‘Ahhhhh’: the sound of a refreshing pint. There’s naught more satisfying than sipping on a cold one after a day’s work while taking in a balmy summer’s evening with friends, or nestling into a cosy corner in the colder months. Brighton’s got plenty of options for both – and has pubs stretching from either side of the outskirts with plenty tucked away in the laines in between. Here’s a handy guide to our favourite watering holes for pints, spirits and softs. Nostrovia! Sláinte! Cheers!
Brighton is overloaded with amazing pubs. So we've made it easier for you and selected our favourites.
Lion and Lobster
The Lion and Lobster is our number one, and like all good pubs it’s hard to say why exactly. It could be the multiple roaring fireplaces. It could be the various pictures scattered around the interior, or the many nooks and corners ripe for nesting in. Perhaps it’s the friendly staff, or the delicious pizzas. Maybe it’s the rooftop terrace? It’s probably a combination of all of these, but most of all it’s that most difficult of things to nail down: the je ne sais quoi factor. The Lion and Lobster has it in spades, and we’ll never tire of it.
Image Credit: Lion and Lobster
The Lion and Lobster can be found at 24 Sillwood Street, BN1 2PS.
Good Companions
The other ingredient for a good boozer is who you choose to booze with. Good Companions knows this, and sets itself apart by being one of the most welcoming pubs in the area. Located in Seven Dials, it draws a good mix of regulars and returning-home visitors, and the large, heated outdoor area is a fine spot to while away the time with friends old and new. Add to that a selection of locally sourced meals and local Sussex ales, and you’ve got a pretty perfect pub on your hands.
Image Credit: Good Companions
Good Companions can be found at 132 Dyke Road, BN1 3TE.
Mash Tun
Another pub with a consistently great atmosphere, the Mash Tun is an iconic Brighton hotspot. It’s located on the pedestrianised New Road in the heart of the city, meaning it’s a perfect spot for watching the world go by, and you’ll rarely see an empty seat out front. The atmosphere is lively, it’s close to pretty much everything and it’s a firm favourite for Brighton-ites. For a much-needed thirst-quencher you can’t really beat the Mash Tun.
Image Credit: Mash Tun
The Mash Tun can be found at 1 Church Street, BN1 1UE.
The Basketmakers
On a sunny afternoon, the crowd spilling out of The Basketmakers is enough to make any passerby turn their head and look enviously at the merrymakers. If you’re not going to beat them, you might as well join them. With your hands around a cold one, you can reflect on the day’s events safe in the knowledge that you’ve stumbled across one of the city’s favourite pubs. It’s ideal for taking a break from scouring the North Laines for bargains, and the food is hearty and affordable.
Image Credit: The Basketmakers
The Basketmakers can be found at 12 Gloucester Road, BN1 4AD.
The Sidewinder
Located slap bang in the middle of the irrepressible Kemptown area, The Sindwinder is as adept at providing a sun trap for afternoon pint-ing as it is for encouraging some serious shape-throwing at the weekend. Add to that a fully stocked Bloody Mary station, one of the finest roasts around, and the notorious Bottomless Brunches every Saturday, and you’ve got the ideal pub for bookending your weekend.
The Sidewinder can be found at 65 St James' Street, BN2 1JN.