Brighton, the seaside resort on England’s south coast, is well known for its vibrant pub culture tracing back centuries. The city’s pubs reflect Brighton’s rich social history and are ingrained in the identity of the place.
Early Inns and Taverns
The earliest inns in Brighton served fishermen and travellers in the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was still a small fishing village known as Brighthelmstone. The Cricketers Inn in the historic heart of The Lanes dates from 1545, originally as the Laste and Fishcart serving fishermen before later becoming a coaching inn as Brighton developed. The Old Ship Hotel by the seafront also served as an inn in the 17th century, with origins perhaps even older.
Brighton’s Heyday in the 1700s
In Brighton’s early heyday as a fashionable resort town in the 18th century, pubs proliferated around the prestigious Old Steine area. The Castle Tavern and King and Queen were elegant venues catering to wealthy visitors taking the season in Brighton. Later, the Royal Pavilion Tavern near the Castle Inn also became a noted pub after Brighton’s Royal Pavilion was built.
Transport Improvements Bring Expansion
Better transport links from the late 1700s spurred major growth in Brighton’s pub trade. Coaching inns like the famous, now lost, Castle Inn thrived with increased coach traffic. The coming of the railway in 1841 was a further boon, with numerous pubs springing up around the train station and along busy routes like Queen’s Road.
The Beerhouse Act’s Impact
The Beerhouse Act of 1830 brought over 100 new pubs almost overnight, as restrictions on opening drinking establishments were relaxed. Two Beerhouse Act pubs still operating are the Druid’s Head and Regency Tavern.
Peak and Decline of Pub Numbers
Numbers of pubs continued swelling into the late 1800s, reaching an estimated 700 by 1900. It was said in 1958 that Brighton had “one pub for every day of the year”. However, postwar social changes brought decline. Today, around 300 historic pubs carry on Brighton’s quintessential pub culture.
Pubs Through the Architectural Ages
Many classic Brighton pubs have centuries of history behind them. The Cricketers Inn in The Lanes is the city’s oldest continuously operating pub, with the current building dating from the 18th century. The Pump House pub was already open in 1776, taking its name from a nearby seawater pump room.
Some pubs originated as houses later converted for pub use, like the early 19th century Bath Arms. Others were purpose-built as pubs but redesigned over time, like the Cricketers Inn which was rebuilt multiple times. The Quadrants’ ornate mid-1800s façade remains intact.
Dozens of Victorian pubs appeared with the coming of the railway, such as the long-running Evening Star and The Station nearby. The unusual Font pub occupies a former 1825 chapel.
Later, trends like Art Deco and Mock Tudor left their mark on Brighton’s pubs. The 1920s Victory Inn is decorated with glazed green tiles, while the King and Queen sports elaborate 1930s Tudor-style embellishments.
Pubs for All
In earlier times, some Brighton pubs catered to specific clienteles. Servants and soldiers frequented the King and Queen, while wealthy resort visitors went to the Castle Inn. The Pedestrian Arms was popular with long-distance walkers.
Today, most pubs welcome all types of patrons. Choices range from lively venues with live music or DJs to neighbourhood locals with games and quiz nights to gastropubs offering gourmet dining.
Chain pubs and bars have entered the scene, often through converting old banks and buildings like Brighton’s Post and Telegraph Wetherspoon pub. But many independent pubs continue thriving.
Brighton pubs host an array of events and activities. Pubs are the place to watch major sports matches, especially football and horse races, with some patrons placing bets with SBK. Others host comedy, theatre and music events. Quizzes and games nights provide intellectual stimulation and community mingling.
Architectural Gems
Dozens of Brighton’s pubs are listed for architectural and historic significance. Eight pubs in central Brighton have Local Listed status, along with others in neighbourhoods like Hanover and Rottingdean.
Some of Brighton’s most distinctive and beautiful buildings now serve as pubs. The timber-framed Black Horse in Rottingdean village dates from the 16th century. The Dyke Tavern exemplifies Tudor Revival style. The intricate façade of 1950s pub Seven Stars adds unique character to The Lanes.
While the total number has declined over the last century, Brighton’s pubs continue being hubs of entertainment, community and living history. For locals and visitors alike, they are an essential part of the classic Brighton experience.
