Christmas Eve isn’t all about cosying up in front of the television, watching Celebrity Gogglebox, and working through a family-sized tub of chocolates. Although in Brighton we wouldn’t frown upon this well-observed festive ritual, Christmas Eve is also a fantastic opportunity to raise a glass of the good stuff in the company of friends, family, and acquaintances at one of the local pubs.
Brighton has more than its fair share of cosy pubs that are as inviting on Christmas Eve as your own living room and some of these pubs even offer a fireplace. Here are our picks of the best pubs in Brighton to spend your Christmas Eve in…
These pubs in brighton will be serving pints on Christmas Eve of 2023
The Cricketers
One of the most well-known sights when walking around Brighton Lanes is The Cricketers pub, one of the city’s oldest drinking establishments. Dating back to 1547, The Cricketers oozes tradition with its period aesthetic and cosy, hospitable environment, perfect for raising a glass to celebrate Christmas.
This Christmas, The Cricketers will be bringing their own brand of festive cheer to the pub with creative twists on traditional festival dishes. The pub’s energetic and homely surroundings are the perfect place to spend Christmas Eve while the establishment’s ‘Greene Room’ is available to hire all throughout December.
Address:15 Black Lion St, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1ND
Website: cricketersbrighton.co.uk
The Exchange
Tucked away close to Hove mainline train station, The Exchange is one of Hove’s vibiest drinking establishments, ever-popular with locals and students. The pub also celebrates Christmas like no other, bringing festive cheer to its thirsty patrons in keg loads.
The food offered on the pub’s Christmas menu is a delectable delight, with butter-poached turkey breast and its famous spiced apple and plum crumble tailor-made to make your Christmas Eve a special one. Reserve a table on the pub’s website or over the phone.
Address: 8 Goldstone St, Hove, Brighton and Hove, BN3 3RL
Website: exchangehove.pub
The Lion And Lobster
Pubs don’t get much more sprawling yet retain a cosy atmosphere quite like The Lion And Lobster. Situated close to the seafront and only a short walk away from Brighton city centre, The Lion and Lobster has been a favourite among locals for as long as it has been serving drinks.
Unsurprisingly, The Lion and Lobster does Christmas well. With roaring log fires, cosy nooks, and tasteful period decor situated over three floors, this pub is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas Eve in all its festive glory.
Address: 24 Sillwood St, Brighton and Hove, BN1 2PS
Website: thelionandlobster.co.uk
Bath Arms
The oldest licenced drinking establishment in the Lanes, dating back to 1864, Bath Arms is a bonafide jewel in the pub crown of Brighton. For those looking for a lively, traditional pub, with plenty of flare and personality, Bath Arms meets the quota in every regard.
The pub is a special place to be over the festive period, and if you’re looking for a place that feels homely away from home, then it does just the trick. The drinks on offer are vast and varied, while the food is a treat for the tastebuds, with Wellingtons, squash, and roast Turkey on the menu.
Address: 3-4 Meeting House Ln, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HB
Website: batharms.pub
The Dorset
Situated in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine district, The Dorset is much more than just a place to stop for a cheeky pint or glass of wine after a hard day navigating your way through the Christmas shopping crowds.
The pub is renowned for its friendly service, fun and relaxing atmosphere, and delicious food. Speaking of food, The Dorset has both a two and three-course menu full of festive classics guaranteed to fill the stomach as well as four-pint pitchers and a variety of wines on offer to guzzle down.
Address: 28 North Road, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1YB
Website: https://www.thedorset.co.uk/
The World’s End
Christmas is synonymous with lots of things. From turkey to stuffing, to booze and board games, there are plenty of things that Christmas incentivises us to participate in. The World’s End on London Road certainly does the booze and board games part naturally.
Renowned for its love of all things games, The World’s End has been a popular haunt with locals with plenty of games on offer on the premises including an escape room and an arcade. As if that wasn’t enough, the pub also offers a delicious range of drinks and food making it the perfect place for a fun-loving soul to spend Christmas Eve.
Address: 60-61 London Road, Brighton and Hove, BN1 4JE
Website: worldsend.pub
The Druid’s Head
There’s something about period buildings that really screams: “Christmas!” Maybe, we have Charles Dickens and his Christmas Carol to thank for that, but there’s no getting around the fact that the older the building, the more Christmassy it feels.
The Druid’s Head is a 16th-century, flint-fronted building, so it certainly looks the part. It’s also a fantastic pub with delicious food and a plethora of drinks on offer. The Druid’s Christmas menu is quite a sight to behold, making it the perfect place to unwind and relax in this Christmas Eve.
Address: 9 Brighton Pl, Brighton and Hove, BN1 1HJ
Website: greeneking.co.uk/pubs/east-sussex/druids-head
Shakespeare’s Head
Situated a stone’s throw from the popular Seven Dials district of Brighton, Shakespeare’s Head is renowned for its Sunday Roasts and traditional pub atmosphere. “Shakies” is bringing plenty of Christmas cheer over December.
Their Christmas menu is shaping up to be a bonafide cracker, but be aware that the pub is extremely popular and can get booked up well in advance, especially during the festive period. There’s a minimum seating requirement of four people per table, and reservations must be made at least a week in advance, so gather your nearest and dearest and get down to Shakespeare’s Head this Christmas Eve.
Address: 1 Chatham Place, Brighton and Hove, BN1 3TP
Website: shakespeareshead.pub
