Great pubs in Brighton are two a penny. We all have our favourites, but what makes them especially cheerful and inviting on a cold evening is a roaring open fire. Pick your public house of choice from the list or give all of them a visit and spend your rainy days in the cosy warmth of these pubs with fires in Brighton and Hove.
The White Rabbit
An established pub in Brighton’s ever-vibrant North Laine, The White Rabbit reflects the area’s quirky, colourful spirit, with its eccentric atmosphere and offbeat, sometimes kitsch décor. They’ve even got artwork in the style of Ralph Steadman, regular illustrator for gonzo madman Hunter S Thompson. It’s a watering hole that is in keeping with North Laine’s famously unique character. Although the White Rabbit has a garden that is open from 12 pm til 8 pm every day, it’s the winter evenings when this pub really comes alive. With epic roast dinners, the kitchen open until 8 pm, a log fire, mulled cider and wine, lovely music, great bar staff, and good vibes, the White Rabbit could not be more welcoming.
The Prince Albert
Just a short walk from Brighton Station, you won’t need to wander far if you’re just arriving in town on a cold winter’s night to find this cosy pub with an open fire in the building. The Prince Albert is a traditional pub with an edge. The pub boasts a fantastic venue upstairs where it hosts a wealth of exciting live music events, while the pub downstairs is perfect for wiling away those chilly winter evenings in.
48 Trafalgar St, BN1 4ED
Connaught Pub and Kitchen
Situated just up from the Hove seafront, The Connaught is one of Brighton & Hove’s best all-around pubs. It is part of the renowned Brakspear Brewery family, which prides itself on a family-friendly atmosphere, delicious home-cooked food, and great wine and ale selections. The pub is open to welcoming children and dogs, and they often have special celebratory menus for events such as St George’s Day, Burn’s Night, and Great British Pie Week, which will keep you coming back. The Connaught has a gorgeous south-facing beer garden for those hot summer days and a proper wood-burning stove inside for those frosty winter nights.
48 Hove St, BN3 2DH
The Prestonville Arms
At The Prestonville Arms, you’ll find a range of Fullers and Gales real ales alongside guest beers, all kept with meticulous care for the perfect pint, plus a delicious selection of specials and fantastic Sunday roasts. Children are most welcome as are well-behaved dogs. The aim is to provide a comfortable, relaxing environment where you can enjoy good company; so you won’t find distracting slot machines or TVs at The Prestonville. Whether you fancy a cosy meal by the fire or a few pints with friends, spend a rainy day at The Prestonville Arms.
64 Hamilton Rd, BN1 5DN
Royal Sovereign
A spacious, colourful, and welcoming pub with a heated decked rear garden and roaring fires, The Sov, as it’s affectionately known, is part of Brighton’s history and a prime drinking spot for young and old alike; a healthy mix of tradition and progress. You’ll be spoilt for choice with an incredible selection of craft beers from around the globe, a quality wine list, and 6 real ale pumps; five from Sussex and one weekly guest ale from Craft breweries around the country.
66 Preston St, BN1 2HE
Lion and Lobster
A truly unique place, stepping into The Lion and Lobster feels like meeting an old friend. Significantly pre-dating the surrounding properties, it is one of the oldest pubs in Brighton and Hove. Spread over three floors, including a pub area, regency restaurant, and hidden roof terrace, it’s the kind of place you can’t wait to introduce friends to; a true home away from home and one of the best-kept secrets around. The outdoor terrace is spread over two floors and is the Lion and Lobster’s crowning glory, with its own bar, wood-burning stove, and under-heated awnings.
24 Silwood St, BN1 2PS
The Exchange
Tucked away near Hove station, nestling among quiet residential streets is The Exchange pub on Goldstone Street. Wooden floors, green and bare brick walls, industrial pendant lamps, new furniture, and a revised layout have made for a very attractive new look for the place. Outside, there’s a lovely al fresco space for soaking up the sunshine, while for the colder months there will be a cosy log burner to keep you toasty.
8 Goldstone St, BN3 3RL
The Fountain Head
The Fountain Head is a warm and inviting watering hole that combines classic pub features – exposed brickwork, wooden floors, and two cosy open log fires – with a contemporary sense of light and space. As well as a superb food menu, it offers a strong drink selection. The outside tables, under an awning to the side of the pub, are a major attraction too. The pub offers some of the most genuinely friendly service you’ll find in the area plus an incredible Sunday roast. Accompanied children are welcome until 7 pm Monday-Thursday, and until 6 pm on Friday and Saturday.
101 North Rd, BN1 1YE
The Lord Nelson
Traditional charm and Victorian features – including two fireplaces – create an intimate and comfortable environment in which to enjoy a superb menu, local ales, and fine wines. The Lord Nelson also has a more modern, large conservatory area and garden for sunny days. Candlelit in the evening, the space becomes a haven for locals and newcomers to this rediscovered hidden jewel. The ‘Nelly’ – as it is known affectionately by its many regulars – is friendly and understated but has a terrific ever-changing menu of seasonal produce which is truly great value and has received rave reviews all around. The Lord Nelson has all the old-fashioned charm and character you could wish for, working the timeless cosy old pub angle to perfection.
36 Trafalgar St, BN1 4ED
