The best pubs in Hove

Hove's go-to for seafood lovers, The Urchin is casual, friendly, and totally shellfish-focused. Classics like lobster, crab, and scallops sit alongside a chef's rotating specials board, while Sundays are for giant pans of paella. Enjoy your meal with a crisp white or a brew from their very own microbrewery downstairs. Their annual street party has also made a name for itself; check their socials early in the year to find out when it's happening.

The Ancient Mariner is Hove's ultimate neighbourhood pub, tucked away in Poet's Corner. There's a roaring fire for winter visits, and a sunny beer garden which is perfect for pints with your dog (yes, they're welcome inside too). The kitchen serves classic pub grub and hearty Sunday roasts, including vegan options, and there's always something happening, from live music to pottery workshops and storytelling nights. 

Part pub, part grassroots arts hub, The Brunswick is where Hove's creatives hang out. Two live spaces host everything from jazz nights to sweaty indie gigs, while the beer garden hums with chatter over pints of local craft. The food's classic and comforting, think proper Sunday roasts, burgers, and chips. There's always something happening upstairs, whether it's an escape room or a wedding after-party.

If you want a pub that feels like a proper pub – tiled walls, worn wood, and that deep smell of ale – The Wick is where it's at. The Thai kitchen in the corner plates up fragrant dishes till late, while regulars get stuck into the weekly quiz or settle in for a night of live jazz. Downstairs, it's all friendly buzz and beer chat, while upstairs, a hidden speakeasy bar is ideal for private parties.

Half pub, half secret garden, Hove Place is where you want to be drinking pints on a sunny day. Tucked just off Church Road, this spot features a big Italian-style courtyard that's perfect for long afternoons sipping Aperol spritzes. The food is solid pub grub, including proper roast dinners, burgers, Scotch eggs, and more. Inside, it's cosy enough to settle down by the fire with your dog and a pint.

Just minutes from the seafront, The Better Half is a historic spot that was rescued from the brink and turned into a warm, local hangout with seriously good food. The menu pays homage to the classics, but with a touch of added sophistication, featuring seasonal roasts, beer-battered fish and chips, and sausage and mash, all made with local produce. There's always something on, from live jazz to vinyl DJs spinning late into the night. 

Hidden down a side street, The Farm Tavern is all wood, candlelight, and proper pub vibes. The food punches well above standard pub fare, from Eastern European-inspired small plates to roasts that locals plan their Sundays around. Nights here can go anywhere, from sea shanties and drag bingo to live DJ sets, and somehow, it all works.

The Bottom's Rest, hidden behind The Old Market, is Brighton Gin's home turf, so expect botanicals and proper G&Ts. There's always a guest kitchen cooking something great, from tacos to roast dinners, and the crowd's a mix of regulars and locals. Cosy in winter, sunny hangout in summer, making it a year-round gem.

Right by the County Ground, The Sussex Cricketer is where people go for post-match pints. It's undergone a serious glow-up in recent years, featuring bright wood, a large central bar, and ample space for groups, while still retaining its laid-back vibes. The Sunday roasts are award-winning, and the terrace is built for sunny afternoons with a jug of Pimm's. You'll also find sport on screen and DJs on weekends bringing the energy.

Old Albion is the gin-lover's hangout on Church Street, where over 40 varieties are available behind the bar, and bartenders who actually know what to do with them. The vibe's warm, with quirky decor, low lighting, and a melody of good music that builds as the night goes on. Quizzes bring out the competitive locals midweek, and weekends are for dancing to funk, indie, and jazzy sets by live musicians.

Bright yellow and impossible to miss, The Stirling Arms is one of those pubs that gets everything right. It's got good food, good music, and good people. You can go for tacos on a Tuesday, oysters on a Friday, or a roast that'll sort you out for the whole week. The courtyard garden's perfect for lazy afternoons, and if you don't fancy leaving, the chic rooms upstairs make staying over super easy.

Part pub, part Parisian jazz bar, The Paris House feels like stepping into an eclectic bar on the streets of Paris. There's live music every night, including gypsy jazz, blues, and Cuban. You'll find musicians, artists, and locals crammed around tiny tables, sipping wine or beer while the room fills with music. The open-mic nights are chaotic, and even the staff might join in.

The Sussex is where Hove comes to eat, drink, and yell at football on TV. It's got proper pints, hearty pub grub, and all the screens to cover everything from Premier League to darts. Bottomless brunches and live music keep things fun, and the vibe shifts easily between a rowdy sports bar and a friendly neighbourhood local. Pop by for a match or just a midweek burger and pint.