Guides to Brighton

Brighton's food scene in 2025 is way more than seaside fish and chips and beachfront cafés. Wander around North Laines or Preston Street and you'll find everything from award-winning tacos and Asian fusion to izakaya-style spots and classic Chinese restaurants. Expect brunches that feel like a prope...

Brighton has a long-earned reputation as one of the UK's best cities for live music, and a big part of that comes down to its bars. From tiny back rooms to fully kitted-out basement stages, live music is woven into the city's nightlife in a way few places can match. In fact, Brighton was crowned the...

Over the years, Brighton has become one of the best places in the UK to sauna. The city's approach is relaxed and outdoorsy, shaped by sea air and the changing weather. You'll find everything from private beachside huts to community-run spaces and low-key neighbourhood saunas, none of them chasing f...

Unofficially considered the gay capital of the UK, Brighton is home to a number of inclusive venues that welcome one and all with a warm approach and excellent service, particularly in the Kemptown area. The hospitable and long-standing LGBTQ+ scene has made Brighton a top destination for queer indi...

Brighton's diverse dining scene is home to a number of Indian restaurants, from family-run gems serving authentic regional dishes to modern eateries revolutionising established concepts. There's no shortage of places to enjoy a great curry by the sea, whether you're after a quick, comforting bite or...

With more pubs per person than anywhere else in the UK – about one for every 680 locals – Brighton doesn't just do pubs, it's part of its identity. You're never far from a decent pint, a sun-drenched beer garden, or a cosy corner warmed by a roaring fireplace. From Hove gastropubs pouring natural wi...

From beachfront basements to warehouse dance floors hidden in railway arches, the Brighton nightclub scene punches well above its weight. Whether you're after big-name DJs, indie anthems, queer-led nights, or sweat-soaked raves that run into the early hours, the city offers a night out for every tas...

Brighton takes its burgers seriously, and the city has more options than you can work through in a single summer. There are small spots in the North Laine frying smashed patties, pubs turning out stacks of classics and places focusing on meat cooked over flame. You will also find plenty of vegan opt...

Brighton's no stranger to good food, but when it comes to Mexican, the city's really upped its game. From beachside tacos and tequila bars to family-run spots dishing up homemade mole and burritos the size of your head, there's plenty to choose from. Whether you're after a quick lunch at Brighton's...

Brighton has long been a hotspot for tattoo culture, with a creative, open-minded spirit that's reflected in the quality and diversity of the tattoo studios here. From long-established local institutions to sleek contemporary spaces, Brighton tattoo parlours offer a wide range of styles, including e...

If there's one thing Brighton does better than most, it's lunch. Whether you're grabbing a quick sarnie, settling in for a long, wine-soaked midday break, or heading somewhere that casually drifts into dinner, the city has more good options than you could possibly get through in a week. North Laine...

The Brighton pizza scene is more impressive than its laidback fish-chips-and-seagulls image might suggest. Across the city, skilled pizzaiolos, family-run kitchens, and inventive newcomers are serving everything from blistered Neapolitan pizzas to New York–style slices, sourdough specials, and fully...

There's something deeply satisfying about rocking up to your local and absolutely cleaning up at quiz night. Pub quizzes in Brighton are a brilliant excuse to rally your sharpest mates, flex your mental muscles, and enjoy a round or two amid plenty of banter. We've put our own knowledge of Brighton...

When you're really, really, REALLY hungry, have difficulty deciding on a single dish, or just looking to get the most bang for your buck, head to one of the all-you-can-eat restaurants in Brighton. Covering different cuisines, Brighton's buffet restaurants are where abundance meets flavour at a pric...

Sports bars are hard to beat if you love watching live matches on big screens in a lively setting, surrounded by fellow fans with a cold pint in hand, all working together to make victories sweeter and defeats easier to shrug off. Our handpicked guide to where to watch live sports in Brighton points...

Maybe you're blessed with pitch-perfect pipes, or maybe your vocal range is best appreciated by your showerhead. Either way, karaoke in Brighton is a brilliant excuse to round up your friends, blow off some steam, and embrace a little shameless fun. Bringing people together regardless of how skilled...

Brighton has no shortage of cafés, and most of them take their coffee and brunch game very seriously. From cosy neighbourhood spots serving greasy spoon vibes to bustling city centre spots serving pastries still warm from the oven, the city's café culture is quietly confident rather than shouty. Whe...

Brighton does brunch like nowhere else. The city's full of people nursing flat whites, planning sea swims, and deciding between poached eggs or frumpets (yes, that's French toast crumpets invented here). From the Lanes to Hove, there's a spot for every kind of morning meal — buzzy, beachy, or blissf...

A pleasant hilltop neighbourhood above the railway station, Seven Dials is a bit removed from the convivial atmosphere of central Brighton and more suited to lovely strolls, doing a spot of shopping, or just taking it all in with a drink in hand. The Dials area certainly isn't one of Brighton's culi...

Everyone bangs on about Brighton's pub scene (which is 10/10, to be fair), but Hove, actually is where you'll find the real gems. Think roaring fires, sunny garden pints, and food that goes way beyond standard pub grub. From The Brunswick's live music to The Wick's late-night Thai and The Urchin's p...

It's hard to imagine the British seaside with a portion of fish and chips in your hand and, no surprises here, Brighton lives up to expectations. There's no shortage of fish and chips in Brighton to discover, but it's the kind of thing that can make or break a holiday, so it's best to do a little re...

Brighton takes its Sunday roasts seriously, and between scruffy locals, fancy dining rooms, seaside pubs and neighbourhood hotspots, you're never far from a plate of roast potatoes and gravy come Sunday afternoon. Obviously, there are loads of great roasts across the city, and this isn't meant to be...

Whether you're local or visiting, bottomless brunch is a fun way to spend a day at the seaside with your mates. Taking the classic late-morning meal and turning it into a full-on celebration with flowing drinks, the Brighton bottomless brunch scene offers everything from bubbles by the sea to stylis...

Brighton has never been short on live music, and luckily you don't always have to choose between catching a gig and sitting down for dinner. Across the city, plenty of pubs, bars and restaurants pair food with a steady soundtrack of bands, DJs and acoustic sets. Whether you're after jazz in an intim...

Italian food is a great fit for seaside dining – familiar, comforting classics, filling, but not too hearty – so it makes perfect sense Italian restaurants are among the most popular dining options in Brighton. You'll find a variety of different options across the city, from small deli-style eaterie...

Brighton's restaurant scene moves quickly, which is part of the fun and also slightly overwhelming when you just want to know what's actually worth trying. Every month brings something new, from casual cafés in Kemptown to slice shops opening in busy arcades and neighbourhood pubs doing more than ju...

Asian restaurants are a big part of Brighton's charmingly eclectic food scene. From tiny family-run kitchens and laid-back cafés to stylish fusion spots and bold, contemporary dining rooms, our picks for the best Asian restaurants in Brighton offer a varied assortment of the continent's flavours str...

A nice kebab can be the ultimate comfort food, especially when you're on the way home after a big night out. Whether it's a sizzling doner carved fresh off the spit and slapped into a pitta or a charcoal-grilled shish served on a plate with sides, Hove's kebab restaurants are ready to satisfy your c...

With its proximity to the sea, Brighton was always destined to have a cracking seafood scene, and it sure doesn't disappoint. From classic institutions shucking oysters to order, to modern spots making the most of local catch that comes straight off the boats that very morning, the city's packed wit...

Dogs in Brighton aren't just tolerated, they're an inescapable part of the social fabric. When it comes to dining out with your four-legged pal, there's no shortage of restaurants ready to roll out the welcome mat, but knowing which ones will keep both you and your pooch happy is the real trick. Tha...

Korean cuisine isn't as well-represented in Brighton as some other Asian traditions, but there's still plenty to get excited about if you're in the mood for the potent, zingy flavours of dishes like bibimpap, tteokbokki, and bulgogi – with a side order of nutritious kimchi, of course. From classic K...

Brighton isn't short of places to slurp noodles, tuck into dim sum or dig into something spicy, but finding where it's actually good can take a bit of searching. From old school Cantonese restaurants to busy noodle shops and low-key spots serving regional dishes you won't see elsewhere in the city,...

Brighton's Lanes are basically a foodie hotspot squeezed into a few cobbled streets. It's small, but even locals get happily lost winding through its twists and turns. Tucked into these narrow streets is a whole host of restaurants serving smoky small plates, piled-high seafood platters, award-winni...

Brighton's reputation for its endless cafés and restaurants has made it something of a brunch hotspot, and that includes down in Hove. This sliver of Brighton has more poached eggs and flat whites than you can count on two hands, and brunching here is a serious sport. Whether you're into perfectly p...

Located just a stone's throw up the hill from Brighton station, Seven Dials is a proper neighbourhood hangout that's full of seriously good little pubs. Whether you're after a sunny garden pint, a Sunday roast that could cure any hangover, or a fun night of craft beer and cocktails, this part of tow...

Rottingdean is a charming village just a short undercliff walk from Brighton Marina, offering a peaceful escape from the city's busy streets. It's the ideal spot for those seeking a slower pace and scenic surroundings, away from the weekend crowds. There's a handful of nice pubs in Rottingdean as we...

Despite being small and close to the city centre and other well-known parts of Brighton, the London Road area has a distinctive, creative character with an arty, student vibe and plenty of hidden gems to discover – and we're here to help, at least as far as dining is concerned. In our guide to the b...

Hanover is a pretty if steep part of Brighton that's home to a strong, community-oriented populace, as well as a surprising number of cats. Thanks to its elevated location, it's a great spot for looking out over the city, and that's just what some of the best pubs in Hanover excel at. Those without...

You might not think it, but finding a great tapas bar or Spanish restaurant in Brighton isn't exactly a challenge. Choosing where to start can be, however. Whether you're after a casual Brighton tapas pit stop for a glass of Spanish sherry and a couple of bites, or a long, chatty Spanish feast that...

Home after a long night out, looking for a quick and filling lunch, or just craving the indulgent comfort of a proper, well-made kebab in Brighton? You've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of our favourite Brighton kebab shops and restaurants, where you'll find everything from tender do...

Brighton's dining scene is famed for its diversity and creativity, and it's no different when it comes to Japanese cuisine here. From steaming ramen to delicately rolled sushi, crispy tempura, and nutritious donburi rice bowls, there's an impressive selection of spots where you can savour authentic...

When it comes to dining in Brighton, seafood likely springs to mind first, but there's no shortage of other, meatier cuisines to try either. The city is home to some genuinely impressive steakhouses, ranging from neighbourhood grills serving well-sourced cuts with simple sides to polished venues cel...

Brighton isn't just a seaside town, it's a proper paradise for anyone who likes their food meat-free. From buzzy brunch spots and Mediterranean-style cafés to plant-based dining even carnivores rave about, the city's veggie scene is seriously thriving. Seasonal, local produce takes centre stage here...

Afternoon tea is a timeless British tradition, and though a pleasant garden, chintzy tea room, or palatial salon might be more the kind of setting that comes to mind for it, the seaside adds its own kind of charm. Don't worry, however – our round-up of the best afternoon teas in Brighton features al...

Brighton isn't just a cute coastal town, it's a bona fide hotspot for plant-based foodies. Home to one of the UK's longest-running vegan festivals and boasting more meat-free spots per square mile than most cities, it's no surprise that the city has one of the best plant-based dining scenes in the c...

Finding a good wine bar in Brighton isn't exactly difficult; the city is packed with places pouring everything from wild ferments and funky natural bottles to classic French reds and Sussex sparklers. Some spots double as neighbourhood hangouts, others feel more like low-lit date venues, and a few b...

Brighton's bar scene is a cut above the rest, especially when it comes to independent spots that feel Brighton through and through. There really is something for everyone here, from laid-back hangouts where the cool kids sip natty wine and snack on Perellos, to more polished wine bars soundtracked b...

One of the best-known parts of Brighton are The Lanes, a maze-like warren of streets, shops, restaurants, and pubs, perfect for losing yourself in on a sunny day. There are loads of dining options here, ranging from small coffee shops to proper restaurants, with the area's regulars exhibiting a part...

Honestly, trying to pin down the coolest restaurants in Brighton feels a bit pointless, because most places here are doing something right. This isn't a definitive list or a “best of”, just a snapshot of the spots we're loving right now, shaped by memorable meals, friends' tips and our own visits. B...

Turkish cuisine is much more than just your local kebab shop down the street, and Brighton offers the full range. From laid-back meze bars and family-run grill houses to stylish modern eateries serving authentic dishes from across Anatolia, there's no shortage of places to enjoy Turkish food in Brig...