The best beach bars in Brighton

Rockwater sits right on Hove seafront and feels closer to a sprawling beach house than a single bar. The rooftop terrace is the main draw, with sea views, a retractable roof and year-round usability, while downstairs spaces range from a relaxed pub-style room to a more fancier dining area. Seafood features heavily across the menus, alongside crowd-pleasers like burgers and steaks, with drinks ranging from wines to cocktails and kid-friendly options. There's often something going on too, from live music and comedy to wellness sessions.

Bison's Sea Lanes taproom sits right on Madeira Drive, overlooking Brighton's outdoor swimming pool and the sea beyond, which makes it a natural post-swim stop. The beer list changes regularly, with Bison staples alongside guest brews, and the mood stays relaxed even when it's busy. Downstairs is casual and sociable, while upstairs, you'll find a handful of covered rooftop booths that feel slightly tucked away from the crowds. Heated and weatherproof, they're good for groups who want sea views without committing to full exposure on a windy day.

Babble is perched inside Hove Beach Park and feels more like a neighbourhood hangout than a destination spot. It runs all day, starting with coffee and pastries before moving into brunch, burgers, tacos and roasts, with spritzes, natural wines and local beers available throughout. There's plenty of space, big sea views and a steady mix of families, swimmers, dog walkers and people tapping away on laptops. It's lively without being hectic, and works just as well for a long afternoon as it does for a casual lunch by the water.

Sitting right on the seafront and open later than most places nearby, Fortune of War is a Brighton institution for a reason. It pulls in a broad mix of locals, tourists and people drifting in after the beach, especially once the DJs start. Inside, it's loud, busy and unapologetically casual, with classic drinks. This is a bar you come to for atmosphere rather than finesse.

Tempest stretches along the seafront with outdoor tables facing the water and dim, cave-like booths tucked inside. It's a place that works across the day and is relaxed enough for a quick afternoon drink, but lively enough to turn into a full night out. Drinks cover cocktails, beers and wine, and as the evening rolls in, DJs take over, and the crowd get busier, but it never feels too much. You can drop in briefly or stay put for hours and not feel out of place.

Shelter Hall is a large, buzzy food hall right on the seafront, ideal if your group can't agree on what to eat. Multiple kitchens mean you can mix pizza, burgers, sushi, tacos or Thai food at the same table, with drinks from the central bar covering cocktails, wine and local beer. Seating is mostly communal, the crowd is mixed, and the pace is casual. It's not a traditional beach bar, but it's a great option for eating and drinking by the sea without committing to one menu.

Ohso sits opposite Brighton Palace Pier and is easy to spot thanks to its oversized disco balls and busy terrace. Most of the action happens outside, where tables fill quickly on sunny days with walkers, groups and people stopping in just for one. Food is served all day, moving from breakfast into classic dishes, while the drinks list covers cocktails, wine, beer and non-alcoholic options.