Brighton's Best Pub Kitchens
Where the food is as good as the pints
Brighton has always been a serious pub city, but the kitchens behind those bars have seriously upped their game. Forget sad toasties and microwaved lasagne; we are talking chilli crisp oysters, wood-fired steaks, and sausage-and-mash menus with over 500 combinations. Whether you have worked up an appetite on the seafront or you are after a long Sunday lunch that rolls into the evening, these ten pub kitchens deliver food that would hold its own in any restaurant, with the added bonus of a well-pulled pint to wash it down.
Urchin Pub
Tucked away on a quiet Hove side street, Urchin is a seafood lover's dream and, in our opinion, one of the finest pub kitchens in the city. The menu changes with what is fresh, but the chilli crisp oysters and whipped feta peach salad are the sort of dishes you find yourself thinking about days later and the Malaysia prawns are a firm favourite. They brew their own Larrikin beers on-site too, so you can pair a session pale ale with a bowl of seriously good mussels. A BRAVO award winner for Best Pub Grub, and it is easy to see why. Book ahead, especially on weekends.
The Basketmakers Arms
Down a narrow side street off North Laine, The Basketmakers is the kind of pub you stumble upon and then never stop going back to. The kitchen turns out genuine home-cooked food; think hearty pies, seasonal specials, and the sort of portions that leave you needing a sit-down afterwards. The craft beer selection is spot-on too, with rotating taps that always have something interesting. With 4.6 stars from over 1,500 Google reviews, the secret has been well and truly out for a while. Get there early if you want a table; this tiny gem fills up fast.
Lost Boys
If you are serious about chicken wings, and chicken in general, Lost Boys is the only place in Brighton you need to know about. The wings are unbeatable; crispy, saucy, and served out of the kitchen at The Joker (and often feature at Shelter Hall). It is the sort of place where you roll up your sleeves, grab a stack of napkins, and get stuck in. Pair them with one of the craft beers on tap and you have got yourself a very good evening. Simple concept, brilliantly executed.
Thai Zaab
Tucked away on Manchester Street, The Mucky Duck is a wonderfully laidback, independent Brighton pub that perfectly blends classic bar-room cosiness with a twist of contemporary urban art. While the venue itself is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, nightly live events, and excellent selection of local craft beers, the real culinary star is their resident kitchen, Thai Zaab. Serving up authentic, flavour-packed Thai dishes from Tuesday through Saturday, it's the perfect spot to grab a pint and enjoy some fantastic South-East Asian cooking. Whether you're dropping in for a relaxed lunch, catching a live folk session, or just hanging out with the dog, this welcoming local favourite has you covered.
The Geese
Perched up in Hanover, The Geese is one of those pubs where the kitchen takes things just as seriously as the bar. The sausage and mash menu is legendary; pick from a wide range of bangers, pair them with your choice of mash and gravy, and you are sorted. Vegans and vegetarians are genuinely well catered for here, not as an afterthought but as a genuine part of the menu. The Sunday roasts are brilliant too, so book ahead or risk missing out. They even run the place on solar panels and stock organic drinks, which is very Hanover. Do not leave without trying the skin-on fries with Sussex Charmer cheese.
Easy Tiger
Easy Tiger proves that pub food does not have to mean pie and chips. This place serves incredible Indian street food in a relaxed, buzzy pub setting; a combination that works far better than you might expect. The flavours are bold and punchy, the portions are generous, and the prices are fair. It is one of those spots that locals keep coming back to week after week, which tells you everything you need to know. Grab a cold beer, order more than you think you need, and enjoy.
The Lion & Lobster
The Lion & Lobster is a true Brighton institution. Spread across three incredibly characterful floors- featuring a classic cosy pub, an elegant Regency-style restaurant, and a beautiful hidden rooftop terrace - it offers a genuine, welcoming pub atmosphere that's perfect for families, couples, and dogs alike. Dishes freshly prepared with the best local ingredients, ranging from light snacks to grand feasts. With weekly specials like their Friday Steak Night and famously hearty Deluxe Sunday Roasts, perfectly paired with handpicked wines and beers, it’s the ideal spot to relax and recharge after a day exploring the coast.
Baby Bao
Baby Bao has turned fluffy bao buns into an art form. The fillings are inventive and the execution is spot-on every time; soft, pillowy buns stuffed with everything from slow-cooked pork belly to crispy duck. The vibe at The Pond is casual and fun, perfect for a group meal where everyone orders a few different buns and shares across the table. Cocktails are surprisingly good too, and the Asian-inspired sides are worth adding on. Taiwanese street food in steamed buns and on small plates - a brilliant example of pub dining done differently.
The Argyle Arms
The Argyle Arms is the kind of solid, dependable local that every neighbourhood needs. Tucked away on Argyle Road in Hove, it serves hearty pub favourites with generous portions and consistently good quality. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is warm; you will feel right at home whether you are popping in for a quick lunch or settling in for the evening. With a loyal local following, this is a pub that earns its reputation through doing the basics brilliantly. A genuine neighbourhood pub with a kitchen to match.
Namo Eat
Namo brings some of the tastiest Thai food in Brighton to a relaxed pub kitchen setting at The Eagle. The dishes are packed with flavour and made with care; you can taste the difference between this and your average takeaway Thai. It is the kind of place where the curries have real depth, the stir-fries have serious wok heat, and the pad thai is actually worth ordering. Perfect for when you want something a bit more exciting than standard pub grub without giving up the casual, pint-in-hand atmosphere. They also have their own restaurant on Ship Street.
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