Music venues are the lifeblood of a thriving and vibrant live music scene and are the conduits through which many a historic band has forged its name throughout history. Great music venues not only dedicate themselves to showcasing the very best gigs from local bands and touring artists, they are also inclusive spaces to unwind, meet friends, and dance the night away. Brighton has had its fair share of legendary music venues over the years, but as those who work tirelessly to keep these sacred destinations running will testify, they should not be taken for granted. Independent music venues live a precarious existence and they are kept alive by both their dedicated staff and the throngs of live music fans who pass through their doors each and every day. Here at We Love Brighton, we thought it was a good time to shine a light on the very best music venues Brighton has to offer…
The Hope & Ruin
If you are local to Brighton then chances are you’ve either passed through The Hope & Ruin during a night out, heard the signal for “time at the bar”, or have spent an evening watching your new favourite band in their historic venue. If you are new to Brighton, however, you’re in for a treat. Situated over two floors, this sweaty and teeming gem on Queen’s Road has been a hub of counter-culture activity for over a decade. There’s always something exciting to see at The Hope & Ruin, with established and up-and-coming musical outfits lighting up the stage almost nightly. Both Adele and Dua Lipa spent the early days of their careers playing The Hope & Ruin which is a good indication of the calibre of new talent that is showcased here. If you’re a fan of great live music – don’t walk, run to The Hope & Ruin.
11-12 Queen’s Rd, BN1 3WA
The Rossi Bar
If you would prefer an intimate live music experience then you’ll be hard-pressed to find a venue more diminutive than The Rossi Bar. This small but perfectly formed venue on Queen’s Road may boast a respectable cocktail bar on its ground floor, but below in the basement, you will find a cloistered cave of perspiration. Some of Brighton’s loudest bands choose the Rossi Bar to showcase their energetic sets and the crowds who pile into the bar’s basement are equally as boisterous. Do not fear, though, if you enjoy a more sedate live music experience, the Rossi’s calendar of live events is varied, diverse, and refreshing, showcasing some of the very best in up-and-coming talent.
8 Queen’s Rd, BN1 3WA
Green Door Store
It’s safe to say that The Green Door Store is a Brighton institution of the legendary variety. Situated under Trafalgar Arches, a stone’s throw from the station, you won’t have to walk far if you’ve just arrived in Brighton to enjoy some of the very best live music the city has to offer. This venue is much beloved by Brighton’s live music community and has hosted some of the city’s most talked about gigs. It even has its own annual music festival, as well as plenty of all-day affairs to keep gig-lovers entertained from dawn until dusk, or, more appropriately, from dusk until dawn.
2, 3, 4 Trafalgar Arches, BN1 4FQ
Chalk
Formerly known as The Haunt, Chalk has been a relative mainstay of Brighton’s influential music scene for many years. The venue is predominantly a destination for in-vogue touring outfits and has hosted some of the biggest names in alternative music. The venue is cavernous but its live events still feel strangely intimate and being just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of the South Laines, there is still plenty to do after the encores have finished. Chalk is also an exciting destination for club events and student nights, so there is no shortage of fun to be had in this lively venue.
13 Pool Valley, BN1 1NJ
The Pipeline
Punk rock culture and vegan food usually go hand-in-hand these days and The Pipeline offers plenty of both. The Pipeline is the definition of a successful grassroots independent music venue and has been a go-to for fledgling bands and promoters for a number of years. Whenever there is a crisis (of which there are many these days) for music venues to weather, The Pipeline always grits its teeth and rides out the storm through sheer force of will. There is a fantastic community atmosphere in this small venue with plenty of outside seating to take a breather between sets.
6 Little East St, BN1 1HT
Patterns
For many, Patterns is predominantly considered a nightclub, but this would be a disingenuous assessment as it also offers a wide range of live music events in its spacious downstairs venue, albeit mostly of the electronic variety. Patterns showcase some of the best DJ sets around as well as hosting big names in alternative rock and pop. It also stays open until the early hours of the morning so is a perfect destination for night owls in need of some late-night entertainment. Visit their website to find out more about the varied events on their calendar.
10 Marine Parade, Kemptown, BN2 1TL
The Prince Albert
The Prince Albert may betray a traditional pub veneer, but upstairs in its eclectic venue, you will find a host of jaw-dropping live music events. The venue in this delightful pub has consistently delivered electrifying live music events for as long as this writer can remember. The staff are always friendly and there is ample room to relax and enjoy a drink between sets. For music lovers who like to stay one step ahead of the zeitgeist, then you will almost certainly find the next big thing in alternative music play the venue at The Prince Albert at some stage in their careers.
48 Trafalgar St, BN1 4ED
The Old Market
This charming venue has been a staple of Hove’s cultured community spaces for years and has one of the most varied and eclectic live music calendars in the city. Founded by the creators of the STOMP movement, The Old Market is a purveyor of all things eccentric and boasts one of the most iconic live music spaces in Sussex. Established musicians and artists have long graced the stage here and a quick browse of their calendar will certainly raise an eyebrow or two.
11A Upper Market St, BN3 1AS
