Best Pubs In Brighton For Students

Brighton is a city that truly comes alive after sunset. With its colourful streets, buzzing atmosphere and legendary reputation for nightlife, it's no surprise that students flock here in their thousands each year. Whether you're looking for quirky interiors, a chilled pint with friends, a lively night out or somewhere to grab great pub food in Brighton, this coastal city delivers it all.

In this Brighton city guide, we explore the best pubs for students, from iconic student hotspots to hidden gems loved by locals. With a mix of Brighton pubs perfect for drinks, dancing, live music, dog-friendly hangouts and cosy Sunday dinners, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.

Brighton Nightlife

Brighton nightlife is famously varied. You can wander from a traditional pub to a neon-lit bar before finding a rooftop terrace in under ten minutes. Students love the city because it feels safe, friendly and incredibly easy to get around. Whether you're studying at the University of Brighton or the University of Sussex, you'll never be short of options for a night out.

As a student, you'll probably discover your own favourites within a few weeks, but starting with these top pubs in Brighton means you'll always have a great spot for pre-drinks, weekly meet-ups or a celebratory pint after handing in coursework. Here’s a breakdown of the best pubs in Brighton, each offering something unique.

The Walrus Brighton

The Walrus is one of the most stylish pubs in Brighton. Set across multiple floors with quirky decor and hidden corners, it's perfect for chilled drinks, date nights or nights out with friends. Here, you can expect a lively atmosphere, seasonal cocktails and one of the coolest rooftop terraces in the whole city.

The Geese Brighton

Known for its cosy charm and tasty food, The Geese is perfect for students who love comfort classics. Their menu is packed with hearty dishes that will warm you right up on a windy Brighton day, especially their famous bangers and mash, which locals swear by. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for unwinding after lectures with friends or settling in for a slow Sunday lunch. With friendly staff and a welcoming community feel, it's the kind of place that quickly becomes a regular stop for students living nearby.

The Mesmerist Brighton

The Mesmerist is a vintage-themed pub that always goes big on entertainment. From DJ nights and cabaret shows all the way to quirky themed events, it's a top choice among students who want something different from the typical night out. With its décor bringing a lively, retro personality, The Mesmerist fits in perfectly with Brighton’s creative scene. Its rooftop bar is also a must-visit when the weather warms up, offering a great spot for early evening drinks or pre-club socials before hitting the town.

The Cricketers Brighton

One of the oldest and most iconic Brighton pubs, The Cricketers, is steeped in history. With charming interiors and plenty of character, it's the perfect place to bring friends or family when they visit. With great drinks, friendly staff and a classic pub experience, we wouldn’t be surprised if you made this your regular.

Lion and Lobster Brighton

Spread across multiple floors with lots of cosy nooks, Lion and Lobster is another nice pub in Brighton for relaxed evenings. Students love it for its friendly vibe and traditional pub feel. It's also close to the seafront, making it a great stop during a day of exploring.

The Dorset Brighton

Located in the heart of the North Laine, The Dorset is a busy and welcoming pub that suits groups, solo study breaks and everything in between. It's also a brilliant option for pub food in Brighton, serving fresh, seasonal dishes that go far beyond the usual pub menu. Whether you're stopping by for a relaxed lunch between lectures, meeting friends for after-work drinks or visiting with family, The Dorset has something for everyone and every occasion.

Walkabout Brighton

Walkabout is a top pick for sports fans thanks to its large screens, energetic crowd and amazing drink offers. If you're looking for pubs showing football in Brighton, this is one of the best choices. It's a lively spot, perfect for watching the big games live.

Druids Head Brighton

Full of character and charm, Druids Head is one of the oldest drinking spots in the city. It offers a warm atmosphere, good drinks, and a laid-back style that’ll be right up your street if you prefer a chill evening. With its traditional interior, Druids Head is a standout among Brighton pubs.

The Font Brighton

The Font combines great drinks with lively music and an open layout that suits big student groups. Well known for its friendly staff and energetic evening events, The Font is a strong contender for one of the best pubs in Brighton for social nights. Also showing live sports, like the darts and footie matches, this spot has it all.

The Eagle Brighton

If you're looking for a cosy pub with fantastic food, The Eagle is a must-try. It's especially popular for Sunday roasts and seasonal dishes. Complete with quirky decor and a welcoming vibe, The Eagle is a little more chilled than most other city centre Brighton pubs.

The Black Lion Brighton

The Black Lion is right in the heart of the action and always buzzing with energy, making it one of the liveliest Brighton pubs for students. With regular live music, DJ sets, and a crowd that loves to dance, it's a top pick for nights out with friends. Students love it because it blends the warmth of a pub with the excitement of a late-night bar, giving you the best of both worlds. If you're looking for a place to start or even end your night, The Black Lion will never disappoint.

Grand Central Brighton

Located close to the station, Grand Central is one of the top pubs near Brighton Station. Perfect for commuters, students heading home, or anyone meeting friends coming into the city, here you can enjoy its fantastic rooftop terrace and regular comedy nights.

The Hope and Ruin Brighton

A Brighton icon, The Hope and Ruin is alternative, artsy and full of personality. With live music almost every night, it's a key spot for discovering new bands. Students love its laid-back atmosphere and affordable drinks, and it's one of the best pubs with live music in Brighton!

Patio Brighton

Patio offers a modern twist on the traditional pub experience. With stylish interiors, great cocktails and a chilled vibe, it's an ideal spot for a catch-up after lectures. It's one of the new Brighton pubs worth visiting if you like something fresh and modern.

Fiveways Brighton

Located a little further out of the city centre, Fiveways is a friendly and relaxed pub beloved by locals. Its warm atmosphere and community feel make it ideal for quieter evenings away from the busy nightlife spots in town. If you live in student-friendly neighbourhoods in Brighton like the Fiveways area or Hollingdean, this will likely become one of your regular hangouts for casual drinks, weekend catch-ups or cosy dinners. It's the kind of pub where you can settle in comfortably and feel like a local in no time.

The Pond Brighton

The Pond is one of the nicest pubs in Brighton for food, music, and atmosphere. Students particularly love the Asian-inspired street food served from their kitchen partners. With great drinks and live events, it's a fantastic all-around spot.

The Well Brighton

The Well offers classic drinks in a warm and welcoming setting. It's a more relaxed choice compared to some of the louder Brighton pubs and is perfect for study breaks, early evening drinks, or a quiet chat with friends.

Hobgoblin Brighton

Hobgoblin is always popular with students thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and fun events. Known for its huge beer garden and lively crowds, it's a great choice for group nights out, especially since it's also one of the best pubs with pool tables in Brighton.

Babble Brighton

Babble is great for affordable drinks and upbeat nights, making it especially popular with students on a budget. With regular student deals, themed events and a friendly environment, it's ideal for pre-drinks, society socials or celebrating the end of exams. At Babble, you can expect chart music, lively vibes and plenty of space to dance with friends well into the night. It's an accessible option for students who want a fun, energetic atmosphere without breaking the bank.

FAQ’s about Brighton Pubs

Brighton’s pub scene is packed with variety, so it's completely normal to have questions about where to find the best food, live music, or student-friendly events. To help you plan your nights out with confidence, we've answered some of the most common questions students ask about Brighton pubs.

Where is the Best Pub Quiz in Brighton?

Brighton has some fantastic pub quizzes. Students love The Geese for its warm atmosphere and brilliant trivia rounds. The Brunswick and The Black Lion also offer popular quizzes, with topics that range from general knowledge to music-themed nights. There are quiz nights almost every day of the week, so you can always find something to join.

What are the Best Pubs in Brighton for Food?

Some of the best pubs in Brighton for food include The Dorset, The Eagle and The Pond. Each serves high-quality dishes that go far beyond typical pub grub. If you're looking for the best pub food Brighton has to offer, these spots are well worth visiting, especially for Sunday roasts and midweek meals.

Which Pubs have Live Music in Brighton?

The Hope and Ruin is one of the top pubs with live music in Brighton, showcasing new bands and artists regularly. The Black Lion and The Mesmerist also host live performances throughout the week. Brighton’s music scene is huge, so you'll have no problem finding a pub with performers playing anything from acoustic sets to indie rock.

Which Pubs are Dog-Friendly in Brighton? 

Brighton is known for being incredibly dog-friendly. Many pubs welcome pets, including The Lion and Lobster and The Walrus. These dog-friendly pubs in Brighton often offer treats or water bowls, which is ideal if you want to bring your four-legged friend to your hangout.

Which Pubs have Function Rooms in Brighton?

If you're planning a birthday gathering, society event, or study celebration, several pubs offer private hire spaces. Grand Central, The Walrus and The Mesmerist all have function rooms available. These pubs with function rooms in Brighton make it easy to host group events in a comfortable setting.

Book Your Student Accommodation in Brighton with aparto

Our Brighton student accommodation offers the perfect base for exploring everything the city has to offer, including the best pubs in Brighton, its sandy beaches, green parks and buzzing nightlife. 

If you're planning to study in this vibrant coastal city, finding the right accommodation is one of the most important steps. At aparto, we create modern, welcoming, and community-focused student homes where you can feel supported from the moment you arrive. With stylish rooms, brilliant social spaces and a friendly on-site team, you'll always feel part of something special. Book your place with aparto today and start your student journey in comfort and confidence.