Brighton's Best Drinks in the Sun
14 sunny spots where your pint tastes better and your afternoon disappears
There is a particular kind of magic to a sunny day in Brighton. The sea glitters, the Lanes fill up, and the whole city collectively decides that whatever was on the to-do list can wait. What matters is finding the right spot, the right drink, and the right company. We have spent years road-testing the city's sunniest terraces, beer gardens, and rooftops so you don't have to. These are our 14 favourites, from seafront institutions to tucked-away gardens you might walk straight past.
Fortune of War
Brighton's oldest and most famous seafront pub, sitting right on Kings Road with the beach literally at your feet. On a sunny day, there is nowhere better in the entire city. Grab a pint and perch on the sea wall watching the world stroll by. The pub itself is tiny, but the attraction is the outside space. Time it right at golden hour and the views along the coastline will have you ordering another round.
The Setting Sun
Perched at the top of Windmill Street in Hanover, The Setting Sun earns its name every single evening. The south-facing beer garden catches the sun all afternoon, and when it finally dips, the panoramic views across Brighton's rooftops to the sea are genuinely spectacular. A proper community pub with well-kept ales, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel like a local from the first sip. We would suggest arriving early on a sunny weekend, as word has well and truly got out about this one.
Rockwater
Built into the Hove seafront with multiple levels spilling down towards the sea, Rockwater feels like a holiday destination all on its own. The rooftop terrace serves cocktails, seafood sharing plates, and ice-cold prosecco with uninterrupted views stretching out towards the horizon. It is the kind of place where you can spend all afternoon enjoying the views and a few drinks with a bite to eat. Book ahead in summer; the terrace fills up fast and for very good reason.
Bison Beach Bar
Right on Madeira Drive with the sea just steps away, Bison Beach Bar is Brighton's answer to a great beach bar. The open terrace faces south, meaning you get sun from morning until it sets behind you. Their own-brewed Bison Beer is excellent, and the food menu does a solid job of keeping you fuelled through a long session. Family-friendly by day and lively by evening, it is the kind of place locals and visitors to the city enjoy on a warm. sunny day.
The Eagle
A Gloucester Road favourite with one of Brighton's best beer gardens. The south-facing terrace is a sun trap, sheltered from the wind and spacious enough that you will usually find a spot even on busy weekends. The food is a cut above your average pub grub, and the ale selection is thoughtfully put together. A real locals' pub that welcomes everyone with open arms, and one of our go-to picks when the sun comes out.
Shelter Hall
Shelter Hall is not just one venue; it is a whole food market built into the arches on Kings Road. Multiple kitchens serve everything from sushi to woodfired pizza, and you can take your pick outside to the seafront terrace with views right across the beach. Order a cocktail or a local beer from the bar, grab a seat facing the sea, and settle in for the afternoon.
The Windmill
Sitting at the top of Upper North Street, The Windmill's beer garden catches the afternoon and evening sun beautifully. A p Brighton local with great ales, solid pub food, and a warm, welcoming feel that draws you back again and again. The garden is surprisingly spacious and gets that lovely golden light as the afternoon wears on. You will find a good mix of locals and visitors here, and the Sunday roasts are worth planning your weekend around.
Plateau
One of our all-time favourite spots for a glass of something special. Plateau, just off Bartholomews in The Lanes, serves natural wines and small plates in an intimate, candlelit setting. The tartare is a 10 out of 10 every single time, and the wine list changes regularly to keep things interesting. On warm evenings they open up the front, and you can sit outside with a glass of something you have never tried before. A date night winner, every time.
The Basketmakers Arms
A Brighton institution on Gloucester Road, The Basketmakers has been pulling pints since before craft beer was even a thing. The front pavement terrace catches the afternoon sun, and on a warm day the whole street comes alive around it. Inside is all low ceilings, real ales, and that lived-in charm that you simply cannot manufacture. With 4.6 stars from over 1,500 Google reviews, this is one of the city's best-loved pubs for a reason.
Babble
Right on the beach at Kingsway, Babble is Hove's answer to a Mediterranean beach bar. The decked terrace sits directly on the seafront, and on a sunny day you could easily convince yourself you are somewhere on the south of France. Cocktails are their strong suit, and the sharing plates make for a perfect long lunch that turns into an even longer afternoon. If you are staying in Hove, this one is an absolute must when the sun comes out.
Grand Central
One of Brighton's best rooftop spots, sitting right next to the station on Surrey Street. The roof terrace catches the sun throughout the afternoon, and with no booking required, it is perfect for spontaneous sunny sessions. Prosecco is affordable, the beer selection is solid, and the views across Brighton's rooftops are great. If you have just arrived by train, this is the best possible way to start your Brighton weekend.
The Garden Bar
Hove's largest beer garden, and it lives up to the title. With a decked area, heated private booths, picnic tables, and even a BBQ section, The Garden Bar on Portland Road can accommodate groups of all sizes. The drinks list covers everything from craft ales to frozen cocktails, and the family-friendly atmosphere means you can bring the whole crew along. A brilliant choice if you want guaranteed space and sunshine without fighting for a table on a busy weekend.
The Brick
The atmosphere here is all about intimacy and quality. In a world of massive chain pubs, The Brick remains stubbornly independent and incredibly friendly. The focus here is firmly on the "local." You won't find the standard big-brand lagers on tap. Instead, you'll be treated to a curated list of keg and cask beers from nearby breweries. If beer isn't everyone's thing, don't worry. Their selection of natural wines and small-batch spirits is just as thoughtfully picked. Cheers!
Oculist
The real "wow" factor here is the roof terrace. In a city that loves its outdoor spaces, The Oculist is the kind of place where the "just one drink" rule inevitably fails because the playlist is too good and the sun is hitting the Brighton Pavilion chimneys just right. Inside, the decor is a nod to its optical heritage, with "the eye" watching over a space filled with rich textures and golden accents. The cocktail menu is equally thoughtful, focusing on fresh ingredients and creative twists on classics. It isn’t just a bar; it’s a backdrop. Every corner is designed to look beautiful, making it a dream for those group photos that will end up in the wedding guest book.
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