Searching for an escape from the torrential rain and icy seaside winds? In a town filled with toasty watering holes, you're never far from a boozy haven. So whether you're after somewhere with an extensive beer selection, delicious food or just a few squishy sofas to slump on this winter, take a gander at our choices of the best cosy pubs in Brighton.
Last edited by Marcus Sanigar
Last updated on 1st December 2025
One of the most sought-after cosy winter pubs in town, The Mesmerist stands head and shoulders above its rivals thanks to its quirky interiors, live music nights and cocktail menu. Relax in one of its booths or settle down among the mahogany for a pint or a heady concoction.
The Lion and Lobster Brighton oozes toasty vibes thanks to its ceilings clad in fairy lights and comfy snugs. If the roaring fire and mahogany furnishings don't win you over, the local ales and homemade pizzas will definitely have you coming back for more.
Caught the distinct whiff of sausage in Seven Dials? Follow your nose and it'll lead you straight to Shakespeare's Head, or Shakies as it's known to locals. Head here for board games, vintage wares and their famous bangers and mash, including wild boar editions.
With an open fire, cosy bar and plush banquette seating, The Cricketers gives you the warm welcome of a traditional pub. Its many pumps serve up local ales, alongside well-loved lagers and ciders.
Over on the menu, there's pies, burgers, fish and chips, and plenty more pub grub classics. Get down here on a Sunday and giant roasts will see that you leave well fed.
Hands down one of the cosiest pubs, Fountain Head is a brilliant shout for lunches, nights out or even a quick drink. Enjoy chowing down on burgers and hand-cut chips while pairing them with a classic lager or real ale.
Open House knows how to get creative with its space. From exposed brick and dark hues to a grand mosaic behind the bar, this spot is stylish while retaining a traditional pub feel. Better yet? There's a mouthwatering menu of delicious pub classics, like beer-battered haddock with chunky chips, toasted sandwiches (our eyes are on the Reuben) and pizzas.
Found on Black Lion street (fancy that?), this cosy pub has been around since its days as a brewery in the mid 1500s. Nowadays it boasts all the same charm, but with local artwork, murals and tasty plates of nosh too. Our top tip? These guys boast the best bloody marys in Brighton.
Sidewinder has all the Bohemian flair, traditional Sunday roasts and craft beer you'd expect from one of Kemptown's most charming watering holes. Hunker down on Chesterfields among totally unique interiors, discovering all the oddities of this carefully curated venue.
Just a few steps from the station entrance, Grand Central is one of the best pubs to book in Brighton; primed for gastro dinners and post-work tipples alike. And when the sun shows its face? Be sure to check out the rooftop terrace where you'll find a beautifully serene spot.
Just as the name suggests, White Rabbit is like a trip to Wonderland as the eccentric boozer boasts a mix of kitsch decor, quirky trinkets and candlelit tables. Topping it off? This Brighton watering hole fronts perfect pints and crackin' entertainment to boot.
Upcycled furniture? Charming vintage interiors? It's not just the fact this is one of the cosiest pubs with fireplaces in Brighton that gives The Exchange its charm. Leave modernity by the door as you head into the kitsch interiors and whimsical surrounds, tucking into hearty fare while you're at it.
After a brisk walk down the beachfront, nip into Star & Garter to warm through. This cool pub is the perfect place to snuggle up, with intimate lighting, a bricked fireplace and quirky artwork. Here, you can chow down on East Asian bites accompanied by delish drinks.
If you're searching for that snug watering hole to hunker down in near North Laine, The Dorset's mismatched chairs and roaring winter fire are calling. These guys are also a dab hand at fresh seafood dishes, such as their to die for fish pie and moules marinière.
While a groovy cave-like hangout might not strike you as an obvious choice for cosy pubs, we beg to differ. Boasting intimate nooks, candlelit tables and hearty grub, Tempest is definitely worth checking out if craft pints and seaside views are your kind of thing.
Taking a trip to The Stoneham in Hove? You'll enjoy open log fires, cosy sofas and some real homemade grub. This dog-mad destination is perfect for your pooch too, so it's the spot to slide into at the end of a long walk.
Hailed as one of the oldest pubs in Brighton, The Victory does traditional boozing to a tee. Having managed to retain a lot of its original features, including vintage framed pictures and ship memorabilia, this classic space keeps its punters coming back for more.
If your idea of a perfect pint involves a crackling fire, creaky floorboards and a sense of instant welcome, The Basketmakers Arms delivers. This cosy North Laine pub has all the hallmarks of a classic Brighton retreat: friendly staff, dog- and family-friendly vibes, and a bar stocked with cask ales, wine, spirits and single malts.
With a menu of hearty mains like ham, egg and chips, sausage & mash and the basketmakers burger, plus small plates to share, and you've got the perfect cosy night out, whether it's for a post-work pint or a relaxed weekend dinner.
If you're hankering after the best roast dinners in town alongside a comfortable setting, head on down to the Earth & Stars. This cosy bar near The Lanes pairs welcoming decor and stunning plates piled high with droolworthy food.
Behind The Lewes Road Inn's bold blue front, its exposed brick, wooden floors and cosy corners make for a warm and welcoming traditional pub. With student discounts, games for kids and treats for pups on offer, it's got the whole of the local community at its heart.
There's all sorts of reasons to stop by, from live music and DJs at the weekend to open mic nights and pub quizzes right through the year. The menu will see that you stick around, packing in all sorts, from dirty fries to burgers and pizzas.
Dating all the way back to 1868, Bath Arms' classic features match The Lanes' historic and cobbled surroundings. From mahogany tones and dated furniture to exposed fireplaces, it's as rustic and original as a traditional boozer can get. So don't be put off by rumours of their very own Victorian ghost. Spooky.
The Walrus boasts a bucketload of charm, with traditional pub rooms alongside contemporary dining spaces and an enchanting rooftop garden. Make your way over to this snug nook to sink refreshing pints of the good stuff, paired with mouthwatering British fare to boot.
The Hope & Ruin is the most chaotically decorated pub and grassroots music venue in Brighton; a characterful cavern that's perfect for a winter evening. And when tummies start rumbling? Kings of vegan junk food BEELZEBAB are serving their famous kebabs and loaded dogs for you to chow down on.
As the oldest pub in Brighton, The Cricketers has cosy and traditional covered. This Victorian boozer has loads of vintage trinkets and features, alongside a whole host of hearty grub washed down by the drinks to match.
Fronting slices of warming pizza, alongside cosy fireplaces and plenty of craft beer, The Actors is the perfect pub to settle down in once the weather takes a turn for the worst. Better yet, there's also a roster of live DJs, quiz nights and theatre performances to keep you entertained.
Fronting twee corners and bookcases filled with a cracking assortment of reads, The Signalman is a no-brainer for those nippy months. Handily situated by London Road station, this boozer is a great place to bunker down in on a rainy afternoon over a good book, warming food and a couple of drinks.
Home to one of the cheapest pints of Guinness in town, Fiddler's Elbow is known for pairing its pints with hearty pub fare. This cosy little boozer boasts a central island bar circled by emerald green booths and vintage trinkets, making for a charming atmosphere to add to the classic Irish hospitality.
One of the best pubs with open fires in Brighton, The Royal Sovereign also has a stonker of a happy hour. From their classic choice of rainy day chomps and rotation of fine ales to the homely crannies and eccentric decorations, this beauty promises to cater to your every need.
Brimming with vintage knick-knacks and classic charm, The Wick Inn is one of the cosiest pubs in Brighton thanks to its unique interiors. Snuggle up with a beer on one of their tables and enjoy an easygoing night of chat, banter and boozing in town.
Craft brews, plush seats and plant-based nosh? They're all on offer at The Prince George. Named by PETA as one of the top 10 veggie restaurants in the country, this spot is perfect for anyone looking to escape the bustle of town and enjoy a cosy night out in Brighton.
Vintage furnishings, DJ sets and Mexican dishes are all up for grabs at Hobgoblin. A favourite for their old-school posters and pinball machines, this quirky drinking den is a top choice for an entertaining evening with mates any night of the week.
A corker of a neighbourhood pub in Seven Dials, Good Companions is an enchanting gem touting walls covered with retro pictures and roaring fires for those chilly months. There's also a menu of popular comfort food dishes, including burgers, toasties and roasts galore.
