10 of the Best Terraces and Beer Gardens in Brighton
10 Brilliant Brighton Terraces and Beer Gardens for Food and Drinks
When the sun comes out, Brighton earns its reputation. From hidden pub gardens and rooftop terraces to beachfront spots and sheltered courtyards, there’s a brilliant outdoor space for every kind of day.
We’ve rounded up ten of our favourites — each one worth knowing, each one a little different.
1. The North Star - Best terrace near the Royal Pavilion
Right next to the Royal Pavilion, with one of the most peaceful terraces in central Brighton.The terrace is a genuine find: sheltered, unhurried, easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. Good for a long lunch, good for after-work drinks, good for staying longer than you planned.
The North Star is part of Team Domenica, a charity that supports young people with learning disabilities and autism into meaningful employment. Behind the bar, in the kitchen, and out front, there are candidates building real skills and real futures. Every pint, every plate helps fund that work.
Great food, great drinks, a warm welcome — and a reason to feel good about your afternoon.
2. Burnt Orange - Best courtyard restaurant terrace
Hidden behind the Lanes, Burnt Orange’s beautiful courtyard feels more Mediterranean than Sussex. With wood-fired cooking, sharing plates and a lively atmosphere, it’s one of Brighton’s most popular destinations for alfresco dining.
The courtyard is sheltered, stylish and ideal for long summer evenings with friends.
3. The Walrus - Best rooftop terrace in Brighton
Spread across several floors of a handsome Brighton building, The Walrus has one of the city’s most talked-about rooftop terraces. On a clear day the views stretch across the Lanes rooftops and out towards the sea — well worth the climb. Lively, sociable and popular with groups, it comes into its own on long summer evenings. Get there early if you want a good spot.
4. The Lion & Lobster - Best hidden rooftop beer garden
One of Brighton’s most iconic pubs, The Lion & Lobster is famous for its maze-like interior — but many visitors don’t realise it also has a fantastic rooftop garden. Packed with character and tucked away from the busy streets below, it’s a favourite among locals for good reason.
5. Open House - Best large beer garden
A short walk from London Road station, Open House does exactly what it says. The beer garden is one of Brighton’s biggest outdoor spaces — genuinely roomy, which is rarer than you’d think — and it handles large groups and families well. Relaxed atmosphere, good range of drinks, and enough space that you’re not fighting for a table by midday.
6. Hove Place - Best terrace in Hove
For those venturing west, Hove Place offers one of the area’s most attractive outdoor dining spaces. The spacious terrace catches the afternoon sun and provides a relaxed setting for brunch, lunch or drinks with friends. Worth the short trip along the coast.
7. The Tempest - Best seafront terrace
Few outdoor spots can compete with The Tempest’s position directly on Brighton seafront. Uninterrupted sea views, plenty of outdoor seating, and the kind of location that makes a pint taste better than it has any right to. Hard to beat at sunset.
8. The Setting Sun - Best terrace with city views
Up on one of Brighton’s hills, The Setting Sun earns its name. The terrace looks out over rooftops and across the city, with the kind of panoramic view that makes the uphill walk feel entirely worthwhile. Quieter than the seafront, and all the better for it — a brilliant spot for a late afternoon drink when the light is good.
9. The Farm Tavern - Best hidden pub garden
Locals tend to be protective of this one, and it’s easy to see why. Tucked behind the bustle of central Brighton, The Farm Tavern’s garden feels like a genuine discovery — quiet, unpretentious and exactly right for a slow afternoon pint. The kind of place you stumble on once and keep coming back to.
10. Lost in the Lanes - Best café terrace in the Lanes
Tucked down Nile Street — one of those narrow cobbled cuts that Brighton does so well — Lost in the Lanes has the feel of a discovery even when you’re looking for it. The pavement tables sit right in the heart of the Lanes, which makes it one of the most atmospheric spots in the city for outdoor dining. Seasonal menus, interesting wine, great coffee and a recently relaunched cocktail lounge make it equally good at any point in the day. A well-deserved local favourite.
Which Brighton Terrace Will You Choose?
Brighton’s outdoor spaces are worth exploring — and there are enough of them that you could spend a whole summer working through the list.
If you’re heading near the Royal Pavilion, or you’re looking for somewhere with a little more going on beneath the surface, The North Star is always open. Great food, great drinks, a warm welcome — and every visit helps fund something genuinely worthwhile.
Book a table or just come and find us.
