The best sports bars and pubs in Brighton

A go-to spot for watching live sport in Brighton, The New Unity is fitted with plenty of screens throughout and keeps the action rolling from day to night. It has the familiar feel of a traditional pub, backed up by a range of local beers, wines, cocktails, and top-shelf spirits. A regularly changing line-up of kitchen residencies rounds things off with street food to accompany the sporting thrills.

The spacious King & Queen pub in the North Laine dates back to the 1700s and boasts an imposing Tudor façade. HD TVs and projector screens have been fitted throughout the venue, so you can catch all the action regardless of where you're sitting. The pub showcases live football from every league, as well as other major sporting events. Apart from live sports, expect proper pints, a lively, sociable atmosphere, and classic pub fare.

Just a short walk from the Royal Pavilion, the Fitz Regent is a friendly pub that draws a steady crowd of regulars and out-of-town visitors. The drinks are affordably priced, delivering solid value in a prime location, and other familiar comforts of a classic local are provided as well. There's plenty of hearty pub food on offer, and live sport play across multiple screens.

With its inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a kids' menu, and a varied range of live sports coverage, The Poets is a great choice for catching the match with the whole fam. With a menu of indulgent American smokehouse classics and Harvey's ales on tap, there's no need to fear running out of fuel, either. Offering traditional hospitality in an updated setting, The Poets is rightfully considered one of the best sports pubs in Brighton.

If you're looking to catch the match while spending the day on the beach, pop into Bench at the Holiday Inn. This contemporary Brighton sports bar is located right on the seafront and boasts an unbeatable atmosphere thanks to its airy, communal setting and big screens for watching live sports. If you need a break from the action, have a breather on the terrace, while comfort food such as customisable burgers and other indulgent bites help keep spirits high until the whistle blows.

Irish pub Fiddler's Elbow can be found just around the corner from The Lanes and is known for showing a wide variety of live sports – not just football, but also rugby, snooker, golf, cricket, NFL, and more. Equipped with two satellite boxes, it can even show several games simultaneously. Of course, pouring one of the best pints of Guinness around is a given for such an establishment.

The Blind Busker is a classic Brighton pub that leans into traditional hospitality, with cosy blue-toned interiors and a sunny beer garden. The kitchen turns out pub staples such as burgers, fish and chips, jacket potatoes and Sunday roasts, while wallet-friendly offers like 2-4-1 cocktails keep things accessible. The pub shows different live sports on its big screen, coming especially alive on match days.

When you want to watch live sports but the weather is too nice to be cooped up inside, head to The Exchange – the pub has a TV in its garden, so you can have your cake and eat it too. That said, the recently refurbished interior is quite inviting as well, with wooden floors, industrial lighting, a cosy fireplace, colourful art, and comfy seating. It goes without saying that screens are available inside as well, and though they show a diverse range of sports here, they're particularly popular among local rugby fans.

With direct transport links to the Amex stadium from London Road Station out front, The Signalman is highly convenient for grabbing a pint before or after heading to the match. It's also an excellent backup option if you don't have tickets, as it has both indoor and outdoor screens showing all major sports events. There are two beer gardens to choose from, and the open fire and intimate nooks make it a cosy spot in winter as well.

The Freemasons draws people in with good food, flowing drinks, and regular events like open mic nights. Behind the bar you'll find craft beers, seasonal cocktails, wines, and spirits, while the kitchen is run by the Bunny crew, dishing up South African street food like Durban curries, bunny chow, and biltong. Colourful and lively, the pub also shows sports on big screens, from football and rugby to Formula 1.