Are you football-obsessed, but too poor to make it to the World Cup finals this year? Perhaps you’re not impressed by England’s chances, or didn’t fancy having your head kicked-in by over-zealous Russian security forces. Fear not, because we’ve a handy list of the best pubs showing games right here in Brighton & Hove. Now you watch every moment of the beautiful game, with proper beer, substantially less chance of being berated for holding hands with your partner and a shorter trip home.
THE NORTH LAINE PUB AND BREWERY
27 Gloucester Pl, Brighton BN1 4AA
An epically-scaled drinking spot, right in the heart of the city. Superb beer and a lively match-day atmosphere. And… North Laine rhymes with Harry Kane – there’s something in that.
THE MESMERIST
1-3 Prince Albert St, Brighton
Plonked in the middle of the Lanes, this place can deal you a few cheeky cocktails and some great food.
THE WORLD’S END
60-61, London Rd, Brighton BN1 4JE
A great projector, quality beers and a games room upstairs to distract you after England go crashing out on penalties.
www.worldsend.pub
THE JOKER
2 Preston Rd, Brighton BN1 4QF
Sat looking along London Road, this roomy and effortlessly cool boozer has a strong pull during world cup season. They just installed a 65-inch screen at the front of the pub, with surround sound, so you can cheer on your nation’s heroes whilst enjoy some beer and wings deals. If you want to see the action in a more intimate location, they’ll happily hire their upstairs games room to you, complete with pool table and dart board for some half time action.
THE BLACK LION
14 Black Lion St, Brighton BN1 1ND
Probably the oldest pub in the city has one of the most lively and interesting crowds, they’ll be showing every game in evert group.
THE CAXTON ARMS
36 North Gardens, Brighton BN1 3LB
If you fancy somewhere a little quieter and more dignified, here’s the one for you. Splendid food as well. Winner.
THE LION AND THE LOBSTER
24 Sillwood St, Brighton BN1 2PS
A proper football pub, without a load of idiots spoiling the game. He shoots, he scores.
THE KING AND QUEEN
13-17 Marlborough Pl, Brighton BN1 1UB
If you like watching football, you’ve been in here on match day at some point in the last few decades. With a cavernous ceiling and a bar the size of an aircraft carrier, this place has seen more campaigns than Peter Shilton.
THE HAMPTON
57 Upper North St, Brighton BN1 3FH
Hidden along Upper North Street, this not-so-little gem has great food, a great atmosphere – and if your team is 4-0 down at half time in an afternoon fixture, there’s an amazing south-facing terrace to commiserate with your mates.
FIDDLER’S ELBOW
11-12 Boyces St, Brighton BN1 1AN
If it’s group D action you want, then this Irish stalwart is the place to go. Lively and surprisingly friendly for somewhere so close to West Street.
THE LUNA BEACH CINEMA
Brighton Beach, BN2 1EN
This the daddy of them all, and the closest to an authentic ‘Fan zone’ Brighton can offer. A massive cinema screen on Brighton Beach. Great for pulling in an international crowd, so expect loads of French, Spanish and Scandinavian fans.
FOUNTAIN HEAD
101-102 North Rd, Brighton BN1 1YE
Perhaps North Laine’s finest boozers, with inarguably the best bar-staff, this is a strong contender
CONCORDE 2
286A Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1EN
With a massive soundsystem and five huge screens, this beloved club is showing all the England matches. There’s food, entertainment and a raffle to win a load of beers. If England win a match, this is where the party will be.
WALKABOUT
79 West St, Brighton BN1 2RA
Undeniably this West St establishment will be a haven for the Australian contingent, but they’ll also be showing all the games from the tournament. Recently undergoing an extensive refurbishment, they’ve got over 20 HD TVs, two huge screens and super cold beer.
www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/venues/brighton
THE CRAFT BEER CO
22-23 Upper North St, Brighton BN1 3FG
You’re spending 90 minutes watching your nation’s finest hair models embarrass themselves in front of billions, but it shouldn’t mean you have to compromise in your beer choices. This place has any brew style you can think of. When Danny Rose stacks it from 12 yards, there’s going to be plenty of lush distractions.
www.thecraftbeerco.com/brighton
HOVE PLACE
37 First Ave, Hove BN3 2FH
A great place to watch matches – but try not to let their fabulous food distract you the international kick-ball action. If it’s a nice day, don’t bother with the football, just sit in their brilliant garden. It’s one way not to be disappointed on match day…
THE GOOD COMPANIONS
132 Dyke Rd, Brighton BN1 3TE
It’s an oldie, but a goodie (I’ll get my coat…). An award-winning chef, proper Sussex ales and a discerning friendly crowd, mean this is a great choice for Russia 2018. If you’re there and feeling peckish, check out their exceptional homemade scotch eggs. They’re the only thing more likely to score big than Harry Kane.
THE EXCHANGE
8 Goldstone St, Hove BN3 3RL
This lovely local pub has a great atmosphere, stripped brick walls and amazing art. Also, it’s always been one of the city’s best places to watch the football, and the World Cup will be no different.
