THE BEST PUBS IN BRIGHTON FOR 2023
Let’s not beat around the bush here, Brighton has A LOT of pubs – and we’ve still not been to all of them.
In our experience, all of the ones we have visited so far have been pretty great in their own way but, as with anything, some definitely have the edge over others.
Whether it be a pub with a rotating doll’s head embedded in its bar, or another which rivals board game cafés for its range of choices, here are our six top pubs for 2023.
Plus, as a side note, each of them is dog-friendly, which just makes them that much better (obviously!).
1. The Fox on the Downs
If you are looking for a pub with a fantastic atmosphere and an even better carvery, then you’ll love the Fox on the Downs. More dog-friendly than most pubs we have visited, you can always expect a warm welcome here.
Located near Brighton Hospital and the Brighton racecourse, the pub has a beer garden which offers stunning views right the way across the South Downs.
It also has a wide selection of lager and cider choices but is slightly limited when it comes to cask ale. An all-round great pub, and well worth a visit.
2. The Watchmaker’s Arms
One of the most welcoming pubs and dog-friendly pubs we have come across, The Watchmaker’s Arms is a microbrewery which is anything but micro.
Located near Hove Station, just down the road from the aptly named The Station pub, the Watchmaker’s is the definition of quaint and homely. It is rather small in size but has a fantastic selection of ales and lagers to choose from – many of which with an ABV of 5% or higher.
If you’ve ever seen the TV sitcom Cheers!, then that’s the kind of atmosphere you can expect to receive from the bar staff and visitors alike. It also has a plethora of interesting things to look at, and lives up to its name with a HUGE selection of watches and clocks on one of its walls. Well worth a visit if you’re in the area. We loved it.
3. George Street Tap
If you’ve ever been to George Street in Hove, then you will most likely have come across the George Street Tap. This pub is self-promoted as ‘probably the best pub in Brighton’, poking fun at one of Carlsberg’s well-known slogans.
All jokes aside though, it actually probably is one of the best pubs you can find in Brighton – it’s definitely the best in the Hove area of the city by some way. Its décor is second to none, and it has a fantastic range of beers, ciders and food to choose from. It’s also got a brilliant beer garden and is one of the best places to watch sports or drink flavoured gins from its ‘ginventory’.
Not as dog-friendly as others, but one of our favourite places to kick back, relax and watch the world go by. It’s also handily located near a load of high-street shops, so you can get your shopping done then pick up a few bevvies as a reward.
4. The Battle of Trafalgar
Without meaning to cause any offence, many of Brighton’s pubs tend to look quite similar in terms of décor, very much influenced by the younger generation – I’m of course talking about fairy lights, bright colours and a fairly modern interior.
While The Battle of Trafalgar still has some of those things, the building the pub is based in gives it a unique feel and character that makes it really stand out. Located fairly close to Brighton train station, the atmosphere there is fantastic and it feels similar to some older, more traditional London pubs.
If you’re after a younger vibe, it might not be the best fit for you. But, if you’re looking for a pub you can sit in for hours and watch the world go by – somewhere that feels as relaxed as sitting in your own living room – then The Battle of Trafalgar is a great choice.
5. The Bee’s Mouth
The definition of weird and wonderful, The Bee’s Mouth on Western Road is a must-visit for its gothic architecture alone.
Featuring a cinema which offers a wide variety of quirky film choices, a bar with a rotating doll’s head à la Sid from Toy Story, and saxophone-converged lighting, The Bee’s Mouth really does need to be seen to be believed.
We also have no idea why it got its name, as there didn’t seem to be anything bee-related in there, so I guess that’s just a part of its quirky charm.
6. The Robin Hood
It may not rank as highly as some of the other pubs we’ve visited, but The Robin Hood is fast becoming the pub we visit the most. With a great range of lagers, the pub’s choice of ales and ciders is fairly limited unfortunately, but it makes up for it with some of the friendliest bar staff you’ll ever meet.
Oh, and it has a TON of board games too. It’s the perfect place to spend your morning, afternoon, evening, or all three – it’s honestly that good. It also gets the big screen out during big sporting events and has some of the comfiest seating options you will find in Brighton.
A firm favourite and well worth a visit. Although we hope it doesn’t get too popular, otherwise there’ll be no board games left for us!
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Brighton-based beer connoisseur (try saying that after a couple of pints!), you’re on the right website. Keep your eyes peeled on our Brighton and Hove page for our recent pub visits, where we give you the low down on what to expect.
Alternatively, why not give our interactive quiz a go to find out which pub in Brighton you should visit next?
