At the time of writing, it is cloudy with a chance of existential crisis and if our memory serves us right, 2022 has handed us a grand total of four sunny days so far. This is your sign to write to your local MP and demand that whoever was carting around up there in their chariot of gold and ruling the skies in 2020 should reprise their role immediately.
BUT in the name of trusting the process and manifesting rooftop Aperol Spritz (without the blanket), we’re making sure you’ve got a list of pub gardens at your fingertips so that when the seaside starts calling your name, you won’t waste any time plodding around Brighton in search of a watering hole with a decent plot.
There’s nothing better than a cold pint in the sun, so don’t leave it up to serendipity, bookmark these beer / wine / snack gardens asap in our handy map below and secure your seats for the Jubilee.
L’Atelier du Vin – Best for Wine & Charcuterie
L’Atelier du Vin is one of B Town’s best-kept secrets, until we went and opened our big gobs. Sorry fellow Brightonians, we must learn to share.
Not only is it off the beaten track up in the bougie Seven Dials neighbourhood (this has taken an unexpected Selling Sunset turn), its sheltered champagne garden is the ultimate sun-trap, perfect for lapping up the sunshine with a bottle of Bollinger on ice.
Inside, you’ve got a speakeasy style bar setting made for comfy night caps and intimate date nights with a great cocktail or a rare vintage in hand. They also happen to do 10/10 picky bits, so you’ll have a selection of salty snacks to soak up the vino.
It’s also known as one of the best-stocked wine and champagne groups in Sussex. Calling all discerning sun-worshippers and those who fancy themselves something of a sommelier after a few Savvy Bs, this is the good place.
Flint House – Best for Classy Drinks & Small Plates
If you can nab a spot on the roof terrace at this place you’ll be happy as a clam. Whilst not technically a ‘pub garden’, Flint House is a great spot to people watch from above, stuff your face with their signature Sweetcorn Fritters and Jalapeno Mayo (when at Flint House) and while away a few hours with a glass of English Sparkling Wine from the Ridgeview wine estate in the South Downs. If you like your gardens elevated and your wine world-class, head to this spot in the buzzy Hanningtons Lane.
Ohso Social – Best for Sunsets & Sea Views
The seafront cafe-bar is a great all-round venue for those looking to get a real taste of Brighton with live music and a scenic ocean backdrop. Tuck into classic fish and chips, sharing platters and vegan breakfast served with herby falafel and beetroot houmous, all whilst soaking up some of the most iconic views in Brighton. In the mood for a sundowner?
Opt for the Disco Inferno cocktail sharer for up to 6 people – Bacardi Carta Blanca Rum, Captain Morgan Dark Rum, Triple Sec, Pineapple, Orange, Lime, Grenadine topped with a bottle of Prosecco and served in a disco ball. What a time to be alive. If the sun should completely vanish as it so often does because: England, fear not. Ohso Social has it covered with its heated outdoor terrace.
The Ladies Mile – Best for the Whole Family
The Ladies Mile is a dog-friendly pub on the outskirts of Brighton, offering cask ales, a wide range of lagers, ciders and wines. With plenty of seating out front and a child-friendly garden with a play area, it’s the go-to beer garden for all the family.
The menu boasts all your hearty pub classics including Sunday roasts, slow-cooked pork belly and shepherd’s pie alongside loaded fries and mouth-watering sharers from fried chicken wings to salt and pepper squid and whole baked garlic and rosemary camembert. Sign us up!
The Sidewinder – Best for Gin & Party Playlists
Kicking out pub classics and perfect plates, The Sidewinder is a solid spot to slurp on your first Pimm’s of the season. A bit further out from the hustle and bustle of central Brighton in St James’s Street Kemptown, this funky pub boasts not one but two of the best beer gardens in the city.
Worth a chatty Uber ride, eh? The menu offers everything from beer battered fish and chips to vegan dogs, tacos and roast dinners so whatever you’re craving, The Sidewinder will likely be able to come through for you. Expect the best DJs in town, live music, games, events and all the boho good vibes fit for a queen.
Post House – Best for Location
Cafe by day, restaurant and bar by night, this unassuming meeting place is located in the bustling Lanes district on the historic Ship Street, tucked in a corner next to Cafe Coho. Word of warning, it’s easily missed if you’re too busy people /dog-watching (guilty).
Behind the sensational tasting menu and stylish interiors you’ll discover a secret beer garden out back, complete with colourful, very on-brand murals and plenty of benches to seat you and your besties. Serving a fine selection of beers, wines and classic cocktails, we really see no reason to go anywhere else. Eat, drink and be merry!
The Mesmerist – Best for Bottomless Brunch
Whether you’re in search of Prosecco or hungover as hell and hungry for 10/10 pub grub, the Mes is a Brighton must. With bottomless brunches every Saturday and legendary Sunday roasts, you can go as boozy or as foodie as you like whilst admiring the view from the lush rooftop garden overlooking the Lanes.
The perfect location to make the most of Brighton and bask in the sunshine all day. Bottomless brunch is priced at £28pp for all the mimosas, bellinis, bloody Marys or Laines beer that you can drink in 2 hours.
Good Companions – Best for Space
For bigger groups looking for somewhere between Brighton and Hove, head to The Good Companions at Seven Dials. With a front terrace and spacious garden area out back complete with benches and booths, it’s a great spot to park up for the day and let the good times roll.
If you need any further persuasion, here’s your sign to dump him and drink the Aperol. Ladies and gentlemen: her.
Rockwater – Best for the Instagram Bucket List
A round up of pub gardens wouldn’t be complete without the one and only Rockwater. We use the term ‘pub garden’ very loosely because, make no mistake, there’s not a sticky floor or a toothless man clutching a betting slip in sight at this place.
The vibes are simply immaculate! Situated on the picturesque Western Esplanade, the loungey beachfront destination is the ultimate place to be on a sunny day (if you can get a table). Head straight to the rooftop for sunshine, seafood and fizz with the girls or reserve a table indoors in the bar and kitchen area with the doors flung open and get the best of both worlds as you watch the waves roll in. If you’re looking for something more casual, order from the shack and rock up on the beach deck – no booking required.
Hove Place – Best for a Relaxed Atmosphere
For top notch food and a tree-lined Italian-inspired garden, check out Hove Place at the top of First Avenue. A firm favourite with locals but easily missed by out of towners, it’s a hidden gem offering modern British food and laid-back vibes in the heart of Hove.
And for those of us who shiver at the thought of dining alfresco at any time of year, you’ll be glad to hear the garden is heated… because whilst the British weather is unreliable, the pubs of Brighton are always prepared.
