You can't knock a good pub. Serving hearty grub, pouring perfect pints and without doubt, the only space in which it's socially acceptable (if not encouraged), to get boozy in the early afternoon, there's nothing quite like a charming watering hole in Brighton.
After hours of careful consideration, we've managed to whittle down Brighton's pub offering to the Top 10. All sorts were considered: pub grub, craft beer, general atmosphere, layout and outdoor offering. So, we present to you: DesignMyNight's picks for the Top 10 Pubs in Brighton.
Established in 1867, The Prestonville Arms knows a thing or two about pubbing. Tucked conveniently between Seven Dials and Brighton Station, it gives you all the essentials of a British boozer.
We're talking rotating beers and ales, proper grub, happy hour cocktails (4–7pm daily), and the games you know and love. Think free darts and a toad table (don't worry, no amphibians are harmed).
One of the most historic pubs in Brighton, The Lion and Lobster is a cosy den just outside the town centre. Expect cosy corners to drink in old-school artwork on the walls and traditional wooden furniture, with brass features and rich mahogany period pieces adding to the vintage vibe of the boozer.
Popular with locals and tourists alike, this friendly pub promises local ales, craft beer and a hearty British menu. We're talking portobello mushroom bolognese, lobster bisque and haddock pie or feather blade of beef with parsnip mash, as well as scrumptious Sunday roasts.
One of the best pubs in Brighton thanks to their affordable food menu, range of drinks and live music on the weekends, The Fitz Regent is a great shout. This stylish boozer is also fronting bottomless brunches, as well as late night opening to keep you dancing 'til the early hours.
Despite being a former nightclub, North Laine Brewhouse is a serene micro-brewery and gastro pub that draws in guests from all over Brighton. With plenty of exposed brick walls, huge wooden barrels spread across the venue and walls covered in vibrant artwork, it's clear as soon as you step in that the pub prides itself on its eye for creation. Of course, the stunning menu of locally sourced ales and on-site brewed beers is a real highlight at this great pub in Brighton.
Excelling in kitsch fare, Sunday roasts and fish finger sandwiches, The White Rabbit is a delightful boozer in Brighton. Expect quirky furnishings, locally sourced decoration (we're talking Alice In Wonderland themed murals, bunting in its bounty and a log laden red telephone box) and an offbeat events calendar; there should be no doubt as to why The White Rabbit features on our list of the top 10 pubs in Brighton.
Situated on Kings Road, the Star & Garter is a local favourite that dates back to 1750. Expect traditional, historic interiors like exposed brick walls, wooden furniture and log fires, and there are even rumours of mysterious tunnels running to the town hall and a friendly ghost that haunts the space.
They've got two screens showing live sport, as well as a cracking range of beer. The kitchen is run by Cutie Pies, who specialise in Detroit-style pizza, topped with sweet pepperoni, jalapenos, roasted peppers and more.
A friendly neighbourhood pub that specialises in cocktails, The Joker is a brick-lined space filled with vintage decor, a tin ceiling and dark wooden furnishings. They've won multiple awards over the years including Best Pub in East Sussex 2022 in the National Pub & Bar Awards and Winners of Best Pub Grub 2019 by BRAVO.
Take a seat at their hand-carved rosewood bar for signature sips and great quality beer, and there's a tasty food menu from Lost Boys Chicken up for grabs as well. Dig into Buffalo wings, Korean kimchi sandwiches, vegan nuggets and more.
If it's a Sunday roast you're after, it's a Sunday roast you'll get at The Black Lion, with the likes of beef sirloin with a Yorkshire pudding and horseradish sauce up for devouring. Offering a premium beer garden, a cracking selection of local beers and ales, and two for £14 cocktails on Wednesdays from 8pm to 11pm (our favourites include the signature The Lion's Cub made with Belsazar rose vermouth and triple sec), The Black Lion isn't just any Brighton boozer.
Nestled quietly in the bustling suburb of Hove, The Wick Inn is laden with historical trinkets, cracking food and an abundance of local ales. It's home to a great Thai kitchen offering three small plates for £19, like prawn toast, spring rolls and spare ribs.
Something of an emporium of quirky collectables and retro wonders, stepping inside The Black Dove feels like walking into a 20th-century time warp. Boasting a plethora of deep mahogany, rich colours and crackle chandeliers, this is a charming drinking den in Brighton. The tipples aren't half bad either: sup away on one of their international or locally brewed ales, or order a Sazerac. Delicious.
