Best Pubs & Bars in Brighton 2026 | Brighton Insider

Brighton is one of the best pub cities in the country. It's not even close. You've got everything from Victorian boozers that haven't changed since the war to craft beer taprooms that opened last month. Kemptown has the best character pubs. North Laine has the liveliest scene. The seafront has the views. And wherever you go, you'll find something independent — the chains haven't managed to take over here.

Last updated October 2026

Tips for Pubs & Bars

Kemptown for Character

If you want a pub with a story, Kemptown is your neighbourhood. Real fires, real ale, regulars who'll talk your ear off. The Marine Tavern, The Thomas Kemp, and The Hand in Hand are all worth a visit.

Beer Gardens in Summer

The Basketmakers Arms, The Chimney House, and Fortune of War all have outdoor seating that fills up the moment the sun appears. Get there early.

Craft Beer Scene

Brighton Bier, Burning Sky, and UnBarred all have taprooms in the city. North Laine has several multi-tap bars. The craft beer scene is strong and getting stronger.

Pubs & Bars in Brighton

212 places

Dishoom Permit Room - Google Places photo

Dishoom Permit Room

All-day Bombay-inspired bar and kitchen in the Lanes. BRAVO-winning cocktails, bottomless chai.

Guests in orange prison jumpsuits behind metal cell bars at Alcotraz Brighton, with a guard character in khaki uniform and cap standing outside the cell. Red and warm lighting creates an atmospheric prison setting.

Alcotraz Brighton: Cell Block One-Three

Prison-themed immersive cocktail bar in the Lanes.

The Winkle - Google Places photo

The Winkle

Seafront arch restaurant where crab is the star, with a 40-seat sun-trap patio facing the sea.

Exterior view of The Station in Hove, Brighton. A traditional pub front with hanging baskets of flowers, large windows, and outdoor seating visible.

The Station

Greene King pub steps from the train platform

The Hole in The Wall pub in Brighton, showing the exterior facade and windows, featuring a traditional freehouse look. Near the seafront.

The Hole in The Wall

Tiny, well-loved pub hidden in a mews near the seafront.

Exterior view of The Independent Taproom & Beer Shop in the Queens Park area of Brighton, showing the entrance and outdoor seating area.

The Independent Taproom & Beer Shop

Taproom and bottle shop on Queens Park Road.

Exterior view of The Bedford Tavern, a traditional pub in Hove, Brighton. The building has a distinctive black and white facade and a prominent sign.

The Bedford Tavern

Inclusive LGBTQ+ pub with drag, cabaret and Sunday roasts.

Lost And Found Taproom - Google Places photo

Lost and Found Taproom

Craft beer destination and bottle shop in Fiveways.

Warm and inviting interior of Great Eastern Brighton in north-laine, featuring a wooden bar with beer taps, stools, tables, and string lights on the ceiling.

Great Eastern Brighton

Chain pub on Trafalgar Street, North Laine.

Interior view of The Plotting Parlour, Kemptown, Brighton, showing the seating area, unique wall mural, and ambient lighting. Upmarket cocktail bar.

The Plotting Parlour

Cocktail bar with a speakeasy feel in Kemptown

The Robin Hood in Hove, Brighton. Exterior view of the pub featuring the distinctive sign and pub quiz advertising.

The Robin Hood

No-frills neighbourhood pub near the seafront

Exterior view of The Admiral pub in the Hanover area of Brighton, showing its traditional brick facade and outdoor seating area.

The Admiral

Community pub on Elm Grove with regular events.

Interior shot of Clementine & Co bar in Brighton's Twisted Lanes, showing their extensive liquor selection displayed behind the bar.

Clementine & Co

Cocktail bar and brunch spot on Duke Street, the Lanes.

Exterior of The Hope & Ruin, a city-centre venue in Brighton with distinctive painted windows and a lit sign. Showing people walking by.

The Hope & Ruin

Queens Road pub with a grassroots gig venue upstairs.

Interior view of The Basketmakers Arms in Brighton's North Laine, showing the eclectic decor and seating.

The Basketmakers Arms

Proper North Laine pub packed with character.

Atmospheric interior view of Bar Medusa in Brighton, showing the seating area with ambient lighting and unique decor near the seafront.

Bar Medusa

Cosy independent bar on Preston Street, Brighton.

The Oak Barn Bar & Restaurant's traditional brick exterior with tiled roof, colourful hanging flower baskets, and an inviting outdoor wooden picnic table area.

The Oak Barn Bar & Restaurant

Beamed barn restaurant near Burgess Hill -- book the Sunday roast

A bartender at Blossoms Cocktail Bar and Restaurant in the Lanes, Brighton, carefully pours a drink. A stylish cocktail bar with a colourful atmosphere.

Blossoms Cocktail Bar and Restaurant

Cocktail bar and restaurant on Brighton Square.

Inside The Evening Star pub, a traditional Brighton pub near Brighton Station, showing the bar area with staff and beer taps.

The Evening Star

Brighton's best-known craft beer pub, near the station

Brighton Station

A busy evening at The Pond in Brighton, showing the bar area and a crowd of people enjoying drinks.

The Pond

Good beer and proper food near London Road.

The Urchin Brewery Shellfish Pub - Google Places photo

The Urchin Brewery & Shellfish Pub

Hove freehouse with an on-site microbrewery, 100+ craft beers and a dedicated shellfish menu.

Inside Black Dove, a uniquely decorated bar in Kemptown, Brighton. The extensive selection of drinks and the quirky, plant-filled interior.

Black Dove

Independent bar on St James's Street in Kemptown.

The Ginger Fox - Google Places photo

The Ginger Fox

Gingerman group's thatched Sussex pub with South Downs views, seasonal local menus and a kids' play area.

Gourmet beef burger with a bucket of chips and a pot of gravy on a white plate at The Better Half pub in Hove.

The Better Half Pub

Hove gastro pub with daily-minced burgers, Steyning Butchers meat and popular Sunday roasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pub in Brighton?

Depends what you want. The Basketmakers Arms for atmosphere, The Hand in Hand (the UK's smallest pub) for novelty and charm, The Fortune of War for the seafront. Kemptown pubs have the most character overall.

Does Brighton have good craft beer?

One of the best scenes in the UK. Multiple local breweries have taprooms in the city — Brighton Bier, Burning Sky, and UnBarred — plus dozens of multi-tap bars across North Laine and beyond.

Are Brighton pubs dog-friendly?

Most are. Kemptown pubs especially. Some have dog treats behind the bar. Check individual listings for details.

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