway
The Level: Park and skate park
Brighton Marina: Waterfront dining and shopping

The Future of Brighton Pubs

Brighton's pub scene continues evolving:

More micropubs and breweries opening
Increased focus on sustainability
Plant-based menus expanding
Rooftop spaces developing
Tech integration (apps, contactless)
Community focus strengthening

Special Considerations

Brighton Pride

The city's biggest event:

First weekend in August
Book accommodation/tables months ahead
Pubs packed throughout
Amazing atmosphere
Parade Saturday, party all weekend
Some pubs host specific Pride events

University Terms

Student population impact:

September-May: More crowded
Younger crowd in certain areas
Monday-Thursday busier in student zones
June-August: Quieter, more tourist-focused
Great deals aimed at students

Hen & Stag Parties

Popular Brighton weekend activity:

Weekends can be rowdy
Some pubs don't welcome large groups
More prevalent in summer
Fancy dress common
Respectful of local etiquette advised

Find Your Perfect Brighton Pub

With hundreds of pubs to choose from, Brighton offers something for everyone:

Historic character pubs in ancient streets
Cutting-edge craft beer venues
Stunning seafront locations
Vibrant LGBTQ+ bars
Award-winning gastropubs
Live music havens
Quirky independent gems

Explore all Brighton pubs on Flookbook to discover the perfect venue. Filter by location, features, and atmosphere to find your ideal Brighton drinking destination.

Explore Nearby Pub Destinations

Looking for pubs in nearby West Sussex towns?

Pubs in Horsham - Just 30 minutes north, discover traditional market town pubs and village inns
Pubs in Crawley - Perfect for Gatwick Airport travelers, 30 minutes from Brighton
Find pubs near me anywhere in the UK - Use our GPS finder to discover local pubs wherever you are

This comprehensive guide is regularly updated to reflect Brighton's ever-changing pub landscape. Last updated: December 2025

Pubs in Brighton: The Complete Guide to Brighton & Hove's Best Pubs