Don't get us wrong, we love the beach, but sometimes you can't beat an afternoon in a lush outdoor spot - especially with an ice-cold drink in hand. You only need to look a little closer to uncover the swathes of green havens that are dotted across this seaside town. From sun-soaked courtyards to rooftop terraces, check out our picks of the best beer gardens in Brighton.
Last updated on 16th March 2023
Heated areas, cute wooden huts, beautiful greenery and a great drinks menu make Open House a popular spot during summer. Book out one of the cosy booths for you and your group, or nab a table if you fancy sinking some craft brews while topping up your tan.
While The Mesmerist may be better known for its live music events and quirky interiors, it's the exterior of this bar that caught our eyes. Be sure to check out the gorgeous roof terrace for some cocktails, or hit up one of its summertime bonanzas.
A stylish gastropub just outside of Hove, The Stoneham is a top choice for your days of alfresco drinking in the town. Not only is its beer garden a real looker, with flowers, pretty lights and wooden booths, but the food being whipped up here is second to none.
With a gorgeous scenic view of the sea, The Tempest Inn is a beachfront pub and garden that has the vibes of a holiday retreat. Tuck in around the rustic picnic tables with a pint or delve into their delicious selection of small plates.
So this one might not have the greenery that some of the other beer gardens in Brighton do, but it's coming up trumps for views. Located on the actual beach, La Plage will be sorting you out for lunch, dinner and lip-smacking cocktails.
Arguably the town's best-kept secret when it comes to pubs in Brighton with beer gardens, The Lion and Lobster houses outdoor tables and a lush little rooftop terrace. Venture up winding stairs and along passageways where two unique alfresco spaces will be waiting as your reward.
Sun's out, huns out. If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy alfresco sips, Hove's The Brunswick boasts a sprawling beer garden. In the summer, you can expect a delicious BBQ sizzling away, as well as a few open-air live music sets.
Located on the iconic seaside structure, Palm Court Restaurant at the Palace Pier is serving up some of the most beautiful views around from its intimate outdoor terrace. Not only is this one of our top restaurant gardens in Brighton, but they also offer some tasty grub too.
Fancy a few sun-soaked sips? There's a reason that The Hare and Hounds have gained quite a name for themselves in the town. Check out their gorgeous outdoor space adorned with gorgeous plants, pagodas and plenty of nooks to rest or relax during a sunny afternoon.
Fronting a gorgeous roof garden with panoramic scenes of the town, Trading Post Coffee Roasters is well worth a visit. Located in Kensington Gardens, this fabulous venue has a lineup of entertainment, alongside a tasty range of bevvies or snacks to delve into.
Known as one of the best outdoor bars in Brighton, Ohso Social is a fun beachfront haunt offering punters sunny afternoon sips and sea views. Swing by a little later and you'll find party tunes alongside a regular roster of fun events.
Not content with just being one of the best spots for craft brews in town, Brighton Bier also happens to house one incredible beer garden. Get your fill of alfresco drinking with their award-winning creations, which come perfectly paired with a menu of tasty street food.
Twinkly fairy lights, colourful wall art and numerous tables all help to give Walkabout a name as one of the best beer gardens in Brighton. They also offer some fabulous drinks deals and regular live music nights, which make it all that much sweeter.
Boasting one of the largest heated and covered outdoor beer gardens in Hove, Ancient Mariner is the place to go for alfresco tipples whatever the weather. You can also get stuck into the lip-smacking menu of East Asian-style grub, from pad krapow to tempura fish and chips.
If you're after bevvies in the sunshine, you'll want to head to Brighton Music Hall. Fronting a glorious beachfront space on King's Road Arches, this top-notch haunt is more than a pretty face. Expect live music from some of the best in the biz, alongside non-stop party vibes.
Having opened nearly 200 years ago, The Dorset is bringing you a side of history alongside their sunshine sips. Grab a streetside table at this much-loved North Laine watering hole, and top up your tan as you enjoy tasty cocktails or craft brews.
Soak up the rays with a trip to The White Rabbit's secret suntrap. Whether you've taken to the tables out front or the intimate little beer garden, it's a quirky gem and ideal for a few brewskis before heading inside to watch some talented musicians.
One of the best bars in Brighton with a beer garden, Sidewinder is the ultimate alfresco chill-out zone. Make your way to their chic little suntrap during the warmer seasons, while a covered section keeps you cosy when the weather inevitably turns.
Searching for a beer garden in Sussex? Look no further than Grand Central. This alfresco spot sits above the main bar and the hidden Nightingale Rooms, offering punters the perfect place to tuck into a weekend lunch or enjoy a few well-earned Friday pints.
Coming in strong with this one. Tucked away from the main Brighton thoroughfare, Park View is treating its Preston locals to a stellar outside space, with a mega four-tiered beer garden to lounge on and plenty of craft booze or artisan spirits.
A historic music venue situated just a hop, skip and a jump away from the beach, Patterns happens to also be home to a cool beer garden. Hosting daytime parties in the summer months, this alfresco drinking spot is keeping the good vibes going 'til the evening rolls around.
There's nothing better than enjoying a fresh craft beer in a sunny beer garden. So be sure to head to Oculist on Boyce's Street. Enjoy their awesome range of lip-smacking drinks alongside their crackin' menu, including brunch specials and Sunday roast treats.
Located in the centre of all the action and with a tonne of tasty craft brews on tap, The Mash Tun is a no-brainer when it comes to Brighton pubs with outdoor seating. Be sure to grab a table on their cool streetside terrace, while delving into their mouthwatering range of burgers and bevvies.
The Black Lion in The Lanes is home to some of the town's coolest patrons. Head out back to find a magical den full of fairy lights and foliage which transforms from a weekday oasis into a party lair of its own come the weekend.
The Exchange is serving up two types of outdoor seating for sunseekers. Along with streetside tables, this haunt also has a diddy courtyard area, touting a long communal table as well as separate booths under a cover.
Escape the hustle and bustle with a trip to Hove Place. A more chilled and low-key outdoor offering, this charming bohemian retreat comes complete with white iron seating, plush palm trees and some top-notch pub fare. A date night pick? We think so...
A firm favourite among Brighton's party crowd, Revolution features a pretty and partially-covered outdoor terrace. Spend a leisurely afternoon here enjoying some cocktails in the sunshine, or use it to grab some air on one of their DJ nights.
It may be small in size, but The Royal Sovereign's secret beer garden is a banger. Situated in the city centre, the watering hole is also fantastic for those in need of a quick tipple, or anyone who fancies catching all the sporting action on their outdoor screens.
Boasting alternative murals and the occasional foodie pop-up during summer, Hobgoblin is bringing something a little different to the table. The pub embraces all things quirky and eclectic, so expect to see a fun and inclusive crowd, alongside DJ sets and a mouthwatering menu.
With its south-facing seating and a laid-back atmosphere, it's not hard to see why The Connaught is in the running for the best beer gardens in Hove. The traditional pub has a lovely alfresco space, excellent real ales and comforting food - what more could you want?
When the sky's blue and the day is toasty, this Seven Dials beer garden is abuzz with drinkers. The extensive outside area and front terrace mean you can stretch out or relax in your own space, while Good Companions' well-stocked bar will keep you coming back for more.
