The 25 best pubs in Brighton and Hove (according to readers)

There are few places where this is more true than in Brighton and Hove, where each street seems to hide a new, world class boozer.

A choice of delicious tipples and a menu filled with fantastic food are often a given, but the city's pubs are so much more than that.

From a place where friends can hold the world to rights to offering a comfy seat for 90 minutes of tension as Albion take to the field - pubs mean something slightly different to each person.

And everyone has their favourite.

So, to celebrate the dedicated drinking holes of Brighton and Hove, we asked Argus reader which site they had missed the most in recent months, and why?

Here is what you said:

Regency Tavern

1. The Regency Tavern

Green councillor Tom Druitt said there were "so many" pubs he missed in the city, but the Regency Tavern topped the list.

He said: "The Regency Tavern is a wonderful pub... the decor, the colours, the piano, the atmosphere, the bar staff, the ale selection and the punters... it's a real gem."

2. Ancient Mariner

The Ancient Mariner is a small community pub in Rutland Road, Hove.

Owners say it has "something to offer everyone" with a fireplace and plenty of cosy nooks and crannies to settle down to enjoy "some of the best pub food in Hove".

3. The Exchange

Another Hove site here, The Exchange in Goldstone Street caters to all drinkers with a wide range of locally crafted beers, as well as English wines, gins and spirits.

Wooden floors and bare brick walls adorned with ale-themed decor make it the perfect place to enjoy a pint or two.

4. The Bevy

One pub that was not short of recommendations was The Bevy in Hillside, Moulsecoomb.

The community-run venue claims to be "more than a pub", and certainly backs up this boast.

Opened five years ago, it is still the only community pub on a housing estate in the whole of the UK, offering services such as lunch clubs, dementia cafes, cooking lessons, arts and crafts sessions, family fun days, breakfast, music nights, pub quizzes and more - as well as providing a great place to enjoy a brew.

Click here to read more about The Bevy>>>

5. The Ginger Dog

Lucas Gil picked the Ginger Dog in College Place, Kemp Town, as the pub he had missed most during lockdown.

He praised the "lovely staff" while also admitting he had enjoyed the fact "that it is literally on our doorstep".

With a menu containing dishes such as "Chargrilled Salt-Aged Delmonico Steak, Bone Marrow Butter, Watercress, Hand Cut Chips" and "Salt Baked Celeriac, Smoked Portobello, Roast Shallot, Mushroom and Coconut Sauce, Pickled Onion", this is definitely one for the foodies of the city.

The 'Substantial Meal' at the Caxton Arms in Brighton drew plenty of attention

6 and 7. The Caxton Arms and The Battle of Trafalgar

Nigel Summers selected both The Caxton Arms in North Gardens and The Battle of Trafalgar in Guildford Road as his favourite Brighton drinking holes.

And he had a simple message as to why he had opted for these two sites, which are both within walking distance of Brighton Station.

"(I've missed) The Battle of Trafalgar and The Caxton Arms because this is pre-match and post-match (for games) at The Amex."

The Caxton Arms made headlines last November when pubs in Tier 2 areas were only allowed to serve alcoholic drinks with a "substantial meal".

Landlord Brett Mendoza jokingly attached a tongue-in-cheek pump clip advertising a "hearty, filling and flavoursome" ale made by the "Made Up Brewery" to one of his beer taps.

A picture of the clip was shared thousands of times on social media, with some people even asking if they could order a few bottles for Christmas.

Click here to read more about the now infamous fictional tipple>>>

8. The Evening Star

Andy Robus and Alan Yates were among those to throw their support behind the Evening Star.

Asked why the Gloucester Road site was the pub he missed most during lockdown, Alan simply answered, "The beer".

Andy added: "The Evening Star, small but always great ale and very near station."

The alehouse is well known for its generous offering of guest ales, as well as beers from the Dark Star Brewery, which was founded in the cellar of a pub in Brighton.

9. The Edinburgh

The signature blue and white exterior make "The Eddy", as it is affectionately known, an instantly recognisable sight in Upper Gloucester Road.

The cosy pub provides a "home from home" for many, so it is no surprise that patron Carla Holden named it "the best" in Brighton.

It boasts good old fashioned pub grub, a wide array of drinks and several screens showing live sport.

10. Brighton Bierhaus, Haus On The Hill and Freehaus

Three for the price of one here, put forward by Dorian Rogers.

Dotted across the city, Brighton Bierhaus, Haus On The Hill and Freehaus (in Edward Street, Kemp Town, Southover Street, Brighton and Howard Road, Brighton, respectively) are all owned by the Brighton Bier brewery.

Despite being forced to close its venues for much of the last 12 months, the brewery has kept customers content by offering deliveries of its most popular beverages across the city by bike.

11. Hand in Hand

Tucked away in a corner of Upper St James's Street, the Hand in Hand brew pub delights regulars with beers from its micro brewery as well as "Sunday jazz".

And staff are proud of their Kemp Town location.

The pub website states: "Welcome to the free state of Kemptown. You’ve made it."

Click here to read more about the 'unique, bonkers and magical' pub>>>

12. Brighton Beer Dispensary

Russell T suggested the site in Dean Street, Brighton, as the pub he had missed most during lockdown.

Staff pride themselves on doing the basic well.

A description of the venue reads: "Good beer, good people. A small pub tucked away in the heart of Brighton."

And this approach has clearly worked, with the Brighton Beer Dispensary boasting 78 five star reviews on TripAdvisor.

The top one simply states: "Chosen randomly - and really happy."

The Walrus, Brighton

13. The Walrus

The Tardis-like site in Brighton's Ship Street is far bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside.

A trudge up a series of staircases will take customers through several floors and, eventually, up to a cheerful, charming and unexpected roof garden.

The mazy layout and wide variety of tipples on tap mean it is easy to lose an evening in here.

14. Hare and Hounds

The large London Road site was a go-to gaff for many when the clocks hit five on a Friday afternoon.

There is something for everyone on their expansive drinks menu, with plenty of opportunities for beer lovers to try some new brews.

A secluded outdoor seating area also makes a great place to relax on a long summer's day.

15. The Wick Inn

Just off Palmeira Square, in Western Road, Hove, plenty of pub patrons were quick to name The Wick as their most missed pub for large chunks of 2020.

It has a distinctive look with Victorian green tiling and flower baskets hanging over tinted windows, as well as an island bar surrounded by plenty of seating options.

"The Wick attracts a lively crowd and the atmosphere never fails to deliver," the website states.

The Dorset in Brighton

16. The Dorset

Brian Roe said his go-to pub in Brighton during more normal times was The Dorset.

The North Road site lies deep within the vibrant North Laine district of the city, and is surrounded by colourful, independent shops and cafes.

Brian said: "I don't drink alcohol but I usually have a daily late afternoon tea and a catch up with my mates.

"I live on my own and work at home and this is sometimes the only time I get to socialise.

"One misses the small things in life that we usually take for granted."

17. The Neptune Live Music Bar

There was a wave of support for The Neptune which would have impressed even the Roman god himself.

The site sells itself as "Hove’s secret for a great friendly atmosphere, a true selection of real ales, lagers and ciders not to mention great live music for free".

There are usually bands each Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as an open mic night every Monday.

18. The Cleveland Arms

Craig's answer of The Cleveland Arms in Cleveland Road, Brighton, was a popular shout for the city's most missed pub during lockdown.

He said: "It has to be The Cleveland Arms, up near Fiveways. Good beers, friendly service from Jamie and Sara and a fab takeaway food service."

19. The Three Jolly Butchers

Beers, burgers and charcuterie boards - there is a lot to like about this pub in North Road venue in Brighton.

There are also cocktails, Thai food and live sport available in this cosy pub which seems to cater to all tastes.

20. The Westbourne

Portland Road, Hove, plays host to The Westbourne pub, an independent beer and eating house.

"It's The Westbourne in Hove for me," said Debbie Wheeler.

"Great service, great food... I miss it so much."

21. The Greys

If you are prepared to brave the steep Hanover hills, The Greys Freehouse in Southover Street has mouth watering food which will make the hike worth your while.

The reputation of its roast dinners often precedes this traditional pub, but there is plenty on the menu for all comers.

It also holds intimate performances featuring everyone from local acts to artists from across the globe.

"The greys in Hanover has the best range of craft beer, fantastic food and a brilliant bar team," Danny Hoskins said.

22. The Better Half

There are very few better drinking companions than The Better Half in Hove Place, Hove.

A stone's throw from the seafront, the venue has become a stop-off for many weary beach-goers.

Owners say they do things their way.

"(This is) not the only way, but the only way we know how to," the website states.

"With care, skill and a smile."

Grand Central Pub. ..Feature shows the gateway from Brighton Station to the sea. Queens Road into West Street, Brighton..

23. Grand Central

A Fuller's pub opposite Brighton Station which could not be placed any more tantalisingly for tired travellers arriving in Brighton.

Owners say their site is grand in both name and nature, and Brighton's pub-goers appear to agree.

A Fuller's pint can be accompanied by a meal from its British-inspired menu.

24. The Basketmaker's Arms

The Basketmaker's Arms in Gloucester Road is "brimming with history".

Landlord "Blue" has been at the helm of the 19th century pub for almost three decades, and has made sure it remains a haven for Brighton beer lovers.

But it is not only ale on offer. A selection of more than 100 whiskies makes it a must for many connoisseurs.

25. The Railway Inn

Representing Portslade in this list is The Railway Inn which, continuing the locomotive theme, can be found in Station Road.

The community-based pub is family and dog-friendly, usually serving tasty food and drink seven days-a-week.

One Argus reader said: "My old regular. (The Railway Inn is a) good size with nice food and beers and a cool outdoor arena. Many a good time (had here).

"I cant wait for things to open normally again."