Best Pubs in Brighton

Enter a coastal tavern washed ashore onto Brighton's seafront and nestle into a cosy cove, where your seats are set into the rock and intricate drawings decorate the walls. With an extensive drinks list, tasty treats on the food menu and some great live music, this beachfront spot never disappoints.

Whether you're sipping cocktails in the 70s-inspired cocktail lounge, dancing 'til dawn on the roof terrace or chowing down food in the restaurant, The Mesmerist always guarantees a good time. Located just a stone's throw from the seafront, this packed-out haunt is a must-visit Brighton venue.

Sitting pretty just shy of the train station, Grand Central is a stalwart venue in the town's nightlife circles thanks to its charming interiors, gastro pub food and hidden gin bar. Oh, and did we mention the rooftop garden? 

For live music, great DJs and one of the most electric atmospheres in town, head to this West Street party pub. Boasting sunny streetside tables, it's the perfect summer haunt for grabbing a couple of cold ones and soaking up those rays.

Overlooking the gorgeous Preston Park, this fun and relaxed pub has a family-friendly policy. Offering a selection of wholesome and hearty eats, from gourmet bangers and mash to 28-day aged rib-eye steaks, it's a great pitstop for a midweek pick-me-up.

Kemptown's favourite boozer, Sidewinder doesn't mess about when it comes to food and drink. From Sunday feasting and craft beer galore, to vegan hot dogs, hearty burgers and gin specials, they're a must-visit if you're looking for somewhere to settle in and chow down.

The Black Lion is renowned in these parts for their drool-worthy burgers. Choose from a host of toppings, from smoky sauce and streaked bacon to Mexicana cheese and spicy jalapeños. Better yet? There's a fully-heated beer garden perfect for sinking a few pints with the gang.

One of Brighton's best-loved bars, The North Laine not only boasts its own on-site microbrewery, it also spots you for some fantastic food and a regular schedule of quirky events, from bottomless brunches and wacky quizzes to sports screenings, live music and immersive experiences.

Home to one Brighton's best Sunday roasts, the Earth and Stars is constantly packed out come the weekend. Their weekday à la carte offering shouldn't be overlooked though - featuring everything from beer battered smoked tofu to open ravioli, it's bursting with tasty delights.

Head to Hove where this unique pub and gin palace will quench your thirst, and then some. From their excellent craft beer selection to their impressive offering of over 40 different gins, The Old Albion provides a relaxed and eclectic setting to get your sip on.

Part pub, part games arcade, this London Road drinking hole is a big kid's dream. From the virtual reality booths and remote control race track to a fully immersive escape room, it's our top pick when it comes to group nights out in Brighton.

Located amongst the buzz of London Road, New Unity is a wonderland of quirky bottomless brunches, live sports screenings and unbeatable drinks deals. A popular pub with Brighton's student population, this laid-back spot promises a fun night out that won't break the bank.

Based on the outskirts of Hove, The Stoneham is a popular haunt among those in the know. Decked out with fairy-lights, twinkling candles and quirky neon fixtures, it's as pretty as they come. And you won't go hungry either - feast on sustainably-sourced cuisine such as crispy confit belly of pork and handmade salmon burgers.

Known for their top-notch pub fare and locally-sourced seafood, The Lion and Lobster can be seen a mile off thanks to its vibrant red exterior, but inside it's another story. A maze of weaving staircases, period features and hidden beer gardens, this infamous spot looks to be straight out of a fairytale.

One of Brighton's top spots for craft beer, this unique little pub and taproom offers an unbeatable location for a tipple or two. Head in for the chance to sample their selection of great brews and chow down on some serious grub courtesy of Humble Kitchen.

One of Hove's favourite watering holes, The Wick Inn promises more than your average pub experience. While they've got some great local ales, classic fixings and a popular quiz night, this place also just happens to boast a secret upstairs speakeasy that serves up some of the town's best bourbon cocktails.

A cool and cosy pub in Seven Dials, Good Companions is all about home comforts and excellent company. Get the gang together for an afternoon session with some real Sussex ales and delicious food including hot paninis, BBQ ribs and loaded fries.

The West Hill Tavern is a Brighton stalwart; following a recent refurb the pub is now more cosy than ever with open fireplaces, cute corners and an outdoor terrace for when the sun shines. Feeling peckish? Make sure to check out the mega pizzas or hearty roasts.

Looking for a stylish pub in Brighton? The Joker promises just that. With delicious burgers and a great beer selection taking up their ground floor space, the upstairs cocktail bar offers a more refined atmosphere, with marble-topped tables and plush velvet furnishings.  

With slick but welcoming interiors, oodles of craft beer and drool-worthy mac and cheese on the menu, this town centre pub is an obvious choice whether you're in the market for a few post-work pints or a cosy date night destination.

One of the cosiest pubs in Brighton, The Royal Sovereign is all about those classic comforts. From its offering of quintessential British pub grub to its quirky vintage interiors and roaring open fires, this place was created with rainy days in mind.

Arguably the most gastro of all the pubs in Brighton, this unique watering hole and restaurant offers a stunning selection of seasonal plates every day of the week. Head down to Kemptown for the chance to sample their line-up of gourmet pub grub accompanied by some very impressive wine and whisky lists.