The best pubs in the North Laine

This independent North Laine spot has a cracking global beer list, plus its very own appropriately named Pondwater Pale Ale if you want to keep it extra local. But the real draw is the bao. The long-term kitchen resident, Street Diner, slings soft, pillowy buns stuffed with everything from crispy fish to smoky tofu. It's easily one of Brighton's best pub food spots.

This Brighton staple is a local favourite, serving a menu packed with seafood, seasonal roasts, and proper pints. The inside is cosy and full of characterful, with dim lighting, scuffed wood, and the light chatter of all the locals that consistently come back for more. They also host regular events such as a Day of the Dead party, dedicated food deal nights, and live music.

Hidden down a backstreet in Brighton's North Lane, The Foundry is all low ceilings, dark wood, and a proper lived-in pub vibe. The bar staff are legends, the pints are spot on, and the music is always a draw. There's also drag quizzes and DJ nights, as well as other events taking place throughout the week.

The White Rabbit is one of North Laine's most distinctive pubs, where the eccentric decor and a lively vibe create something very unmistakably Brighton. Its interior is a mishmash of murals, fairy lights, and artwork, balanced by a menu of comfort food, including burgers, fish and chips, and loaded fries. Cocktails are also playful, and the beer list is just what you'd expect from any old Brighton pub.

As Brighton's first eco-pub, The Earth & Stars is all about sustainability, powered by solar energy and serving organic ales, lagers, and wines. This laid-back spot proves environmental awareness can sit comfortably alongside excellent pub fare. The menu is all about plant-based comfort food, with a vegan roast that's considered one of the city's best.

The Prince George is a North Laine staple, known for its fully vegetarian and vegan menu from T@. Inside, the space is warm and welcoming, with large wooden tables, a cosy snug, and a heated garden perfect for year-round dining. Behind the bar, expect Sussex ales, global craft beers, and a well-curated wine list.

The Great Eastern is a cosy pub full of character with a serious focus on quality drinks. It's known for its extensive whiskey collection, spanning bourbon, Scotch, and Irish varieties, attracting a loyal local following. The atmosphere is intimate and laid-back, with a soundtrack of blues, country, and rock 'n' roll. On weekends, DJs spin vinyl, keeping the vibes going until late in the night.

Centrally located in North Laine, the Brighton Tavern is a gay-run pub offering a wide range of beers, classic cocktails, and hearty food. Its crowd is friendly and diverse, often spilling into spontaneous live music and late-night singalongs. The atmosphere is upbeat but unpretentious, and exactly what you want from a proper Brighton local.

The Fountain Head is a traditional pub with a focus on modern food, known for its partnership with Boysterous Burgers, who serve top-quality smash burgers and fresh oysters. The pub's interior is classic, complete with wood-panelled walls and an open fire, creating a welcoming setting for its excellent Sunday roasts, quizzes, and live music nights. Both family- and dog-friendly, it's a classic Brighton spot where great food, friendly service, and community energy make it a local favourite.

Housed in a former nightclub, North Laine Brewhouse is a lively pub and microbrewery that has become a cornerstone of Brighton's craft beer scene. Its own small-batch brews are poured alongside local and international favourites, with hearty pub food, games, and DJ sets adding to the fun. Shuffleboard, interactive darts, and regular events keep things exciting, while walls lined with local art root it firmly in the city's creative culture.

One of Brighton's oldest and most recognisable pubs, The Heart & Hand remains a North Laine institution. Its green-tiled exterior leads into a simple, welcoming space where it's all about good beer and great music. There's a solid lineup of local ales, a jukebox, and a mixed crowd of students, locals, and regulars.

Opened in 1854, The Evening Star is one of Brighton's longest-running pubs and a cornerstone of its craft beer scene. With 22 taps pouring cask ales, ciders, and rotating kegs from independent breweries across the UK and Europe, it's a must-visit for serious beer drinkers. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, focused entirely on quality and community.

The Caxton Arms is a welcoming backstreet pub with a reputation for excellent food and drink, hidden on a quiet street near Brighton Station. Its burgers and award-winning Sunday roasts steal the limelight, particularly the Yorkshire pudding wraps, alongside a strong selection of cask ales and gins. The pub's split-level garden and packed events calendar, featuring quizzes, comedy, and seasonal parties, make it one of the city's most-loved locals.

The Mash Tun is equal parts craft beer bar and late-night party spot. During the day, it's a relaxed pub serving Burger Kult's indulgent burgers and a strong lineup of beers, but by night, it transforms into a party hot spot with DJs, dancing, and a buzzy outdoor space. The interior is unpolished and full of character, with street art and a distinctly Brighton edge. For those looking for atmosphere over classy pub vibes, this is the place.

The Hobgoblin on York Place is instantly recognisable thanks to its colourful mural outside. Inside, it's a lively pub with one of Brighton's best beer gardens, complete with DJs, pizza by the slice, and even its own escape room. The drinks list features a mix of beers, ciders, and spirits, and the crowd is usually always up for a good time.