The best pubs in Brighton

Over in Kemptown, the Hand In Hand might be small, but it's full of character and pure Brighton through and through. This colourful microbrewery is packed with curiosities, from vintage posters to model trains running above the bar. Their own beers are brewed on-site in the tiny tower brewery, alongside a rotating mix of local and international bottles. There's always something happening, from vinyl DJs and live jazz to the occasional wine club, and the atmosphere is warm, quirky, and unmistakably Brighton.

The Lion & Lobster is a Brighton institution; a maze of rooms spread over three floors with a mix of pub cosiness and a bit of Brighton grandeur. You'll find a buzzy bar downstairs, a more refined dining room upstairs, and even a hidden roof terrace for summer drinks. You'll find pub staples like roasts and pies alongside fresh fish and the occasional curveball, like an Indian feast night or steak special. It's cosy, full of character, and exactly the kind of place you want to end up after a walk along the seafront.

The Pond is the kind of pub where you come for one beer and end up staying for three bao buns. It's a bright, bustling spot in the North Laine pouring local brews (including its own aptly named Pondwater Pale Ale) and serving excellent Taiwanese street food from Street Diner. The buns come stuffed with things like crispy chicken or tofu and are the main draw, but the small plates and cocktails also hold their own. 

The Urchin is a neighbourhood seafood pub with a more upmarket feel and a serious thing for shellfish. Expect daily-changing plates of mussels, crab, and scallops, cooked and served with cold beer straight from the taproom below. The space is stripped-back but warm, and there's always a hum of conversation from people tucking into their favourite dish. Sundays are saved for paella instead of roasts, offering something a little different to every other pub.

The Brunswick is part pub, part live music venue and part community hub. There's a big beer garden, a stage that's hosted everything from local indie bands to jazz nights, and plenty of rotating craft beers behind the bar. Food's hearty and simple, with roasts that draw a crowd on Sundays. It's one of the best places in Hove to catch a gig over a pint.

If you're serious about beer, The Independent in Hanover is probably already on your radar. It's technically more of a taproom, but well worth a mention thanks to its ever-changing list of craft brews, which is chalked up above the bar. The team behind it actually knows their hops from their haze. The vibe's easygoing with reclaimed wood and fairy lights setting the scene, and while there's no kitchen, you're more than welcome to bring in your own takeaway. 

The Robin Hood feels like a proper local with its warm lighting, mismatched furniture, and Brighton regulars. It's known for its comfort food (wood-fired pizzas, hefty sausage rolls, and great vegan options) and its community-minded approach, with profits going to charity. Add in a busy quiz night, live music, and the occasional street party, and it's easy to see why it's got a few local awards under its belt

The Eagle has a rotating line-up of craft beers, a chilled crowd, and a residency from Namo — a Thai street food kitchen that's become a bit of a local legend. Expect a menu of fragrant curries, crispy small plates, and spice levels that keep things tasty. There's also a solid Sunday roast and a relaxed, sociable buzz that keeps the vibes high.

The Green Dragon is basically the blueprint for a proper Brighton pub: wooden floors, a long bar, and a mix of regulars and newcomers all crammed in together. It's compact but never quiet, with local beers on tap, a few gins behind the bar, and a menu built around pub staples, such as burgers, fish and chips, and roasts. The service is friendly, and it's a solid choice when you just want a pint and some decent food.

Tucked on a side street near Brighton station, The Eddy is a local favourite that's bagged a couple of BRAVO awards, and it's easy to see why. Inside, it's all polished wood, soft lighting, and bay windows that catch the afternoon sun. There's no kitchen, but you can order your own food while you watch the game, take part in a quiz, or enjoy a movie night. It's one of those rare pubs that manages to feel buzzy without ever being hectic.

Down in Hove, The Wick is a Victorian pub with plenty of charm and a proper local feel. Think green tiles, dark wood, and the buzz of conversation around the central bar. The drinks list combines Sussex ales with craft beers from further afield, and the family-run Thai kitchen serves up tasty dishes until late, featuring fragrant curries and stir-fries. There's a speakeasy-style bar upstairs for private parties, plus a packed events calendar that includes everything from live jazz to weekly quizzes.

If you're after a Brighton sunset with a pint in hand, The Setting Sun has you covered. Perched high above the city, it's got one of the best rooftop views around. The drinks list covers all the essentials, and the kitchen sticks to proper pub classics done right, such as burgers, fish and chips, and traditional roasts. The crowd's a friendly mix of locals and visitors, and between the live music and sports screenings, it's a trusty all-day hangout.

A few minutes from the station, The West Hill Tavern (or “The Westie” to its locals) is a family-run pub that's nailed the balance between laid-back and lively. It's best known for its Great British Charcuterie Co. sourdough pizzas and some of the city's best Negronis. Sunday roasts and weekend DJs keep things very Brighton, and there's a sunny little garden out back for when the weather behaves. 

One of Brighton's most eco-conscious pubs, The Earth & Stars has been doing sustainability the longest. Solar-powered and proudly green, it pours organic ales, lagers, and natural wines. The food menu caters to everyone's tastes, offering a mix of vegan and vegetarian options alongside a few classic dishes. Locals swear by the Sunday roast, and the atmosphere's exactly what you want from a pub.

The Great Eastern is small and entirely screen-free, meaning it puts all the focus on the good drinks, good music, and good people. The whiskey selection is legendary, with shelves stacked with bourbon, Scotch, and Irish blends, alongside a few local ales for balance. Expect a soundtrack of blues, jazz, and rock 'n' roll, and on weekends, Brighton's best record-spinning DJs take over the decks.

Hanover's go-to boozer, The Geese, is famous for one thing: bangers and mash. It's their whole personality, and they do it brilliantly, with over 500 possible combos, six gravies (yes, Guinness gravy is a thing), and more mash variations than you can comprehend. Sundays mean roasts, and the rest of the week is all about pints and friendly faces. It's won more than a few awards, but it still feels totally down-to-earth.

Dating back to 1547, The Cricketers is Brighton's oldest pub, and it looks the part with its red velvet booths, wood panelling, and more framed prints than your nan's living room. It's a maze of snug rooms and hidden corners that spill out into a little courtyard. Behind the bar, you'll find all the classics, and the food menu gives pub staples a bit of a glow-up, using local Sussex produce.

Up in Hanover, The Haus on the Hill is one of Brighton's most-loved locals, and for good reason. Behind the bar, there are over 20 draught lines pouring everything from local craft beers to crisp German lagers, plus a decent wine and spirits list. The food's a cut above your standard pub fare, with one of the city's best Sunday roasts and hearty plates throughout the week.

Right on North Road, The Heart & Hand feels like the Brighton of twenty years ago, with its vintage green-tiled front, a cracking jukebox, and a fun crowd that comes for the local ales and chilled-out atmosphere. It's small, loud, and properly old-school, and if you like your pubs unpretentious and a bit rough around the edges, this is the one.

You can't miss The Prince Albert — it's the one covered in murals of music icons and that famous Banksy piece. Inside, it's a riot of colour, posters, and memorabilia, with live gigs upstairs pretty much every night. The music's loud, the beer's cold, and the atmosphere is as Brighton as it gets.