The best pubs in Brighton: 35 ranked (2026)

#1 Photo to come

The Basketmakers Arms

★ 4.6 (1,642)

12 Gloucester Rd, BN1 4AD

Best for real ale and a long whisky list under walls of old tobacco tins.

Sunday roastFish and chipsTraditionalCosy

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“One of Brighton’s best-loved boozers.”Condé Nast Traveller

On 5 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co, Condé Nast Traveller, BRAVO Awards 2026 (#19), The Crisp Packet, Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 12 times on Reddit, 2 against
Google 4.6★ from 1,642 reviews
Score 12 = 2 × 5 lists + 4 Reddit − 2

Full details Directions ↗

#2 Photo to come

The Hand in Hand

★ 4.8 (283)

33 Upper St James's St, BN2 1JN

Best for beer brewed on site in one of Brighton's smallest, most eccentric pubs.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Possibly the smallest pub in Brighton and certainly one of the most eccentric.”Condé Nast Traveller

On 4 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co, Condé Nast Traveller, The Crisp Packet, Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 5 times on Reddit
Google 4.8★ from 283 reviews
Score 12 = 2 × 4 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#3 Photo to come

The Great Eastern

★ 4.7 (955)

103 Trafalgar St, BN1 4ER

Best for local cask beer and a big whisky list in a dark saloon bar.

Cosy

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Great beer (think Harvey’s, Dark Star, Burning Sky), a hefty whisky list chalked up behind the bar, and a clientele that merrily pours onto the pavement.”Condé Nast Traveller

On 3 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co, Condé Nast Traveller, Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 9 times on Reddit
Google 4.7★ from 955 reviews
Score 10 = 2 × 3 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#4 Photo to come

The Lion & Lobster

★ 4.5 (2,617)

24 Sillwood St, BN1 2PS

Best for four floors of nooks and a sunny roof terrace.

Sunday roastTraditionalQuirky

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“It’s spread across four floors so a wander around its maze-like interior is an adventure.”Ellie and Co

On 3 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co, BRAVO Awards 2026 (#4), Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 7 times on Reddit
Google 4.5★ from 2,617 reviews
Score 10 = 2 × 3 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#5 Photo to come

The Hole in The Wall

★ 4.8 (537)

The Hole in The Wall, Queensbury Mews, BN1 2FE

Best for what's reputedly Brighton's smallest pub, with four cask ales and Toad in the Hole.

CosyReal ale

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“…pours an inspired Buckfast negroni, and has the best crisp selection in town.”The Crisp Packet

On 2 of 6 lists (The Crisp Packet, Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 8 times on Reddit
Google 4.8★ from 537 reviews
Score 8 = 2 × 2 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#6 Photo to come

The Robin Hood

★ 4.7 (635)

1 - 3 Norfolk Pl, BN1 2PF

Best for rotating ales and board games at what's thought to be the UK's first charity pub.

Locals' pubPub quiz

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“…it’s thought to be the UK’s first charity pub when it opened back in 2004…”Condé Nast Traveller

On 3 of 6 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, BRAVO Awards 2026 (#3), Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.7★ from 635 reviews
Score 8 = 2 × 3 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#7 Photo to come

The Better Half

★ 4.6 (926)

1 Hove Pl, BN3 2RG

Best for a Sunday roast in a candlelit booth in Hove.

Sunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The drinks are excellent, the Sunday roasts legendary, and if you can snag one of the candlelit booths – do.”Condé Nast Traveller

On 2 of 6 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, BRAVO Awards 2026 (#15))
Recommended 11 times on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 926 reviews
Score 8 = 2 × 2 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#8 Photo to come

The Prince Albert

★ 4.5 (1,431)

Prince Albert, 48 Trafalgar St, BN1 4ED

Best for local bands in rooms covered in old gig flyers, by the station.

Live music

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Sometimes messy, always fun.”Condé Nast Traveller

On 2 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co, Condé Nast Traveller)
Recommended 4 times on Reddit
Google 4.5★ from 1,431 reviews
Score 8 = 2 × 2 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#9 Photo to come

Haus on the Hill

★ 4.5 (501)

58 Southover St, BN2 9UF

Best for local cask ale and real cider in a calm Hanover local.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 2 of 6 lists (Brighton CAMRA Pubs of the Year 2026, Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 3 times on Reddit
Google 4.5★ from 501 reviews
Score 7 = 2 × 2 lists + 3 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#10 Photo to come

The Independent

★ 4.8 (496)

95 Queens Park Rd, BN2 0GH

Best for 20 rotating craft taps and a bottle shop in Hanover.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 1 of 6 lists (Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 5 times on Reddit
Google 4.8★ from 496 reviews
Score 6 = 2 × 1 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#11 Photo to come

The Evening Star

★ 4.6 (1,184)

55-56 Surrey St, BN1 3PB

Best for the 1854 railway pub where Dark Star began, with microbrewery beer and real cider.

Real ale

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“It is a Good Beer Guide regular.”Restaurants Brighton

On 1 of 6 lists (Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 10 times on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 1,184 reviews
Score 6 = 2 × 1 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#12 Photo to come

The Geese

★ 4.6 (803)

16 Southover St, BN2 9UA

Best for sausage and mash in a dive-bar style Hanover boozer.

Sunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“I love it for the dive-bar aesthetic: there’s a neon sign, windowsills crammed with empty bottles, walls plastered with beer mats, photos behind the bar of nights gone by, and the owners’ collection of retro cycling caps.”Ellie and Co

On 2 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co, Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 803 reviews
Score 6 = 2 × 2 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#13 Photo to come

Brighton Bierhaus

★ 4.6 (762)

161 Edward St, BN2 0JB

Best for Brighton Bier's own taproom, with five hand pumps and 20 keg lines.

Small

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 1 of 6 lists (Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 4 times on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 762 reviews
Score 6 = 2 × 1 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#14 Photo to come

The Fortune of War

★ 4.5 (1,774)

156 Kings Rd, BN1 1NB

Best for a boat-shaped bar in the seafront arches with a beach terrace.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Tucked into a seafront arch on King’s Road, the Fortune of War is the first pub I ever visited in Brighton and has stayed a favourite ever since.”Ellie and Co

On 2 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co, Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.5★ from 1,774 reviews
Score 6 = 2 × 2 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#15 Photo to come

The Earth & Stars

★ 4.5 (935)

46 Windsor St, BN1 1RJ

Best for plant-based pub food and a good pint in North Laine.

Sunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“It’s relaxed and serves gastro-level plant-based pub food, with an Asian twist.”Ellie and Co

On 3 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co, BRAVO Awards 2026 (#2), Restaurants Brighton)
Google 4.5★ from 935 reviews
Score 6 = 2 × 3 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#16 Photo to come

The Mucky Duck

★ 4.5 (817)

7-9 Manchester St, BN2 1TF

Best for craft beer, Thai food, a quiz and live folk in Kemptown.

Sunday roastLive music

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“For all that’s going on, it still feels like a welcoming neighbourhood local.”Restaurants Brighton

On 1 of 6 lists (Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 5 times on Reddit
Google 4.5★ from 817 reviews
Score 6 = 2 × 1 lists + 4 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#17 Photo to come

The Watchmaker's Arms

★ 4.8 (518)

84 Goldstone Villas, BN3 3RU

Best for real ale and cider near Hove station, runner-up for Brighton CAMRA's Pub of the Year 2026.

Real ale

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Watchmakers Arms near Hove station, if you can make it that far. Love that place.”r/brighton

On 1 of 6 lists (Brighton CAMRA Pubs of the Year 2026)
Recommended 3 times on Reddit
Google 4.8★ from 518 reviews
Score 5 = 2 × 1 lists + 3 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#18 Photo to come

The Rook

★ 4.9 (206)

38 Dean St, BN1 3EG

Best for 22 craft taps and a bottle shop on Dean Street.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 1 of 6 lists (Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 3 times on Reddit
Google 4.9★ from 206 reviews
Score 5 = 2 × 1 lists + 3 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#19 Photo to come

The Joker

★ 4.4 (1,462)

2 Preston Rd, BN1 4QF

Best for an art-filled local with a cocktail lounge upstairs at Preston Circus.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 1 of 6 lists (Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 3 times on Reddit
Google 4.4★ from 1,462 reviews
Score 5 = 2 × 1 lists + 3 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#20 Photo to come

The Hop Poles

★ 4.4 (881)

13 Middle St, BN1 1AL

Best for an old-fashioned pub near the seafront with a heated covered garden.

Sunday roastBeer garden

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“It’s one to note as a good, old-fashioned pub near the seafront.”Ellie and Co

On 2 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co, Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 1 time on Reddit
Google 4.4★ from 881 reviews
Score 5 = 2 × 2 lists + 1 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#21 Photo to come

The Black Dove

★ 4.6 (977)

74 St James's St, BN2 1PA

Best for cocktails and a basement drinking den in Kemptown.

Quirky

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“This could be the coolest pub in the city.”Ellie and Co

On 1 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 977 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#22 Photo to come

The Shakespeare's Head

★ 4.6 (802)

1 Chatham Pl, BN1 3TP

Best for sausage and mash by an open fire in Seven Dials.

Sunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“They take sausages and mash seriously here.”Condé Nast Traveller

On 2 of 6 lists (Condé Nast Traveller, Restaurants Brighton)
Google 4.6★ from 802 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#23 Photo to come

The North Star

★ 4.8 (191)

2-3, pavilion buildings, BN1 1EE

Best for a sheltered terrace facing the Royal Pavilion.

Sunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Spacious booths make it a great spot for groups, and its sheltered terrace facing the Pavilion is one of the most peaceful in the city centre.”Restaurants Brighton

On 2 of 6 lists (BRAVO Awards 2026 (#17), Restaurants Brighton)
Google 4.8★ from 191 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#24 Photo to come

The Cleveland Arms

★ 4.6 (501)

Cleveland Arms Cleveland Road 27A, BN1 6FF

Best for tables overlooking Blakers Park in Fiveways.

Sunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Tables overlooking the park are a summertime flex.”BRAVO Awards 2026

On 2 of 6 lists (BRAVO Awards 2026 (#5), Restaurants Brighton)
Google 4.6★ from 501 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#25 Photo to come

The Farm Tavern

★ 4.6 (470)

13 Farm Rd, BN3 1FB

Best for cocktails and Margarita Thursdays in Hove.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 1 of 6 lists (BRAVO Awards 2026 (#6))
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 470 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#26 Photo to come

The Jolly Brewer

★ 4.7 (240)

176 Ditchling Rd, BN1 6JA

Best for cheap drinks and a friendly community feel on Ditchling Road.

Locals' pubTraditionalPub quizLive music

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“This friendly community local is one of the most welcoming pubs in Brighton.”Ellie and Co

On 1 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.7★ from 240 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#27 Photo to come

The Argyle Arms

★ 4.6 (394)

32 Argyle Rd, BN1 4QB

Best for an independently owned local.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 1 of 6 lists (BRAVO Awards 2026 (#11))
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 394 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#28 Photo to come

The Ladies Mile

★ 4.5 (813)

2 Mackie Ave, BN1 8RA

Best for a family pub with a play area and pergola garden in Patcham.

Sunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 2 of 6 lists (BRAVO Awards 2026 (#8), Restaurants Brighton)
Google 4.5★ from 813 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#29 Photo to come

The Greys

★ 4.6 (293)

105 Southover St, BN2 9UA

Best for small folk and Americana gigs in Hanover.

Live music

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 1 of 6 lists (Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.6★ from 293 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#30 Photo to come

The Barley Mow

★ 4.5 (554)

92 St George's Rd, BN2 1EE

Best for Sussex ales, real cider and a heated courtyard in Kemptown.

Pub quizCosy

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 1 of 6 lists (Restaurants Brighton)
Recommended 2 times on Reddit
Google 4.5★ from 554 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 1 lists + 2 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#31 Photo to come

The Signalman

★ 4.4 (820)

76 Ditchling Rise, BN1 4QQ

Best for two pub gardens and a real fire by London Road station.

Beer garden

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“Blessed with cosy corners to squeeze into in winter and two gorgeous pub gardens for summer drinks, The Signalman is pub perfection.”BRAVO Awards 2026

On 2 of 6 lists (BRAVO Awards 2026 (#1) winner, Restaurants Brighton)
Google 4.4★ from 820 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#32 Photo to come

The Bell Tower

★ 4.6 (123)

1 Arundel Rd, BN2 5TE

Best for a big beer garden and modern pub food in Kemptown.

Sunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 2 of 6 lists (BRAVO Awards 2026 (#7), Restaurants Brighton)
Google 4.6★ from 123 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#33 Photo to come

The Preston Park Tavern

★ 4.4 (544)

88 Havelock Rd, BN1 6GF

Best for Sunday roasts and a winter fire in a neighbourhood local.

Sunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

“The PPT is one of Brighton’s most beautiful pubs.”Ellie and Co

On 2 of 6 lists (Ellie and Co, Restaurants Brighton)
Google 4.4★ from 544 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#34 Photo to come

The Longman

★ 4.4 (473)

2-10 Wilmington Way, BN1 8JH

Best for darts, pool and live sport in a 1939 Patcham pub.

Sunday roast

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Sport on · Outside seats · Food · Dogs welcome

Why it's here

On 2 of 6 lists (BRAVO Awards 2026 (#18), Restaurants Brighton)
Google 4.4★ from 473 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

#35 Photo to come

Mrs Fitzherbert's

★ 4.1 (283)

25-26 New Rd, BN1 1UG

Best for a heated terrace on New Road, with drag shows.

Pint£ ?not checked yet

Hours —from Google

Crowd —typical times

Live music · Outside seats · Food

Why it's here

On 2 of 6 lists (BRAVO Awards 2026 (#14), Restaurants Brighton)
Google 4.1★ from 283 reviews
Score 4 = 2 × 2 lists + 0 Reddit

Full details Directions ↗

More ways to pick a pub in Brighton

Where this comes from

Each pub scores 2 for every published list or award that names it and 1 for every Reddit recommendation (up to 4), minus any Reddit comments against it. To get on the page a pub needs two lists, or one list and two Reddit recommendations, so one writer's favourite can't top it. Google rating only breaks ties. Every card shows its score and the sources behind it, and quotes are checked word for word against the page they came from.

Ellie and Co guide · Aug 2026
Condé Nast Traveller guide · Oct 2025
BRAVO Awards 2026 award · 2026
The Crisp Packet guide · Jun 2026
Brighton CAMRA Pubs of the Year 2026 award · 2026
Restaurants Brighton guide · Oct 2026
r/brighton Reddit · Aug 2026
r/brighton Reddit · Oct 2025
r/brighton Reddit · Feb 2025
r/brighton Reddit · May 2025
r/brighton Reddit · Nov 2025

We read Google's business data for 423 Brighton pubs on 26 Oct 2026, covering review topics, rating, hours, busy times and listed features. Nobody paid to be here. How we rank has the detail.

Hours, busy times and features come from Google and can change. Check with the pub before a special trip.