Great Eastern Brighton

Great Eastern Brighton

Classic pub charm with a selection of cask options

Entering Great Eastern Brighton feels a bit like entering a wood-clad cocoon. It’s a bit tight space-wise, but in all seasons that cosy-crampedness amongst the bar stools, wooden furniture and other patrons just makes you feel all warm and at home.

Outside you can join one of the benches which fill with a lively rabble of post-work drinkers and people starting on a night out.

The location and reputation bring a healthy mix of locals and visitors to Great Eastern Brighton, and the unwritten code of table sharing, the presence of kooky regulars and their dog friendliness, make for a naturally jovial atmosphere. We noted recently that they have a no child policy at all times so no early drinks here if you’re with the nippers.

There’s a decent collection of lagers, 5 cask pumps and a couple of decent keg ale options here. The pub used to specialise in whisky and bourbon, and while the options are still impressive, it no longer seems to be a key focus.
Having dabbled in pies in the past, there’s currently no food on offer, but they are more than happy for you to bring in a Chinese takeaway from a great restaurant over the way.

On weekends a rotation of bearded DJs play a distinctive background soundtrack of country, blues, reggae and classic rock from a record player perched haphazardly at the end of the bar.

Great Eastern Brighton is undoubtedly one of Brighton’s pub gems and if you need any more persuasion, they also won Best Pub at the Brighton Bar Awards 2022.