Brighton Pubs
/brighton-pubs
Did you know there is 1 pub for every 250 residents in Brighton?
Having grown up in Brighton, all you hear about is how great the nightlife and the atmosphere is. So when I moved to Antwerp a few years ago I was astonished to find out that there were only three or four bars worth spending any time in. Now, I'm not saying that Antwerp is a boring place to spend an evening. It's just that compared to Brighton it's downright depressing. I'm going to give you my favorite twenty places to drink in Brighton, so you too can enjoy what the city has to offer.
Ever since I moved down here in the late 90s I have lived under the mistaken impression that Brighton was a city with great pubs around every corner, more about plumbing with Brighton and Hove Life (brightonandhovelife.co.uk). However, it wasn’t until recently that I came to realise just how many pubs there actually are in Brighton. Apparently according to the government census there is one pub to every 250 residents in Brighton, which means it is officially the best city to live in if you like to live somewhere with a superb selection of pubs.
Have you ever been walking around the beautiful streets of Brighton and wondered what pubs you should be entering? Well, you’re in luck. We’ve taken the time to create a list of 20 of the best pubs in Brighton. We understand there is never enough time in one day to try all the pubs in Brighton so we thought we would give you a bit of an ego boost by narrowing it down for you.
Did you know that in Brighton there is one pub for every 250 residents? There are about 800 pubs in the city and nearly three quarters of all residents visit a pub at least once a week. The reason for this is probably down to the fact that the majority of these establishments serve excellent food. Hello all, in today’s post we’re concentrating on the twenty pubs that we think will be worth spending your time in.
This is not ranking them from best to worst, as everyone’s tastes are different. As a side note, you can check out our top twenty restaurants in Brighton blog here. Did you know that there is 1 pub for every 250 residents in Brighton? With so many superb places to enjoy a jar or two we thought we should give you our top twenty Brighton pubs. If you decide to transfer your ticket for a rescheduled event to another person with proof of ID and/or confirmation email for that individual you will pay an administrative fee of €20 per ticket.
The Walrus Pub
The Walrus Pub is ultimately about the food. Conceived by Lawrence Costello of Liquidity Network, the restaurant has been serving up South African fare since its opening in March, and is looking to deliver the gourmet dining experience without breaking the bank. The idea for a pub came about following years of working at Liquidity Network and spending time with his colleagues and clients. The Walrus and the Carpenter is a pub that we have all heard of and there were wait times to get in during its first few months; however, the hip factor has worn off and the area around Queen West is booming with new businesses.
The Walrus has managed to stay competitive and fresh with their take on a gastropub offering, sharing plates, sharable snacks and tasty drinks. Upstairs, in the pub and restaurant areas, the décor is more informal. The bar itself has a real old-fashioned feel to it with a lot of wood and brick architecture adorning the room. Rows of clear coloured lights hang down from the ceiling, giving a club-like atmosphere which works well in conjunction to the brass lights atop the tables.
The Walrus and the Carpenter started as a food truck and has since conquered most of the often-crowded Toronto restaurant scene, with its newly opened Queen West location taking its spot among many other locations. It’s seafood meets comfort food with a casual atmosphere and reasonable prices. The Walrus Pub is one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ places in Nottingham. The bar below the restaurant continues this style with mismatched chairs and unique lighting. There are also fireplaces dotted around and comfy velvet sofas which makes this a great place to bring friends for a catch up.
The Better Half
I wouldn't necessarily call the Better Half a gastropub as it doesn't stand out as one, but the food they serve is of brilliant standard and at a more affordable price than some gastropubs you could be frequenting. The Better Half has an extremely vast menu, with main courses ranging from salmon and chips all the way to duck breast with French toast! To add to this, they have a specials board which featured steak and ale pie, fried halloumi wrapped in bacon, prawn curry (they all sound pretty good.
. ) Thai crispy duck salad and many more. The pub is decked out with wooden tables and benches with stools. All the wood inside is gorgeous worn looking wood which just adds to the appeal. We took a seat at a table in the centre with four stools on each side which was a perfect size for our party of four. There were plenty of other tables to choose from and an outside courtyard area, which looked nice and sunny, but sadly it was pouring down! The bar area was also great, lots of beer pumps (although there were quite a few empty) and two fridges showing bottles of wine.
The Better Half is a pub on the corner of Bedford Place and Colston Road in Brighton. There are three different seating areas, including a cosy snug area by the fire. The bar serves a range of real ales, ciders and lagers with eight beers available at all times. The Better Half also stocks some excellent Sussex real ales including Brighton Bier, Woodmancy and Craft Ales "Shipwrecked". The Better Economy beer is another firm favourite with their ‘Lollipop’, a tasty beer which also comes with a free bottle top bracelet!.
When you walk in you can’t help but be drawn to the bar that is located in the middle of the pub; a nice touch, and immediately I was served by Andrew who was very friendly and attentive. The drinks prices are what you would expect them to be and they do do some rather excellent cocktails. The Better Half have rather recently undergone a refurbishment; I believe it has been open for around six months now, which is great because the new layout is just what is needed to attract a younger crowd.
It may be tucked away down a side street in Hove, but this place is highly recommended in the area and often fills up quite quickly. After going several times over the past few months I’ve really warmed to this place, and I know I’m not the only one. The Better Half is a pub that comes alive in the evenings when it gets pretty busy with what seems like all of Hove coming out to enjoy a drink.
The Better Half is one of those pubs that will have you going ‘Oooh this is nice’ before you’ve even stepped through the door. It’s got a lot of character and it shows in the décor inside. It has plush, red velvet seats and a lovely Victorian carved wooden bar to sink yourself into on a cold winter’s day with your favourite drink. This Administrative fee covers the cost of refunding/exchanging tickets and processing any refunds/exchanges issued.
The Cleveland Arms
Perfect for family occasions, The Cleveland Arms caters for all tastes with a varied menu including salads and light snacks during the day and tempting hearty dishes and grills at night. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes this one of the best places to eat out in Egham. The Cleveland Arms pub is situated on Red Lion Street, Egham, Surrey, close to the borders of West London. It’s a perfect place for a casual drink or quick bite with friends as well as a relaxed family meal.
The Roundhill
The Roundhill was the first place I visited on this trip to Brighton. My initial visit was to review the venue as it is located on my doorstep (I live a stones throw away) and although it is now my local pub, that doesn’t make it any less special for me. From the outside, the only thing you can really see is the ivy clad wall running up the side of the building, there are seats out front that we took full advantage of while we enjoyed a drink before going inside.
I assumed the inside would be vastly different to how it currently looks but was pleasantly surprised when i walked in. Although it is an old building from what I understand, everything has been done with such clarity of vision, massive windows. The Roundhill is all about serving great food in a relaxed manner, the menu is devised by Michelle Berwick, a devoted vegan chef as she strives to bring Brighton an alternative choice from all the other gluten-heavy pubs and restaurants.
The menu itself is inviting, inspired by classic dishes it features ‘fake’ meat and cheese substitutes to vegetarian and vegan foodies alike. The dishes are all made to order so it's worth taking your time when ordering. We began with the olives, a huge plate full which were delightful without tasting like it was their job. The sharing platter of cheeses, meats and pickles, bread and chutney took up most of the table but was a real success bringing smiles from everyone round the table who was sharing it.
The George Payne
The George Payne pub is located along Portland Road and Princess’s Park; a short walk from Brighton train station. It's not exactly on the main roads but once you get to what appears to be the residential area, you will see that the pub isn't easily missed. There's going to be a lot of construction going on around where the pub is, but luckily that didn't hamper its business. Landscaping is nearby, so it won't seem like a far distance from being isolated.
Despite being near the heavily populated neighbourhood, this place is still peaceful and quiet thanks to an abundance of greenery surrounding it. Bright lights make this place quite welcoming as you drive by, especially at night since there are hardly any cars parked outside. The George Payne pub is a welcome addition to Hove. Nestled behind the busy portland road it’s easy to miss. Its appeal lies in its modern decor, and traditional features, including the roaring open fire.
The exposed brick wall on the first floor makes for a great feature, and lets you dine under a stylish chandelier – which still leaves enough room for big screens and TVs. Downstairs there are comfy booths and tables, and it’s still possible to watch sports events with friends while enjoying fish and chips or homemade burgers straight from the kitchen. It feels more like a restaurant than your traditional pub, but don’t let that put you off – its definitely worth checking out whether you want an.
The George Payne pub is a welcoming pub thats good for the entire family, including your four legged friend. The makeover of this great venue in Hove has completely transformed the former seafarers into a pub which offers a nice cozy atmosphere, whilst remaining reasonably priced. The team at George Payne have between them decades of experience in making pubs successful. They all share a love of quality food and drinks and always provide great service so that our customers feel comfortable when they visit us!.
If you’re looking for a traditional pub with comfortable surroundings, friendly staff and a welcoming environment, you should give the George Payne pub in Hove a try. The staff are friendly without being flirty and you can actually have a conversation without raising your voice. The décor is simple and complimented by various memorabilia encouraging reminiscing of times gone by. You can watch your favourite sports event on certain TV screens whilst others have been kept in their original black and white form.
The George Payne. The newly featured George Payne pub in Hove encapsulates a traditional pub atmosphere with contemporary decor. Nestled behind the busy Portland Rd, the George Payne pub is a welcoming pub thats good for the entire family, including your four legged friend. The Roundhill has 3 separate areas, 1 bar, 1 dining and the relaxed cocktail side. We went for cocktails and a bite to eat as well as drinks. We found a lovely corner table in the bar area which was just off the road enough the allow for some noise but not enough to be disturbed by it.
The Cloak Room
The Cloak Room is split into two rooms with the front area being more industrial and energetic, while the modernist glass room at the back attracts a quieter, more contained atmosphere. There are also multiple smaller rooms spread along this bar. The industrial feel of The Cloak Room is very appealing as well as the graffiti art on one of the walls and the large barrel that is used as a centerpiece. Although there was not a vast range of drinks served, their beer mix was what The Cloak Room focused on.
In recent years small batch and independent brewers have been on a sharp rise. In fact, the rate of growth is so huge that many people are seeing this as a new renaissance in the craft brewing industry. And while a lot of factors have affected the popularity of craft beer, many people credit the independent taproom as a major player. Taprooms like The Cloak Room in Brighton help spread awareness, bring communities together, and offer consumers fresh beer.
Brighton Pubs Top Tips:
The Food and Drink Editor at The Argus (the Brighton and Hove area’s local newspaper) hasn’t been quiet about The Urchin. Not only did it get a huge number of votes (second only to ‘None of the Above’ in the ‘Best Food Pub’ category), it received three stars for food in The Argus review, with some criticism over the desserts. Not bad for a pub that has managed to surprise many food critics who thought that pub food was pub food; always good, but never excellent.
Other restaurants in the list include trade only Brighton seafood place Royal Seafood (which specialises in lobster and crab, as you would expect) and the brightly coloured La Cave sur le Quai, which has a slightly more European feel. The latest BRAVO award winners will be celebrated at a pop-up village of restaurants off Brighton seafront on 20th September (brightonseafoodfestival. com). Head chef Phil Vickery here has created a menu of classic and modern pub classics, but with the addition of the finest locally-sourced seafood.
The result is a place where you can enjoy great tasting fish and chips made with paper-thin cod and chips fried in oatmeal, or lobster and crab fillings in the best fishcakes Brighton has to offer. 12 top tips for great seafood in Brighton:. Listed in the Good Beer Guide for 2019 is this very popular and busy pub, known locally for their good value, amazing beer, friendly staff, and a menu that caters to every budget and occasion.
The Urchin
On a rainy winter’s afternoon, the last thing that I feel like doing is carrying my roller bag around an unfamiliar train station looking for a place to change into my work clothes. Sounds like heaven on earth right? One of my colleague, a diehard beer enthusiast, had her eyes on The Urchin for some time and we decided to give it a go. I decided that it was now or never to eat some pub grub without feeling guilty about my waistline, and so we trekked across the city to meet our fate; which led us straight into East Street!.
Meet The Urchin - a gastropub offering much more than you'd expect from a place in Hove. The very humble exterior gives little away; it does try, though with the odd nautical headboard and netting around the bar. As long as you know what to look for – an unassuming faux-Edwardian pub with a kind of tentacled sea creature on the heraldic shield above the door – you'll have no trouble finding this unusual gem.
The interior of this Hove pub is a slick black and white affair, with an elegant yet casual feel. It’s the type of place where you could pop in for a drink at the bar, or sit down for a full meal (which I did). The food is definitely what makes the pub stand out as it is inspired by seafood, but not limited to it – they also offer burgers and sandwiches on the menu.
The beer however, was a real winner. By day, The Urchin is a neighbourhood pub serving contemporary food and great beer. Almost everything is made fresh. Here you can eat well at any hour of the day – brunch, lunchtime snacks or just a quick pint and snack after work. By night, The Urchin becomes a restaurant with a lavishly stocked oyster bar and an open kitchen where they create inventive dishes from fresh produce.
The beers at The Urchin are the kind of real ales you’d expect to find in a posher establishment, but somehow having them at a pub adds to their charm. The food is informed by Seafood Chef/Proprietor Simon Hulstone’s Brighton upbringing and stays generous for those who like their portions large. Pub snacks, proper meals and Sunday lunches all covered with some lovely seafood options. A flagship venue for the Moon Under Water Breweries local to Brighton.
The Chimney House
A good pub’s like a good marriage: if you can find one, you might as well hang onto it. I know what you’re thinking: why a pub when there are so many wonderful examples of English cooking to be found elsewhere? It’s a fair question: there are thousands of excellent restaurants in London that serve food that would make even the most jaded of French chefs sit up and pay attention. But there’s something about The Chimney House that keeps drawing me back again and again, a weariness upon reaching the bottom of another curry house menu, and the comforting sight of its snooker tables on the way home.
The Chimney House is known for its commitment to sourcing high-quality, seasonal ingredients and a chef-driven contemporary approach. Its large menus feature a range of dishes — from a spectacularly long charcuterie list including suckling pig pate, pickled shrimp, and duck liver parfait to a seasonal game specials board on the bar menu. Vegetarians will find much here; they have an enormous vegetable section with lots of interesting veg combinations. The Chimney House is a charming pub with a strong identity, and its popularity with locals is testament to this.
It's an interesting building that has been built around the shell of a much older tavern on the same site. The restaurant has retained as many of the original features as possible, including the clever metalwork, the exposed brickwork and the doorways which have been converted into windows. Good quality food and drink - The pub dominates the corner of a road in an otherwise sleepy area. On the outside of the pub there is a seating area where you can enjoy an afternoon cocktail.
Many of our clients have commented on how much they love the atmosphere and feel of this place both inside and out. It is a real unqiue find, so do be sure to check it out if you are nearby!. The food is based on classic British ingredients, and focuses on the best of seasonal produce and foraged foods. For example, The Chimney House offers the ubiquitous Mid-Winter vegetables such as carrots, swede, and parsnip; however they are also supplemented by flavourful winter greens such as radicchio, nasturtium leaves and watercress.
The Hartington
The Hartington is our neighbourhood local. The decor is pub-like, with well used seats, wooden tables and a food menu to live off. The staff are superbly attentive and knowledgeable about both the food and drinks – really focused on getting your order right, and not rushing you to anything but enjoying your visit. The whole restaurant also exudes relaxing atmosphere that makes you feel at home, pretty much from the moment you walk in.
It’s all done as a testament to old fashioned values of doing good food well. And what better way to showcase the dedication of The Hartington than by providing the finest, freshest ingredients. From fish and meat that are sourced from Billingsgate and Borough Market and reared with care in Norfolk, to their vegetables grown in the kitchen garden at the rear of the pub, each plate is full of flavour and natural goodness. The Hartington has a strong focus on the local community; whether you’re new to the area, or have been around for years, there will be a warm welcome waiting.
We are more than happy to accommodate dietary requirements from customers that can’t eat certain foods – just let us know at time of booking. Our food has been perfected through our extensive research into pub favourites and we are confident that you will love it as much as we do. We’re very excited about the future of The Hartington and the growing neighbourhood around us. The Hartington pub in Callington, Cornwall offers great food, great drinks and great entertainment.
We are pleased to offer a cosy and friendly atmosphere whilst offering you great food in relaxed surroundings. The Chimney House serves a good range of high-quality beers and ciders, with 14 ales regularly on draught and up to 30 available in total. As the pub is part of the Vintage Inns group, these are all paired with a wide choice of wines (around 50), spirits (around 40) and soft drinks’ mixers. For more information call Brighton and Hove Life (brightonandhovelife.co.uk) .
The Black Lion
It’s not difficult for the Black Lion to be so popular. With elbow-to-elbow service, a barmen who can never seem to keep up with demand (but tries), and a couple of bars within the domain itself, it’s a busy pub that can get real hectic at times – especially on Fridays and Saturdays, when the place is rammed with people. Not everyone in Brighton is jubilant enough to go on a weekend trawl around the town or spend Friday night cooped up at home – many want to be out getting drunk with their friends for a good time.
I have often eaten in the Black Lion when visiting Brighton. It might be a pub but it is very flexible in what it offers too. Whether you are eating after a day of shopping or stopping by for some food on your way to party the night away, the Black Lion is a viable option whatever your plans. You can enjoy lunch with friends or old or treat yourself to something special before you hit the town.
The Black Lion, although it has all the makings of a great relaxing place to enjoy a drink, has never really been at the top of my list. I might be missing out on something mind-blowing; maybe Brighton’s best kept secret! When I'm in the mood for a cocktail or two – this pub is not in my top five. This week I decided I am going to change that. The Black Lion is one of Brighton’s pub and venue giants.
Serving alcohol as a pub from its opening in the 1800s, fighting for the right to sell coffee at the turn of the century, and maintaining a strong connection with Brighton since before WWII, The Black Lion is truly an integral part of Brightons history. The Black Lion is a popular pub located in the North Laine area of Brighton. The North Laine area is home to one of the largest concentrations of public houses in Brighton and The Black Lion certainly makes an impression on first access.
The Independent
I was recommended the Independent by a friend who had visited recently. I had heard of the pub before but I'd not been, which is surprising as I'm rather desperate for somewhere decent to drink in my neighborhood. When I arrived it was clear that this is a place that has regulars. The staff were friendly and helpful when describing the beer selection, something they seemed to pride themselves on. Which is fair enough as there's some really nice beers on tap here, especially the more rare offerings from micro breweries.
This pub also does great food, with an emphasis on well cooked steaks and other meals cooked over coals. As well as this they do a good range of cocktails and other drinks, including plenty of interesting ciders and perries. The Independent’s beer offering is a thing of beauty. Regulars, guests and one offs are all sourced by the pub’s superb manager, Greg Elliott. Greg is aided in the promise to never ‘whip it out’ by the pub’s owner Duncan Chapman, a Scottish ex-pat who (perhaps unusually) knows his way around a brewery.
This results in a tap list that rotates at a slower rate than most and shows a willingness to support breweries with smaller outputs whilst maintaining an excellent permanent range. The latter includes beers from ever reliable local heroes like Wild Card, Little Earth and Wylam as well as others from further afar, including Kernel, Siren and Magic Rock. When you walk into The Independent you instantly feel relaxed, a reassurance that carries through to the pub’s offering.
The front bar is predominantly used for dining; with high stools and an open kitchen creating a buzzy and vibrant ambience. Further into the pub you will find 4 further areas, the main bar – where all the ales are kept, a ground floor ‘snug’ boasting its own bar and food offering, and two first floor bars – the ‘COAL FACE’ and ‘Titanic’. The Independent by name implies that this is a pub free of ties to any national brewery.
It’s right in the name! Not only does that mean that it can avoid the standard range of mass produced keg beers and instead focus on a superb selection of its own beers, but also that it can focus on offering a great food menu — and sell those fantastic Sunday roasts that every good pub should be proud to offer. The Black Lion has earned a great reputation over the years as a live music venue as well as one of the best places in Brighton to go for a drink.
The Cricketers
Its position is a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away on Church Road in Preston Park and within easy reach of Preston Park Train Station. The Cricketers is particularly popular with locals, but also attracts interest from those living further afield. The friendly atmosphere coupled with the wide range of drinks available and decent food options keep customers coming back again and again. In fact, it’s quite a unique pub because it brings both of these experiences together.
The Mesmerist
The company I work for has recently moved to Brighton so naturally, when on holiday with my wife I sought out its finest eateries. She researched five restaurants and we discussed the menus over a meal and a bottle of red at Great Western Tavern (the excellent choice of restaurant/bar located opposite The Lanes). I had been waiting for an excuse to dine at The Mesmerist as I have heard many great things about it from colleagues in the past.
The first dish which came to the table was their House Garlic Bread (£4. 00). It was hot, soft on the inside with a slight hold to it, and had a baguette like consistency. It was also topped with garlic butter and parsley so there was. Food can be described as one of the most important factors to any venue and this is no less true at Brighton’s The Mesmerist, where delicious food is available throughout the day.
Ranging from breakfast to dinner, The Mesmerist serves up a wide array of tantalising dishes perfect for every occasion. For those wanting to tuck into something hearty and tasty, try their classic meat or vegetarian breakfast, pancakes or waffles. However, for those wanting a healthier start to their day then there are lots of options on offer such as porridge, fruit and yoghurt with honey or granola. A bar hidden down a small alleyway in The Lanes, The Mesmerist has to be one of my Brighton favourites.
The West Hill
"A bit of a council estate. " That’s how I would describe the West Hill Tavern. A typical corner pub that you might stumble upon after wandering around lost in some city. Except, in this case, the city is Brighton and this place doesn’t have to try hard at all to look cool - it's already achieved it by simply existing. The West Hill Tavern is as local as they come. And not only is it a well-loved part of Brighton culture, but it also serves one of the best pint of bitters in town (just ask anyone with taste buds).
The West Hill in Brighton has a special place in my heart – it’s where I celebrated my first birthday. Overwhelmed by the prospect of eating out at an Indian restaurant, my parents took me to this adorable pub tucked away on West Hill Drive. Its location in between the University of Sussex and Brighton & Hove bus station made it a popular stop for students and public transit commuters. Upstairs, the pub hosts board game tournaments and has a projector screen at one end for gaming or watching sports.
Downstairs, there is a large games area and several rooms reserved for private functions. Both upstairs and downstairs feature regularly changing beer lists and daily specials. The West Hill Tavern offers a happy hour on drinks between 5-6pm and 7-8pm every day. Not far from the train station, The West Hill stands menacingly over Brighton like it is ready to swallow up unsuspecting travellers who stray into the city. The perfect location for a punk gig or anarchist squat, the mural on the side of this pub is something that has been etched into the minds of many a weary traveller.
Go in at the weekend and you'll find live comedy nights, bingo sessions and quiz nights – not that you need any excuse to visit if you're a Brighton resident. The West Hill Tavern is an excellent place for meeting friends for a drink and some casual conversation (the beer garden is pretty nice in summer too). Boasting a wooden interior, cosy booths and unique light fixtures, The Mesmerist feels intimate and private. Serving an array of cocktails that will please anyone (and can definitely put hair on your chest if you know what I mean), The Mesmerist is a must-visit for any adventurous drinkers out there.
The Ladies Mile
This pub’s name comes from its location – The Ladies Mile is a little village outside of Brighton which was once home to many pretty little cottages for the city’s wealthier residents. The pub is in walking distance from Brighton main line train station and the bus stop on Old Shoreham Road, so it’s easy to get to if you happen to be staying in the city centre and don’t want to go far for a pint or some food.
There are both indoor and outdoor seating areas which are great for alfresco dining during the warmer months. The Ladies Mile is run by the same team behind the well-known and popular Bear & a Basket pub. It is conveniently situated on the outskirts of Brighton just off the A27 and offers a great area for kids to play in an enclosed garden area. There's a good selection of drinks, although you'll have to bring your own food if you want to eat here (they do however provide a cot and highchair facilities).
The pub itself has a strong community feel and has been a mainstay on the Ladies Mile since the late 1800s. It has an arrangement with local brewery, The Lost Abbey, which allows exclusivity to serve beers otherwise only available from the brewery tap in Brighton. This might not sound as exciting for out-of-towners but if you live in the area or are a local then it’s worth looking into. Good pizza, good beer, great atmosphere – that’s what you get at The Ladies Mile in Patcham.
Brighton Beer Dispensary
The first time I went to the Beer Dispensary at home last year, it was a welcome relief from the standard bar scene. Its decor was much less common pub than it was an English manor house. This creates a great atmosphere with alcoves and a cosy fireplace right in the middle of the room. There is also a lot of tables which you will need when the place gets busy, as it does on most evenings.
Although perhaps this isn’t that surprising considering they have around 180 different bottled beers from around the world. It’s been a while since I had a reason to head out to the London Road area of Brighton, my local area of Hove usually provides all I need. The thing is, this was a special occasion made better when I discovered an excellent new pub. The Brighton Beer Dispensary is just off Western Road in Kemp Town.
It’s unassuming from the outside and you could be forgiven for missing it among the many other pubs along this busy road. You’d certainly want to remedy that mistake as soon as possible if you let it slip by. In the often stuffy world of beer appreciation Brighton Beer Dispensary has a refreshingly friendly approach. The pub contains six pumps offering a carefully curated selection of real ales, ciders and perries. There are regular guest beers and often one-off brews on offer too.
The knowledgeable staff can talk you through their favourites and offer sample tastes if you're not sure where to start. You can expect to see the locals enjoying a drink and Italian snack with families and friendship groups alike assembling for a large round table. The Ladies Mile is the perfect place to come and relax with family and friends. The staff are always friendly and willing to help, the menu is affordable and there are lots of events running throughout the year.
The Mash Tun
The Mash Tun is a good example of a well thought out venue that has been designed to appeal. Although it still retains the classic features of a pub - exposed brickwork, bare wooden floors and dim lighting, there are plenty of more up to date touches on display too. The more quirky design features include patterned wallpaper, hanging lights in the shape of old fashioned lamps and rustic, wooden coat hangers. Their cocktail menu is extensive and tempting (you can even add bubbles to your ‘Mash Brew’ cider for an extra £2!) There is also a decent selection of wines, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks available too.
It’s worth noting that they have recently introduced brunch on Sundays –. The Mash Tun is a relatively new pub in Brighton, although it has been around for several years. As you walk in, you’re greeted by a long bar area which stretches to the left and right. The central bar area offers more table seating, with a mixture of high and low stools. There is also a pool table that can be found under the stairs and an outdoor seating area at the front.
The decor is clean and modern, with wooden flooring throughout. The name ‘The Mash Tun’ comes from the piece of kit that was used to make beer before the invention of the modern day brewery. The place is big enough to keep you entertained without being too overwhelming. There's a lot going on to keep your attention, from beer froth spilling out of the mash tun in the centre of the pub, to the copper clad bar which stands out against the red painted walls and dark wood furnishings.
The Mash Tun should be a regular stop off for anyone walking from Kemptown through to West Street towards the seafront. With such an impressive selection of beers it is evident why The Mash Tun continues to be a firm favourite for many. With a knowledgeable team on hand, there is always someone available to recommend the perfect brew from their wide selection. The pub hosts regular events such as their “Ales Of The World” night every Wednesday where guests are encouraged to pop in and try something new.
The Mash Tun is right in the centre of the bustling New Road in Brighton. The whole area is full of life in the summer, from drummers, live music and open air bars. You could spend a day here soaking up the sun while sipping craft beer or cocktails. One of the best things about The Mash Tun is that it does not just serve drinks to get you (and your friends) drunk. They have a wide range of food available, which mean you can get up out of your seat and actually move around the pub.
Ginger Pig
If you have never been to The Ginger Pig then, you are definitely missing out. It’s a place where you can always enjoy good food and drink with friends while enjoying the atmosphere of the best pub in Brighton and Hove . The menu changes seasonally, so there’s always something new on offer but even the classics haven’t been forgotten. If you like steak then this is definitely the place for you. Tender steaks are served with one of the sides from their menu which I find the most amazing selection.
From crispy duck pancakes to smoked pork belly it seems like they put any type of meat imaginable into a delicious dish. Like most well known restaurants, The Ginger Pig in Brighton is a little pricey but it. Oh look, The Ginger Pig is on the list again. It really deserves all the praise it gets. Brighton has a wealth of pubs to choose from but nothing compares to The Ginger Pig in terms of quality.
Brighton Bierhaus
For those who love their beer, the opening of The Bierhaus, right next to Brighton’s oldest pub means that there is more choice than ever before. That's just as well, with beer drinking set to increase by nearly 60% over the next five years, according to new research from Mintel. Craft beers are becoming so popular that a third of British drinkers say they enjoy trying out new flavours and brands. The award-winning craft brewery has stepped in to save the site, that has housed a pub since 1830, and a slice of Brighton history to boot.
Owner Craig Burfoot will also be behind the microbrewery taps, under licence from Brighton Brewery Company, and is promising to bring back the historic name 'The Bierhaus'for one of the pub's three bars. The site of the former North Laine Tavern, famed haunt of writers and artists around the Brighton area for over 200 years, has been torn down and an abandoned building next door will be demolished to make way for a large supermarket.
The Lion and Lobster
The Lion and Lobster may be situated right in the heart of the city but they like to think of it as a country pub. This is one of their slogans and a few of these are plastered around the place. It helps to reinforce that cosy image, along with the worn in ruggedness of the place and the old fashioned bench seating. The decoration is all very patriotic, there are framed images of old Brighton and news cuttings about Brighton, including a wonderful one from when The Rolling Stones played at the Colosseum, when apparently there was such a crush to get into it that fans were trying to climb onto each other's shoulders and turn up by other means! It sums up Brighton somehow perfectly really; our slightly anarch.
It doesn’t fit easily into any one genre. Arty, alternative types will find lots to like, but it is also popular with students and sports fans. Visiting the Lion and Lobster isn’t just about visiting a bar though; it is almost an entertainment experience. With regular live music, comedy nights, open mic nights, poetry slams, and a vast array of other events taking place there each week, along with a varied drinks menu, The Lion and Lobster can cover all your entertainment needs under one roof.
The funky hipster roast menu at this Brighton gem really is excellent. All their roast dinners come with some kind of amazing sauce or gravy. They have a full vegetarian menu, but also the carnivorous among us will not be disappointed by anything on the roasts list. From roasts of duck and chicken to beef rib and venison, The Lion and Lobster also offer some Asian inspired dishes like Massaman Curry and satay skewers for their roast dinner patrons.
The Lion and Lobster is located in a backstreet off the main drag in North Laine. The pub has a quirky feel to it that will make you want to take a few pictures of the interior. I like to think that the inspiration for this comes from above with many religious icons on display, including several crucifixes, a couple of old mannequins holding candles, and numerous figurines donated by local artists. There are many pubs that offer the traditional roast of the day.
However, when this is a good pub, they do it well and turn a simple meal into something that is quite special. The Lion and Lobster has a great reputation for its roasts, and I wanted to see if it was as good as some were making it out to be. A buzzy, very popular pub in Brighton that has the top-notch craft beers that are becoming increasingly popular in Brighton. The Lion and Lobster offers a great rosta of beers from near and far to keep the locals happy, with some great choices on specific gravity from 5%-8%.
The Hop Poles
In 2015, The Hop Poles is celebrating over 40 years in the heart of Brighton's North Laine. While many of the pubs down the road have been forced to struggle back from bad losses brought on by the property developers, The Hop Poles still stands strong and resolute as a true bohemian Brighton pub. It seems that The Hop Poles has achieved to stay much the same throughout its long history and to this day remains an example of what can be achieved through respecting one's roots and giving life to your community.
The Hop Poles is a modern cool pub near London Road and is a welcomed addition to the area. The main dining room of the pub used to be the pool room back in the day but has been revelled into an unusual bright space with a clean feel. It's full of concrete spaces and quirky things on the wall that you would expect from a Brighton designers'vision of a pub. There are also French windows that open up onto one of those big lovely brick paved courtyards.
It is the breathtaking view over the beach that really sets this place apart from the crowd. Even on a wet day, when everything appears grey on grey, there seems to be something beautiful and captivating about the view from The Hop Poles. Even if you have no interest in drinking there, it can be worth popping into The Hop Poles for an afternoon drink just to experience their panoramic views over Brighton beach. The Hop Poles is a great pub.
In addition to the decor and atmosphere, the staff are also fantastic. However, it is perhaps the food offering that I have come to really appreciate at The Hop Poles. The menu at The Hop Poles is made up of some original pub favourites like fish and chips, but also has some really creative and delicious specials. The Hop Poles pub is located in the superb North Laines district of Brighton, a location which has become a haven for the uber creative.
Spread over three floors, the pub has a recognizable arty feel to it that also manages to retain a relaxed and chilled out ambiance with its well-worn leather sofas and boutique dcor. With its cool blue graphics and interesting branding, The Hop Poles have their logo and menu painted on the outside of the pub, creating a bold statement to drive you in. I have to say that as soon as I spotted this pub on the beaten track along Western Road, I was smitten by it's visual style.
