The best pubs in Kemptown

This brightly painted Kemptown pub and microbrewery may be compact, but it's bursting with personality and a loyal following. With its colourful decor and collection of quirky curiosities, it feels as much like an artistic hangout as a pub. Guests can enjoy fresh in-house brews alongside a varied selection of local and international beers, plus a lively programme of events including live jazz, wine tastings, vinyl DJ nights, and more.

A beloved Kemptown gem, St George's Inn exudes neighbourhood charm and a genuinely friendly spirit. Hidden down a quiet side street, it boasts a lush beer garden and a line-up of rotating Sussex brews alongside guest beers. The kitchen, run by Elektrik Picknick, serves up generous pub fare and some of the area's best Sunday roasts. Thanks to its proximity to the hospital, the pub is frequented by NHS staff, as well as local regulars.

The Mucky Duck is a proudly independent Kemptown pub with a cosy, wood-panelled interior that doubles as a gallery showcasing local art. Behind the bar, you'll find a mix of craft brews, traditional cask favourites, and fine wines, while the kitchen serves fragrant Thai specialities during the week and proper roast dinners on Sundays. Regular live music, quiz nights, and DJ sessions keep the atmosphere lively.

The Rock Inn is an independent freehouse in Kemptown, nestled down a peaceful side street. The walls at this easy-going pub showcase artwork from members of the Kemp Town Arts Association, giving the space a local touch – you can also purchase the pieces on display. Behind the bar, you'll find a well-rounded selection of lagers, real ales, wines, and spirits, plus plenty of low- and no-alcohol choices.

With duck-egg blue walls, soft lighting, and inviting booth seating, Busby and Wilds strikes a balance between style and comfort, while on warmer days, the leafy courtyard garden steals the spotlight as the perfect spot to linger over a pint or a meal. Both dog- and family-friendly, this Kemptown pub is particularly well-known for its hearty Sunday roasts, widely regarded as some of the best in Brighton.

Packed to the brim with quirky artwork and decorative knickknacks, the Black Dove is a welcoming Kemptown hideaway known and liked for its bohemian flair. With velvet accents, mismatched vintage furniture, and low lighting, it sets the perfect tone for intimate, late-night drinks, especially for those fond of retro tunes – the music policy here ranges from be-bop, Jamaican ska, and delta blues to live acoustic shows.

LGBTQ-friendly Kemptown pub Fallen Angel serves inventive cocktails, quality wines, crisp beers, and botanical gins in a quirkily decorated space complete with a crackling fire in winter and a backyard beer garden in summer. Regularly hosting drag shows and other fun events, it's a welcoming community hub throughout the year.

The Kemp is a warmly inviting Kemptown pub, charmingly decorated with floral wallpaper, vintage maps, exposed brick, and rustic wooden tables. Alongside a wide range of drinks, the kitchen by Elektrik Picknick serves hearty pub classics and lighter lunchtime options like salads and sandwiches. A true community hub, The Kemp hosts regular live music, quizzes, and private events ranging from birthdays to weddings.