The best pubs in Brighton defy simple categorization—and that’s exactly what makes it special.
From centuries-old taverns where smugglers once plotted by candlelight to sleek craft beer havens with more taps than you can count, this seaside city refuses to be pinned down to just one type of drinking establishment.
Brighton has always attracted the creative, the eccentric, and the slightly rebellious. It makes sense, then, that its pubs reflect this same spirit—places where traditional British comfort meets unexpected twists.
You’ll find historic pubs that have maintained their character through hundreds of years alongside boundary-pushing newcomers redefining what a modern pub can be.
Here are 12 standouts that capture everything that makes Brighton’s pub culture so irresistible.
1. The Lion & Lobster
- Address: 24 Sillwood Street, Brighton, BN1 2PS
- Style: Historic, labyrinthine, multi-level
- Known for: Sunday roasts, hidden nooks, extensive drink selection, dog-friendly
One of Brighton’s oldest pubs, The Lion & Lobster, is a glorious maze of staircases, tiny rooms, and unexpected corners spread across three floors. The Victorian-era red exterior gives way to a warren of drinking spaces that somehow manage to feel simultaneously spacious and intimate.
The main bar downstairs maintains that traditional pub atmosphere with dark wood, brass fixtures, and a proper selection of cask ales. Venture upstairs and you’ll discover additional bars, dining spaces, and during summer months, a rooftop terrace that ranks among Brighton’s best-kept secrets.
The food deserves special mention—particularly the Sunday roasts, which regularly claim “best in Brighton” accolades. The kitchen takes classic pub fare and elevates it just enough without venturing into pretentious territory.
2. The North Laine Pub & Brewery
- Address: 27 Gloucester Place, Brighton, BN1 4AA
- Style: Craft brewery, industrial-chic, spacious
- Known for: House-brewed beers, brewery tours, lively atmosphere
Located in the heart of Brighton’s bohemian North Laine district, this brewpub offers something increasingly rare: beers made right where you’re drinking them.
The gleaming brewing equipment visible behind glass walls isn’t just for show—the small-batch beers produced here range from traditional British styles to experimental brews that push boundaries.
The space strikes that perfect balance between industrial-cool and actually comfortable. High ceilings, exposed brickwork, and long communal tables create a social atmosphere, while the beer garden provides a surprisingly tranquil outdoor option just steps from the bustling North Laine shops.
The beer lineup rotates regularly, with usually 5-6 house-brewed options alongside carefully selected guest taps. Staff knowledge is exceptional—if you’re not sure what to order, their guidance never disappoints. The food menu focuses on elevated pub classics that pair nicely with their beer selection.
3. The Evening Star
- Address: 55-56 Surrey Street, Brighton, BN1 3PB
- Style: Beer specialist, unpretentious, cult favorite
- Known for: Exceptional beer selection, Dark Star brewing connection, proximity to station
Just steps from Brighton Station, The Evening Star serves as both welcome committee for visitors and beloved local for residents. What looks like a traditional corner pub from the outside reveals itself as one of the city’s premier beer destinations once you step through the door.
Originally the tap room for Dark Star Brewing (though now independent), this pub maintains deep connections to the craft beer scene.
The constantly rotating selection features local breweries alongside national and international standouts, with a particular focus on hop-forward styles and Belgian specialties.
The interior is refreshingly straightforward—no gimmicks or themed decor, just a proper pub that puts the focus on what’s in your glass. The small outdoor seating area becomes one of Brighton’s most sought-after spots during the summer months.
4. The Basketmakers Arms
- Address: 12 Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 4AD
- Style: Traditional, cozy, local institution
- Known for: Snug corners, walls covered in cigarette tins, excellent Harvey’s ales
If you designed the platonic ideal of a neighborhood pub, it would probably look a lot like The Basketmakers. Tucked away on Gloucester Road in Brighton’s North Laine, this unassuming corner pub has perfected the art of traditional British comfort.
Inside, low ceilings, dark wood, and intimate seating create an immediately welcoming atmosphere.
The walls are famously decorated with hundreds of cigarette tins containing handwritten notes from patrons—a unique guestbook evolved over decades. Finding a free table during peak hours requires either strategic timing or remarkable luck.
As a Harvey’s pub, the Sussex-brewed ales are always in perfect condition, with the Best Bitter being a particular standout. The food menu focuses on hearty pub classics executed with care—the Scotch eggs and ploughman’s lunch have legitimate cult followings.
5. The Brighton Beer Dispensary
- Address: 38 Dean Street, Brighton, BN1 3EG
- Style: Craft-focused, intimate, music-friendly
- Known for: Constantly changing taps, knowledgeable staff, hidden gem status
Hidden away on a residential street near the Clock Tower, the Brighton Beer Dispensary feels like a secret you’re being let in on. The modest exterior gives little hint of the exceptional beer selection awaiting inside this collaboration between Brighton Bier and Late Knights breweries.
The compact, L-shaped interior manages to pack in a surprising amount of character, with vintage brewing memorabilia, local art, and a carefully curated soundtrack creating a space that’s both laid-back and buzzing with energy.
The tiny back courtyard provides a welcome outdoor option in warmer months.
The beer selection changes constantly, with hand-pulls and keg lines featuring everything from traditional real ales to cutting-edge craft creations. The focus stays primarily on showcasing the best of British brewing, with particular attention to supporting smaller local operations.
Food comes courtesy of the Humble Kitchen, whose gourmet burgers and creative sides have developed a following independent of the excellent beer. The Sunday roasts, when available, are worth planning your weekend around.
6. The Geese
- Address: 16 Southover Street, Brighton, BN2 9UA
- Style: Neighborhood favorite, Hanover location, dog-friendly
- Known for: Comfort food, excellent jukebox, hill-top views
Perched at the top of the infamously steep Southover Street in Brighton’s Hanover neighborhood (affectionately known as “Muesli Mountain” by locals), The Geese rewards the climb with exactly what you want in a neighborhood pub: consistent quality without a hint of pretension.
The interior strikes that perfect balance between well-worn and well-maintained, with comfortable seating, traditional pub decor, and large windows that flood the space with natural light.
The garden is a particular highlight, offering surprising views across Brighton’s rooftops toward the sea.
The beer selection focuses on quality rather than quantity, with well-kept cask ales, a solid range of craft options, and better-than-average wine for a traditional pub. The food menu centers on proper comfort dishes—their homemade pies have developed something of a cult following among Hanover locals.
The pub quiz draws fierce competition, the weekend atmosphere bubbles with conversation, and the dog-friendly policy means you’ll meet plenty of four-legged locals during your visit.
7. The Pond
- Address: 49 Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 4AQ
- Style: Modern, fusion food, craft beer focus
- Known for: Asian-inspired menu, eclectic design, DJ nights
Where many Brighton pubs lean into either traditional British aesthetics or sterile modernity, The Pond charts a different course entirely. This North Laine favorite combines craft beer culture with pan-Asian food influence and distinctly Brighton artistic sensibilities.
The space balances industrial elements with quirky design touches, creating an atmosphere that feels contemporary without trying too hard.
The front terrace—prime people-watching territory on Gloucester Road—becomes one of Brighton’s most coveted outdoor spots during decent weather.
Beer selection leans heavily toward modern craft styles, with a rotating lineup of guest breweries alongside some well-chosen constants.
8. The Prince Albert
- Address: 48 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, BN1 4ED
- Style: Music-focused, alternative, artistic
- Known for: Live music, Banksy mural, music memorabilia, dog-friendly
With its exterior adorned by a famous Banksy mural (the “Kissing Policemen”) and its walls covered in rock and roll memorabilia, The Prince Albert wears its musical heart proudly on its sleeve.
Located just steps from Brighton Station, this pub has served as a cornerstone of the city’s music scene for decades.
Inside, every inch of wall space celebrates musical history through posters, album covers, and signed memorabilia.
The ground floor operates as a traditional pub with good beer selection and a lively atmosphere, while upstairs hosts regular live music performances ranging from up-and-coming local acts to surprising secret shows by bigger names.
The drink selection is solid rather than spectacular—this is a place where the atmosphere and programming take center stage over beer geekery. That said, you’ll find well-kept real ales alongside craft options and the usual pub suspects.
NOTE: The Prince Albert no longer has a kitchen, but you can take your own food and eat there.
9. The Cow
- Address: 95-97 Dyke Rd, Brighton and Hove, BN1 3JE
- Style: Gastropub, refined
- Known for: Authentic Thai food, premium drinks, Sunday roasts
Tucked away on Dyke Road just far enough from central Brighton to avoid the tourist crowds, The Cow has established itself as one of the city’s premier gastropubs.
The stylish interior balances rustic elements with contemporary design touches, creating a space that feels special without being stuffy.
The bar focuses on quality across categories—well-kept cask ales share space with craft beers, an impressive gin selection, and a wine list that receives far more attention than in most pubs. Cocktails, while not the primary focus, are executed with surprising skill!
During the week, Nok Nok Kitchen takes over, serving authentic Thai cuisine that locals rave about. Their two-course lunch deal (available until 3pm) makes it a perfect midday escape, while the evening menu (5-10pm) offers a more extensive Thai selection. For those wanting something lighter, they offer fries, sharing platters, and smaller bites that pair perfectly with their drinks.
Come Sunday, though, The Cow transforms completely—offering traditional British roasts with all the trimmings that draw crowds from across Brighton. Their seasonal Sunday menu changes weekly but always includes classics, vegan and gluten-free options.
10. The Black Dove
- Address: 74 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1PA
- Style: Eclectic, vintage, Kemptown favorite
- Known for: Inventive cocktails, intimate basement area, curated music
Hidden among the diverse establishments of St James’s Street in Kemptown, The Black Dove creates its own category in Brighton’s drinking scene—somewhere between traditional pub, cocktail bar, and cabinet of curiosities.
The ground floor presents as a stylishly cluttered traditional pub, with vintage furnishings and eclectic decor creating a space that feels both timeless and distinctly Brighton.
The real highlight is downstairs, where there’s a tiny, dimly lit space with mismatched furniture and a gramophone that plays carefully selected vinyl.
The carefully curated music, literary references, and conversations with knowledgeable staff create an atmosphere where you’re equally comfortable discussing obscure poetry or simply enjoying a well-made drink in unique surroundings.
11. The Mash Tun
- Address: 1 Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UE
- Style: Central, lively, late-night hotspot
- Known for: People-watching, street corner location, weekend buzz, DJ sets
Occupying one of Brighton’s prime corner positions where North Laine meets the main shopping district, The Mash Tun serves as both central meeting point and front-row seat to Brighton’s eclectic street life.
The wrap-around windows and outdoor seating offer unmatched people-watching opportunities.
The interior balances traditional pub elements with subtle nods to Brighton’s alternative culture through local art and photography.
Despite its tourist-friendly location, The Mash Tun has maintained its authentic character and continues to attract a genuine mix of locals and visitors.
The drink selection covers all the necessary bases without specializing in any particular direction—you’ll find decent ales, reliable lagers, and standard spirits at fair prices for such a central location. Food keeps to straightforward pub classics executed very well.
12. The Better Half
- Address: 1 Hove Place, Hove, BN3 2RG
- Style: Neighborhood gem, Hove location, elevated pub dining
- Known for: Outstanding food, relaxed atmosphere, hidden garden, dog-friendly
Technically in Hove (“actually,” as locals would insist), The Better Half represents the sophisticated evolution of the British pub without losing touch with what makes pubs special in the first place. Tucked away on a residential street, it feels like a neighborhood secret despite its solid reputation.
The interior successfully balances traditional pub comfort with contemporary touches—exposed brick, vintage furniture, and warm lighting create a space that’s both stylish and genuinely welcoming.
The small garden at the rear provides a surprisingly tranquil outdoor option.
The well-curated drink selection covers all bases with care—cask ales are kept impeccably, the wine list shows genuine thought, and the spirits selection goes well beyond the usual suspects. The food deserves special attention, with seasonal menus that showcase high-quality ingredients in dishes that balance creativity and comfort.
Tips For Navigating The Best Pubs In Brighton!
- Create your own crawl – Brighton’s compact size makes walking between pubs easy. Try the North Laine cluster (North Laine Brewery, Basketmakers Arms, and Brighton Beer Dispensary) for a manageable trio.
- Station area route – Combine The Prince Albert, Evening Star, and Lion & Lobster for a perfect introduction if you’re arriving by train.
- Timing matters – Central pubs like The Mash Tun and Prince Albert often reach capacity on weekend evenings. Start earlier or venture slightly outside the center for a more relaxed experience.
- Mind the hills – What seems like an easy walking distance on a map can become challenging after a few pints, especially heading up from the seafront. Plan your route with elevation in mind.
- Look beyond the obvious – The seafront has its charms, but Brighton’s most characterful pubs are often tucked away in residential areas and side streets.
- Book for Sunday roasts – If you’re planning to enjoy a Sunday roast at pubs like The Lion & Lobster or The Cow, booking ahead is essential—these are local institutions for a reason.
- Check for events – Many pubs host quiz nights, live music, or special tastings. Check their social media before visiting to catch these local experiences.
- Try the local brews – Brighton has a thriving local brewing scene. Look for beers from Brighton Bier, UnBarred, and North Laine Brewery to taste the city’s liquid creativity.