Top ten pubs to visit in Brighton

A photo of the upper facade of the King and Queen pub in Brighton, which shows very old looking wooden sculptures of a king and queen in relief against a tudor style gable roof.

Brighton has a good number of pubs, and there's a good chance there is a pub or bar somewhere in Brighton that has just the kind of atmosphere you love. Of course you don't need to drink alcohol to enjoy them, and many people don't.

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Did you know that there are so many pubs in Brighton and Hove that you could drink in a different once each day of the year and still have some left that you haven’t visited?

So how are you supposed to know which ones to go to?

Here is our quick guide from the team at ELC Brighton to some of our favourite places to have a drink when you are taking an English course in Brighton

The Bee’s Mouth – 10 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1AE

The Bee’s Mouth is a cute, quirky little pub just along Western Road. You can smell the burning incense as you step into its dark exterior. Do not be put off – this is a fantastic little pub that serves some great beers. They also have live music and a life drawing class on a Tuesday evening.

Lion and Lobster – 24 Sillwood Street, Brighton, BN1 2PS

The Lion and Lobster is a favourite for many locals. It is spread over three floors with a lovely open seating area on the first and second floors. They do fantastic food – be sure to check out the specials board for some great dishes. It is open late.

Good Companions – 132 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 3TE

Heading out of the city centre, in the area of Brighton known as Seven Dials, you can find the Good Companions pub on Dyke Road. It is just a ten-minute walk from Brighton station but you need to climb a big hill so be prepared! Recently refurbished, this pub has a large seating area inside and a lovely decked courtyard outside so there’s plenty of room for everyone. Check out the handmade sausage roll and pork scratchings bar snacks.

The Cricketers – 15 Black Lion Street, Brighton, BN1 1ND

The Cricketers is the oldest pub in Brighton. A pub has been on this site since 1547 and it is still going strong. It was named after the famous author Grahame Green, who used to drink here. It is very traditional inside and definitely worth popping in for a drink. Get there early on a Friday or Saturday evening as it fills up quickly.

Mash Tun – 1 Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UE

This pub is a favourite of students from Brighton’s two universities. They have regular theme nights, food, music and a large outside seating area on Church Street, which is a great place to sit and watch the world go by. It’s a good place to meet new people and chat to some locals.

Hobgoblin – 31 York Place, Brighton, BN1 4GU

Away from the centre of Brighton on your way towards Preston Park, you might stumble across this unassuming pub as you approach London Road. Famous for its “Troll Pantry” burgers, it is definitely worth a visit. They often have live music inside and, as one of Brighton Festival’s official venues, you might even be able to catch a show (there may be a charge for shows, but they will tell you on the door). There is a huge decked outside area to enjoy the Brighton sunshine. If you are in the area, be sure to pop in.

The Basketmakers – 12 Gloucester Road, Brighton, BN1 4AD

The Basketmakers is a cute, cosy pub located in the North Laine area of Brighton. If you are interested in trying some real British ales, be sure to visit. It is also a brilliant place for a Sunday Roast.

The Temple Bar – 121 Western Road, Brighton, BN1 4AD

The Temple Bar has been recently refitted and opened to huge success and popularity with customers young and old. They have teamed up with the fantastic Curry Leaf Café to offer some amazing and very affordable curry dishes which you can wash down with a variety of ales, wines and soft drinks. Hugely popular, this place can fill up fast, especially on a sunny day when you will find its clientele soaking up the rays outside.

Mesmerist – 1-5 Prince Albert Street, Brighton, BN1 1HE

The Mesmerist is a busy, buzzing, 1930s gin-palace inspired pub with regular live music, burlesque and DJs. Be prepared for huge crowds and happy faces. They specialise in swing music so it is a great place to go for something a little different. Hugely busy on a Friday and Saturday night, be sure to take your ID as they always check on the door.

North Laine Brewhouse – 27 Gloucester Place, Brighton, BN1 4AA

This pub is huge with lots of space for you and your friends. Not only that but it is a microbrewery so brews its own beer. They are very proud of their product and the bar staff are pretty knowledgeable so be sure to pick their brains if you are interested in the brew.