The 6 best pubs for Tier 2 drinking in Brighton
I’m sure I’m not the only Brightonian who’s seen their December plans shift. I was looking forward to seeing friends and relaxing with a pint or seven in front of a warm open fire. Christmas may be rubbish this year, but at least we had the pub back.
But we still do! As long as you’re happy to sit outside and eat a substantial meal. Luckily for us, Brighton isn’t short on establishments serving up delicious things to consume, and plenty of them have already made improvements to their outside spaces so we don’t all get lash-induced frostbite.
If it’s been a while since you’ve ventured out, and you’re planning a day out by the seaside, here are my top six picks for Tier 2 drinking in Brighton.
1) The Open House
A favourite for locals, you’ll find this beauty just off London Road, along with an expansive beer garden and plenty of mouth-watering dishes to choose from.
Strongly recommend you grab a couple of boards for your group so you can graze on the hummus, guac, flatbreads, olives, falafels, pakoras and more while you drink your way through Saturday. Throw in a baked camembert if you’re feeling greedy. Just lovely.
2) Easy Tiger @ The Hampton
A relatively recent addition to the Brighton food scene, this cosy spot just off the hectic Western Road offers up some of the finest pub food in Brighton.
The team behind The Pond (also excellent) snapped up this place a few years back, turning what was a bland backroad pub into a foodies’ dream. Their top-notch selection of craft beers and incredible street Indian food — the Keralin Fried Chicken is the ultimate bar snack — will keep you warm this festive season, and their newly-fitted garden tent means you can head there with mates, grab a seat outside and still stay dry.
3) Royal Sovereign
Indigo Pubs run some of the most popular bars in the city — Seven Stars, William the Fourth and Temple Bar, to name a few. All are great choices, but in the new world of Tier 2 drinking, they’re lacking something important — outside space.
Take a look at The Sovereign on Preston Street instead. They have a small beer garden out back, complete with heated booths, and you’ll always find a decent selection of beers, wines and spirits to choose from. Food-wise, their in-house Thai kitchen will rustle you up a delicious substantial meal in no time.
4) Block.
Over on St James Street, you’ll find the sleek and stylish Block. If you’re looking for as close as you can get to a night out at the moment, this is the one for you — there’s always house or techno music on to shrug along to, and most weekends they’ll have DJs to entertain you while you devour your cocktails and tacos.
Join them on their December reopening weekend from 2pm to 10pm for their Winter Garden Party — a socially distant celebration of being allowed out again. Wrap up warm though!
5) The Sidewinder
You’ll find this gem deep in Kemptown, with arguably the biggest and best garden in the city. We’re talking plenty of space, heated booths and a cover overhead — the dream!
In the past, they even used to have an N64 to play, although not sure how COVID secure that’ll be. Probably best to just focus on the beer-battered fish and chips and smashing beer selection instead.
6) The Hop Poles
Hidden away in the lanes and just off the seafront, this Brighton institution is loved for its retro interior and top-notch atmosphere. A favourite for post-work drinks and weekend antics alike.
Their outside area has had a refit too, so now you’ll find heated tables and a toasty tent to keep you warm throughout the season. They offer up a small but perfectly formed menu where you’ll find reasonably priced burgers, fish and pasta dishes. Something for everyone.
I’ll admit, it was tricky narrowing this down to six pubs, but others that nearly made the grade include:
- The Walrus and the Lion & Lobster
- The Windmill
- Hobgoblin
- Mrs Fitzherbert’s and the Mash Tun
- Battle of Trafalgar
- Prestonville Arms
- Good Companions and the Hare & Hounds
There’s obviously buckets of awesome pubs and bars here that aren’t lucky enough to have outside space—Brighton Beer Dispensary, The Basketmakers Arms, The Plotting Parlour and The Craft all come to mind. Hopefully they’ll still be around whenever we get to the other side of this.
Have I missed anyone out who should be on here? Let me know!
Luke is a Brighton-based technology recruiter. He likes eating too much, drinking just the right amount and working in PJs. Aside from here, you’ll find him on LinkedIn and Twitter.
