The Best Pubs
in
Brighton

Tucked away on Queens Road, The Hope & Ruin is a true grassroots music venue that pulses with live gigs, DJ sets, and art happenings most nights of the week. The bar serves up a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, all plant-based to pair perfectly with the legendary vegan fast food from Beelzebab’s caravan in the corner. It’s dog-friendly, welcoming to groups, and always buzzing with an authentic energy that makes every visit feel like a proper night out.

Head straight to The Urchin Brewery & Shellfish Pub, where the dockyard spirit is alive and well with simple, fresh shellfish and handcrafted beer brewed right in the basement. Their menu shines with generous portions of lobster, oysters, and scallops, all perfectly matched with a carefully selected wine list or a pint of their own Larrikin brews. With a covered, heated beer garden open year round and a dog friendly bar, it’s the ideal spot for groups to gather any day of the week.

Step into The Basketmakers Arms, an award winning traditional pub that feels like a cosy retreat from the bustle of the North Laine. Behind the bar, you’ll find pristinely kept cask ales, ice cold beers, and a perfectly formed wine list, all best enjoyed with their legendary freshly caught seafood or a succulent Sunday roast. With live music, outdoor seating, and a warm welcome for dogs and groups, this bustling local institution is the perfect spot to settle in for a proper pint and top notch food.

Discover the Walrus, a wonderfully eccentric pub tucked just moments from the seafront with four floors of surprises waiting to be explored. From a hidden roof garden to the Carpenter's Cocktail Lounge, every winding passageway and eclectically decorated room invites you to settle in with a pint, a glass of wine, or a expertly mixed cocktail. It’s a fantastic spot for groups, dogs are always welcome, and with live music and outdoor seating, you’ll find the perfect nook for any occasion.

Nestled in the heart of the city, The Lion & Lobster is a historic gem spread across three characterful floors, from a cosy pub and elegant restaurant to a hidden rooftop terrace. They serve up mouth watering food, including a legendary Sunday roast, alongside a superb selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. With live music, outdoor seating, and a warm welcome for dogs and groups, this beloved local is the perfect spot for any occasion.

Down a little lane, The Font is a magnificent old converted church that perfectly blends history with a lively modern pub spirit. Inside, original curved seating faces a huge sport screen and a stage for live music, making it a brilliant spot for groups to catch a game or enjoy a night out. The drinks selection is fantastic, with beer, wine, and cocktails on offer, and the friendly, efficient service keeps everything running smoothly. Whether you’re popping in for a retro snakebite and black or just a fun nightcap, this beloved old haunt is well worth a visit.

For a proper slice of old school pub charm, The Cricketers is an absolute gem. As the city's oldest pub, it serves up a fantastic selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, with a lively outdoor area perfect for soaking up the buzz after a day out. The Sunday roasts are gorgeous, the live music keeps things energetic, and the whole place is wonderfully welcoming to dogs and large groups alike. It’s the kind of spot you stumble upon once and then make your regular go to for a top notch pint and a great time.

Just off the Lanes, The Sussex is a cracking traditional pub that’s all about good times and great drinks, from fine ales and craft beers to cocktails and wine. The beer garden is perfect for sunny afternoons, while the regular live music keeps things lively, and the whole place is wonderfully dog friendly and ideal for groups. Whether you’re popping in for a pint or settling in for a proper feast, this charming spot delivers a warm welcome every single time.

With its playful, eclectic spirit and welcoming vibe, The Joker is the perfect spot for a proper night out, whether you're after award winning fried chicken, a cocktail masterclass, or a lively session of live music. The pub’s three distinct upstairs rooms (including a stage, bar, and pool room) make it an absolute gem for parties and weddings, while the covered outdoor terrace offers a cosy retreat whatever the weather. Dogs are welcomed with open arms, and the beer buckets, non alcoholic options, and consistently brilliant food keep everyone coming back for more.

The Open House is a brilliant modern pub with a fantastic big garden, offering plenty of tucked away seating for groups of any size. The menu is full of hearty, generous portions, from classic pub grub to a surprisingly vibrant super food salad, all at prices that feel like a steal. With a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a dog friendly policy and a cheeky over 18s rule, it’s a proper hidden gem for a lively, laid back lunch or a sunny afternoon with friends.