Best Pubs with Live Music in Brighton

Brighton is one of the liveliest places to go for a gig, boasting a multitude of vibrant, thriving venues hosting both established and emerging artists. We love that, just like we do here at the Sussex Arms, many of the live music pubs in Brighton provide a platform for local bands and underground talent to showcase their work, contributing to the city’s reputation as a hub for creativity.

We’ve compiled this roundup to highlight the best pubs with live music in Brighton, as well as other well-loved and iconic venues. Whether you’re looking for rock gigs and energetic atmospheres or intimate acoustic sessions – there’s something here for everyone!

Best Pubs with Live Music in Brighton

1. The Hope & Ruin

If rustic décor and indie and alt bands are your jam, check out Hope & Ruin on Queens Road. This cosy pub boasts its own 150-capacity grassroots music venue upstairs. They regularly host independent live music, pub quiz nights, and more. In partnership with Beelzebab, Hope & Ruin serves a vegan menu of kebabs, hotdogs, and loaded fries.

Check out their upcoming events here.

2. The Prince Albert

Based just a few minutes’ walk from Brighton train station, the Prince Albert stands proudly with its huge mural tribute to deceased musicians and icons – this was the original location of Banksy’s famous Kissing Coppers. As well as offering a great selection of local and craft beers, the Prince Albert has its own live music venue upstairs, known for its energetic atmosphere. From indie to rock, Spanish folk and punk to straight-up rock and roll, there’s something for everyone on the Prince Albert gig listing!

3. The Brunswick

This community pub has not one but two live music function rooms as well as a bar and restaurant area. They host hundreds of shows per year, including gigs, comedy nights, theatre shows, and more. Whether you’re looking for jazz, country, soul, intimate acoustic, or flamingo – check out The Brunswick’s varied event listing for more information.

4. The Black Lion

For a cosy pub with live music nights, DJ sessions, and cocktails, The Black Lion is a bustling venue with a great atmosphere. Based in the centre of the Brighton lanes, this pub takes pride in playing some of Brighton’s best funk, soul, and cover bands. Their diverse playlists include everything from old-school hip-hop and R&B to Motown, funk, ska, indie, and reggae. See their listing here.

5. Fiddler’s Elbow

A traditional Irish pub in Brighton, serving a great selection of craft beers. The Fiddler’s Elbow hosts traditional Irish folk music every Monday (ranging from foot-stomping Irish drinking songs to more customary, ‘genteel’ instrumentals), open mic nights every Sunday, and a special performance from The Cracklin’ Griffins every first Friday of the month. See the Fiddler’s Elbow calendar for more details.  

More Live Music Venues in Brighton

6. Rose Hill Tavern

The Rose Hill is a music venue and creative hub run by artists and musicians in Brighton. The independent venue, recording studio, label, and co-working space supports grassroots artists and community projects. See their events here.

7. The Green Door Store

Tucked beneath the arches of Brighton train station, this independent music venue and club is open late every night. From 80s nights to punk, metal, and rock – the Green Door Store is known for its electric atmosphere. Check out their busy gig listing here.

8. Komedia Brighton

From comedy to music and cabaret, Komedia Brighton is a premiere live entertainment venue offering a large and diverse programme featuring national and international artists. As well as regular events, Komedia is also one of the venues of The Great Escape annual music festival in Brighton.

9. Casablanca Jazz Club

Specialising in soul, funk, disco, and pop, Casablanca Jazz Club is a live music lounge hosting resident bands from Wednesday to Saturday. You won’t need to pre-book unless they are running special events. Keep an eye on their what’s on page for news.

The Live Music Scene in Brighton

Brighton has a thriving live music scene with hundreds of bands and artists, small and large music venues catering to all kinds of sounds, and a long history of supporting grassroots music.

Whether it’s the lively Great Escape festival, the iconic Concorde 2 venue, or one of its many cosy pubs, Brighton’s live music venues are more than stages – they are incubators for creativity, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talent.

Live Music at The Forum Basement in Tunbridge Wells

Looking for an electrifying gig at a unique venue with an unrivalled atmosphere? If you’re up for exploring live music in nearby areas, check out our gig listing. Here at the Sussex Arms pub in Tunbridge Wells, we host live music in our 50-capacity function room, the Forum Basement.

From hardcore metal to punk, funk, and soul, we host a talented range of artists and bands across various genres in our intimate music venue.

Wrapping Up

Brighton has no shortage of live music venues, from small independent pubs to large venues. Whether you’re looking for traditional Irish folk music, jazz, indie, rock & roll, or something else, there’s almost always something going on in this thriving coastal city.

That wraps up our roundup of the best pubs for live music in Brighton. We hope you’ve enjoyed it! And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out our gig listing.