Last Updated on 21 May 2026 by Dave King
When the sun comes out in Brighton, finding the right beer garden matters more than finding the right pint. Some of the best beer gardens in Brighton are hidden roof terraces you would walk past without knowing. Others are huge pub gardens with heated pods and covered areas. This guide covers nine of the best beer gardens in Brighton and Hove, with what each one is actually like and which type of day it suits.
Table of Contents
The Beer Gardens
| Pub | Address | Outdoor space | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Walrus | 10 Ship Street, BN1 1AD | Two-storey roof garden | Central drinks after the beach |
| The Lion & Lobster | 24 Sillwood Street, BN1 2PS | Hidden rooftop terrace | Classic pub with character |
| The Mesmerist | 1-3 Prince Albert Street, BN1 1HE | Covered and heated roof terrace | Lively rooftop drinks and DJs |
| The Open House | 146 Springfield Road, BN1 6BZ | Huge beer garden with heated pods | Big groups |
| Good Companions | 132 Dyke Road, BN1 3TE | Large heated beer garden | Relaxed neighbourhood pint |
| The Setting Sun | 1 Windmill Street, BN2 0GN | Garden with panoramic views | Sunset drinks with a view |
| Hove Place | 37 First Avenue, BN3 2FH | Hidden garden with greenery | Quieter afternoon session |
| Sidewinder | 65 St James’ Street, BN2 1PJ | Multiple garden areas | Casual social drinks |
| Hare & Hounds | 75 London Road, BN1 4JF | Decked beer garden | Food and a longer stay |
Central Brighton
The Walrus on Ship Street in the Lanes has a two-storey roof garden with its own bar. The ground floor is a cosy pub with an open fire, snug and booths. Upstairs is the restaurant and above that is the roof terrace. It is one of the few central Brighton pubs where you can drink outside on a proper terrace rather than a pavement table. Bookable online.
The Lion & Lobster on Sillwood Street is a traditional pub with a hidden rooftop terrace that most people do not know about until they visit. The pub itself has real character and welcomes dogs, families and couples. More classic pub atmosphere than cocktail bar. Bookable online.
The Mesmerist on Prince Albert Street in the Lanes is a three-floor venue with a covered and heated roof terrace on the top floor. It is more of a late-night bar than a traditional pub, with DJs on Fridays and Saturdays, live music earlier in the week and bottomless brunch at weekends. If your idea of the best beer gardens in Brighton includes rooftop bars with atmosphere, this is the one. Bookable online.
London Road
The Open House next to London Road station has one of the largest beer gardens in Brighton. The garden has heated pods, large covered areas and plenty of tables, making it a strong option for bigger groups. Good for bigger groups where finding space elsewhere would be difficult. Food served daily.
Hare & Hounds at the top of London Road has a decked beer garden and leans into food more than most pubs on this list. Thai food is served Monday to Saturday and Sunday roasts are by BlindShrimp. It works well if you want somewhere that turns a pint into a longer stay.
Hanover
The Setting Sun is perched on top of the hill in Hanover with panoramic views across Brighton and out to sea. The garden is the main draw. It suits a slower drink, especially later in the day when the light drops and the view is at its best. Worth the uphill walk.
Hove
Hove Place on First Avenue has a hidden garden with greenery and a quieter feel than the central Brighton options. It describes its garden as a heated al fresco space away from the bustle of Church Road. Good for a calmer afternoon session. Groups of more than 10 should call or email to book. Bookable online.
Kemptown
Sidewinder in Kemptown has multiple garden areas, a laid-back atmosphere and food from Carlito Burrito. The vibe is casual and social rather than polished, which is why regulars like it. It works well for an easy weekend afternoon with a round of drinks and a burrito.
Seven Dials
Good Companions at 132 Dyke Road is a neighbourhood pub with a large heated beer garden that works year-round. It is a short walk uphill from the station and feels like a proper local rather than a tourist spot. Good food, real ales and a garden big enough to relax in properly.
Which Beer Garden Suits Your Day
After the beach: The Walrus or The Lion & Lobster. Both central, both within walking distance of the seafront.
Big group: The Open House. The garden is one of the largest in Brighton, with heated pods and covered areas.
Lively rooftop: The Mesmerist. DJs, events and a different energy from the traditional pub picks.
Quieter afternoon: Hove Place, Good Companions or Hare & Hounds. All neighbourhood pubs with gardens that feel relaxed rather than hectic.
Views: The Setting Sun. Nothing else on this list competes on panoramic views.
FAQs
Are there good beer gardens near Brighton beach?
The Walrus on Ship Street is the closest to the beach with a proper roof garden. The Lion & Lobster on Sillwood Street is also central enough for a quick post-beach pint.
Which are the best beer gardens in Brighton for groups?
The Open House has one of the largest gardens, with heated pods and covered areas. Hove Place asks groups of more than 10 to book directly by phone or email.
Do Brighton beer gardens work in cooler weather?
Yes. Good Companions has a heated garden, The Open House has heated pods, The Mesmerist’s roof terrace is covered and heated, and Hove Place describes its garden as heated al fresco.
Do these beer gardens take bookings?
The Walrus, The Lion & Lobster, The Mesmerist, The Open House, The Setting Sun, Hove Place and Sidewinder all have booking options, but The Setting Sun says outdoor tables are first come, first served. Good Companions states that it does not take bookings and is walk-ins only. Check each pub’s website before visiting on weekends or bank holidays.
Final Thoughts
The best beer gardens in Brighton spread across the whole city, from the Lanes to Kemptown to Hanover. If you are visiting for the day, see the day trip guide for planning the rest of your time around a pub stop. The Walrus and The Mesmerist have the best roof terraces in central Brighton. The Open House has one of the largest gardens. The Setting Sun has the best views. Hove Place and Good Companions are the picks when you want a quieter afternoon. Check booking options before heading out on a sunny day because the good spots fill up fast.
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