Bars in North Laine
Just shy of the Brighton station and brimming with artsy attitude, the North Laine in Brighton is as much a renowned part of the city as the pier itself. From bohemian shops and famous urban murals to some of the most idiosyncratic boozers in the city, there's a treasure trove of watering holes to be found in this eclectic part of the seaside city. Check out our recommendations for the best bars in the North Laine and discover what one of Brighton's quirkiest areas has to boast. Spoiler: It's ruddy plenty.
Last updated on 11th May 2017
Dead Wax Social on Bond Street is a cool and original Brighton hangout that celebrates the city's love of music with all things vinyl. From choosing your own vinyl to spin to the decoration, the bar also serves the latest craft brews and some seriously good pizza.
The North Laine Pub and Brewery not only serves delicious beer, it also brews it on site. This quirky venue serves the freshest North Laine pints, has a hearty food menu as well as loads of great events to boot, a chocolate sculpting masterclass anyone?
Whilst not strictly a bar alone, Bill's in the North Laine gets a special mention for being such a tasty retreat. A deli restaurant boasting both classic British charm and San Francisco style, Bill's is one of the hottest retreats for brunch and lunch in Brighton. Coming highly recommended, Bloody Mary's on a Sunday at Bill's are just the ticket to soothe that weary head and onto another round of debauchery.
Craft beer maestros Brewdog have expanded their reach to Brighton, opening a brew house in the very heart of the North Laine area. In tone with the other bars in the family, this bar is decorated with a distinctive rustic, industrial-esque vibe - think exposed brick and grey tones. The real treat here, however, is the venue's selection of homemade beers. From punk IPA to bitter stouts, you'll struggle to find a bar in Brighton with more charm and character.
Serving up some seriously fresh pizza, Franco Manca is a seriously delicious spot for dinner in the North Laine. The restaurant has an excellent selection of wines including a few specials from Italy and a whole heap of craft ale.
112 Church Street is a cute North Laine boozer popular with Brighton's warm and welcoming gay community. The bar and pub has a small terrace and serves roast dinners as well as hosting a whole heap of themed parties.
Kooks has got music on the mind as the Brighton restaurant and bar is chock-full of CDs and records. They also serve up a mean menu as well as some interesting English wines.
If La Choza doesn't mimic the colour and vibrancy of the North Laine in Brighton, we don't know where does. More of a festival of colour than an independent little Mexican restaurant, La Choza have taken their Day of the Dead theme and colour wares to the extreme, in the most darling of manners. Sit back, sip a delectable cocktail slushie and chow down on some of the tastiest Mexican fare in the city.
You'll be hard pushed to find so colourful a collection of characters at this unique boozer in the city. From sauntering drag acts on their first floor theatre and regular foodie pop-ups in residency to pool tables for those who are inclined to a little friendly competition, The Marlborough is more an atmosphere pub than it is a hard hitter on interiors; but who cares for polished surfaces when you're having so much fun?
Like honest boozers? Like wild parties? Like rollicking about on table tops in your skinny jean,s belting out a Kings of Leon number? To the Mash Tun you must flee. A laid back pub in the heart of the North Laine, the Mash Tun is renowned for its indie patrons, laid-back schmoozing and burgers from their foodie pop-up, Burger Kult.
Sure, we could sit here and use a horrific amount of Alice in Wonderland references, but why fall down that rabbit hole and ruin it all? A charming little North Laine boozer, The White Rabbit is brimming with vintage regalia, retro wares and a chunky slice of Brighton life. Whilst their 'Rabbit Food' menu boasts a fun filled selection of country pub classics and British chow, it's the acoustic nights and themed parties where The White Rabbit reigns supreme.
Dandelion is a sleek cocktail bar, based in the stylish 1847 restaurant on North Road. With a spiral stairway and a pop-art style theme running throughout, the bar has become a favourite spot for Brighton's most glamours. Head down and make the most of their great cocktail menu, featuring both classic and signature cocktails.
Collande bar is part of the Georgian Theatre Royal and has made a name for itself thanks to its welcoming, laid-back vibes. As they say, good things come in small packages and this is certainly the case with Collonade Bar; cute and cosy, this is the perfect spot for an intimate date or an easy-going evening.
Hotel bars in Brighton, you get to discover that they're pretty premium once you stumble across this party gem. Found in Brighton's MyHotel, Merkaba is a swish party affair just shy of the North Laine. From bustling DJ nights and their own photo booth to a liquor lusting selection of crafty cocktails, it may look like a space age retreat, but Merkaba have honed in on some truly modern partying.
Alternative drinkers and diners should make a bee-line for this North Laine pub, especially if they're hoping to get their mitts on some of the finest Troll's grub in the city, burgers and Mexican munch...interested yet? From tables made out of disused retro games consoles and walls smothered in retro posters to a good time beer garden out back, the Hobgoblin is as much a laid back boozer as it is a unique gem.
Prepare for a bounty of grade A chuckles at Komedia, where side-splitting hilarity and classic pub grub will ensue. If you're not catching one of their live comedy shows, live musical performance or some of the best stand up by the seafront, you're sure to be found on the benches outside Duke's at Komedia. From the inventive cocktail menu to the stunning atmosphere, Komedia promises it all.
