The impressive American Express Community Stadium, or Amex Stadium, is home to Brighton & Hove Albion on the Sussex coast and was built in 2011. Because of this, many of the facilities at the ground are much more modern than most other football grounds and are a far cry from those seen at Brighton’s Withdean “Stadium”.
Due to the stadium being a recent construction, it is actually located outside of Brighton & Hove and is situated in nearby Falmer. The small village means the options for pre- or post-game pints are limited, but fortunately there are good transport links to either the city of Brighton itself and Lewes, as well as one or two pubs just a short drive away.
If you’re looking for the best place to enjoy a liquid warm up before the game or to celebrate/commiserate afterwards, then you’re in the right place. So, let’s get to it and have a look at the best pub options in Brighton.
The New Oak
County Oak Avenue, Hollingbury, Brighton, BN1 8LT
Starting with the official away fans pub for any team playing against the Seagulls, The New Oak is a spacious pub which serves a good choice of beers, ciders, and real ales. It even offers hot food with some terrific pie and mash options. Just a 7 minute drive from the ground, the pub has a large car park and free off street parking. Several large screen televisions show early and late kick-offs, as well as other sports being shown on Sky Sports and BT Sport.
Downs Hotel
The next option isn’t a pub but is an excellent choice for a pint. The Downs Hotel has a bar and is situated around two miles away from the Amex Stadium. One of the major benefits to getting your pints in here is that the hotel offers a shuttle run of two minibuses directly to and from the ground every 15 minutes for just £4 per person. If you want to fit in as many pints as you can before the dash to the stadium, then this is worth considering as your boozer of choice for the day. The hotel also has a separate restaurant and accommodation, as well as a spacious beer garden.
The Evening Star
Many fans visiting the Amex choose to do most of their drinking in the city of Brighton itself before jumping on a train for the short journey up to Falmer. Just a short walk outside of Brighton’s main train station is the Evening Star. The local ale house is well known for its vast selection of real Sussex ale and cider. If you’re a beer lover, then you will find yourself in heaven here.
The Basketmakers Arms
Another popular choice for beers in Brighton is the Basketmakers Arms, a quaint 19th Century pub that offers real ale and hot food – what more could you want! Voted as back-to-back Brighton Pub of the Year in 2014 and 2015, the Basketmakers offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. However, if you are looking for somewhere to watch the early kick-off, this pub doesn’t have TVs, so your best bet is to try another boozer on this list.
The Post & Telegraph
There isn’t much to say about this pub except that it is a Wetherspoons – so you know what you are in for! Real ales, craft beers, ciders, lagers, and hot food are all available as you would expect. This split-level Spoons has plenty of room and isn’t too far from the train station.
The Bright Helm
Just a short distance from the Post & Telegraph is the Bright Helm, another Wetherspoons. Again, you know what you are going to get when you have a tipple in Spoons, so there isn’t much to add!
The Black Lion
Located at the centre of Brighton’s ‘The Lanes’ is the family and pet friendly sports bar, The Black Lion. This pub is a stone’s throw away from Brighton beach and offers a range of food and drink options. At night it transforms into a live music venue, so could be a good option should you be travelling back into Brighton after a game.
The Lord Nelson
The Lord Nelson is a Harvey’s Brewery-run pub immediately outside Brighton train station offering food, local ales and fine wines. Two fireplaces create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere to enjoy a tipple or three. It also has live music nights regularly, so be sure to check those out.
Blind Busker
The Blind Busker is a solid option if you are looking for traditional pub grub, a range of cask and craft ales, and a beer garden. The cherry on top is the many big screen TVs showing live sport. What more could you want!?
Signalman
Conveniently located on the train line going to Falmer, the Signalman is a comfy and cosy sports pub that offers one of the best match day experiences for fans. Food, craft beer, real ale, and a beer garden are the main reasons why this becomes one of the more popular choices for pre-game pints in Brighton.
Pier Nine
Along the seafront near Brighton Pier you will find Pier Nine, a 24/7 bar and eatery consisting of three floors of retro and digital games, slot machines, a casino, and even a cinema. It also has mega screen TVs showing live sport and karaoke for those looking for some post-match entertainment.
North Laine Brewhouse
An interesting and vibrant option is the North Laine Pub and Brewery which serves a range of house-brewed and local craft beers. A wide range of food options makes this pub a solid choice for any hop and grain enthusiasts.
Fiddler’s Elbow
This traditional Irish pub claims to pour the best Guinness in Brighton, so if you’re a fan of the black stuff, then this is the place to be. A choice of craft beers and ales is complemented by a salivating menu of pies.
The New Unity
Near to Brighton station, The New Unity describes itself as breaking the mould of the stereotypical pub. The entertainment options here are incredible with 10 TV screens showing a range of sports, Live Music, DJ’s, Comedy Events, Bottomless Brunches, Retro Video Games, Board Games, and Darts spread across two floors. On top of that are craft beers, cocktails, and cypriot style food, making The New Unity one of Brighton’s popular sports pubs.
Walkabout Brighton
As with any chain pub, you know what you are getting from a Walkabout. The Birhgton branch of the Australian-themed bar offers cocktail pitchers, beers and spirits, along with HD TVs showing Sky and BT Sports.
The Font
This pub has everything you want – beer, food, live sport, and more beer. If you are after those things, then that’s all you need to know!
The Swan Inn
One of the few local pubs on this list is the small but cosy Swan Inn. It offers a solid selection of real ales and some tasty pub grub. On match days, the pub is open to home fans only who may also be required to show a match ticket to gain entry.
RUBY Pub & Hotel
Another choice that is local to the Amex is the RUBY Pub & Hotel which is just 10 minutes away from the stadium. Recently refurbished, it has several guestrooms and provides food, drink, and a welcoming atmosphere for friends, family, and dogs alike.
The Royal Sovereign
Our last pub on the list is just as good a choice as any other here. The welcoming and cosy Royal Sovereign has wooden floors, open fires, and vintage posters covering the walls to go along with its suntrap rear garden. Food, world beers, and wines are offered here.
