Where to Drink in Brighton
You might remember, a few years ago we wrote a blog post about the best pubs in Brighton. Well, with BrightonSEO coming up, we got to thinking about where we’ll be going for a bev (or two) post conference. Of course, it goes without saying that we’ll be attending the after-party held on Brighton Pier at Horatios Bar. But what about other watering holes to continue the after-after party? Here are our favourite pubs and bars to wind down in Brighton after the conference.
Check them out below (we’ve also added them to the map here:
Best for Outdoor Spaces
Within stumbling distance of the Brighton Dome (former BrightonSEO venue), The Mash Tun and Waggon and Horses are always popular among conference guests. For those who like to have a little boogie after a few drinks, head to the Mash Tun! Any time after 10pm you can expect the music to creep up and the pub to turn into a dancefloor with dancing on the tables encouraged. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quieter to talk to clients or prospects, the Waggon is your best bet.
Likely to be a popular choice for the BrightonSEO crowd, the Black Lion has a good sized heated and covered beer garden. With DJ’s playing later on in the evening it’s another great pub for those who’ve brought their dancing shoes with them.
Best for Cocktails
Oki-Nami is a cosy bar above a Japanese restaurant on New Road, round the corner from the Mash Tun & the Waggon and Horses, Oki-Nami has an extensive cocktail menu as well as a terrace with views over the pavilion gardens from which to watch the world go by. Happy hour is between 5-9pm on weekdays and you can get a selection of drinks at £5 or less.
Not a pub as such but if you enjoy a bit of ‘quirk’ then you need to check this place out while you’re in Brighton! Based on the concept of prohibition in the United States during the 1920’s, there’s actually no alcohol on their premises. Instead, to drink here you’ll need to bring your own alcohol. Turn up armed with your spirit of choice and BYOC’s resident mixologists will create the ultimate cocktail just for you.
Best Pubs for Music
Ask any Brighton local and they’ll tell you how it’s a struggle to walk past The Mesmerist without feeling lured in by the incredible atmosphere and lively music. A less than 10-minute walk from the Brighton Centre, this fun pub with outlandish, retro décor offers a variety of live music performances throughout the week. Plus, a lesser known fact about this pub is that it also has a secluded roof terrace, known as ‘The Luna Deck’ which has its very own cocktail bar.
Describing itself as ‘a temple to Brighton’s vinyl culture’, Dead Wax Social is in the heart of the north laines. It’s completely anti-digital music and the only music you’ll hear is spun from a record player. If you want to bring along your favourite record you will also get the chance to play it! With a range of craft beer and tasty pizzas, it’s highly recommended.
The Green Door Store is a live music venue hidden away underneath Brighton Station. Most club nights here are free entry and they’ll often host gigs beforehand. It’s hands down one of the best venues in town and a great quirky place to listen to the best local bands and have a dance afterwards.
Best Pubs for Food
The Pond is a fantastic little pub close to the station. With a wide range of craft beers and food from the Street Diner, you can’t go wrong. Baby Bao are regulars, serving Taiwanese street food in the form of steamed buns. It’s not to be missed.
Specialising in all things smoked, the Little Blue Smokehouse at the Hare and Hounds is the perfect option for anyone feeling a little peckish. Find out more about The Little Blue Smokehouse in our Guide to Eating in Brighton or by looking at the current menu here. Aside from the great food, the Hare and Hounds also has a wide range of craft beers & lagers. For those suffering from a hangover their brunch menu and Bloody Mary’s will sort you right out!
Best Pubs for Craft Beer
Home of Brighton Bier, the BierHaus is a great little place, just outside the centre of town on Edward Street. Very reasonably priced and with a great atmosphere, find out what’s being poured right now here.
BrewDog is a great place to go if craft beer is your thing. Located a short distance from the Royal Pavilion on the corner of Marlbrough Place and Kingswood Street, the pub has over 25 taps including BrewDog classics alongside guests spots from the likes of Brighton Bier, Beavertown and Magic Rock.
A small pub tucked away down a sidestreet off Western Road in the heart of Brighton, the Beer Dispensary has a great range of beers and their roasts are to die for. For those looking for somewhere a little more chilled out on a Friday night, this pub is for you.
A massive pub dedicated to local beers; the North Laine Brewery is perfect for large groups who want to try out the best beer’s Brighton has to offer. Open till 2.30pm at the weekend, again it’s a good one for those with their dancing shoes as the night goes on.
The Evening Star
Tucked away in a street close to the train station, we couldn’t not mention The Evening Star when it comes to the best pubs for craft beer. Back in the day, one of the first UK breweries to start producing hoppy, US-style beers (Dark Star Brewing) came to fruition in this very pub cellar. Be wary though, if there’s a large group of you it’s fairly limited for space and chairs!
We hope you find this useful and that you enjoy your BrightonSEO weekend!
If there is anywhere you feel should be on the list, let us know in the comments below.