Where to watch football in Brighton

Brighton’s Best Sports Bars

The King and Queen

As a Liverpool fan based in Brighton, I was astonished when watching a documentary on my team to find  one of the biggest non Liverpool based LFC fan groups were set at this pub! The pub offers some huge screens and the pints are decent, however you have to get here stupidly early as the tables are gone about an hour before the match kicks off and the standing area isn’t great.

It should be remembered that unlike other pubs on this list, this is a walk in only option, you can’t book the tables for the football.

Address: 13-17 Marlborough Pl, Brighton BN1 1UB

Font

I have mixed feelings for the Font as a football bar. My negative feelings are based on the fact that it is traditionally a spirits and cocktail type bar, meaning they don’t exactly cater very well to football fans. On the other hand, the screen is friking GIANT! They don’t always have it on, but if you are looking for somewhere for the World Cup then this is one of the best options available.

Walkabout

Here is my big surprise of the list. I didn’t really think it would be great, considering the staff are easily the rudest in Brighton, however it is actually pretty decent as a football pub. They have plenty of seats, while they also have multiple screen plotted all over the bar in case you can’t see the big screen. There are often some drink deals on, however the food is definitely one you will want to miss.

The Duke of Wellington

This pub has a proud passion for football, often filled with Brighton supporters (Crystal Palace fans, stay away). They also make a pretty decent pie, the perfect accompaniment to a pint. It is dog friendly, albeit there is a cat that wonders around so take this into consideration if heading down with the pooch. They also follow up the match with a pub quiz some of the time, so this can be worth sticking around for, especially if you are celebrating your team winning.

The Walrus

If you head up on a Sunday then you have to try the food! If it’s a Saturday then go for the pizza. It isn’t the biggest space, in fact it’s quite tight for space, therefore aim to get there early and grab a table. This isn’t the one for you if you happen to be a group of 10! It’s a gastro pub, meaning the prices are a bit steep, but it is definitely worth it.

The Lion & Lobster

If you happen to be watching the football on a Sunday then you are in for a treat, as this is the pub known to make the best roast dinner in Brighton! There are numerous screens plotted around the pub of various different sizes, meaning you can opt for the group atmosphere or instead go for something more secluded if you prefer. One extra point, I love the nacho’s from here (with added chilli con carne).

Blind Busker

This is a decent pub with a really nice atmosphere and a great layout. In fact, it is one of those I barely go to, but not sure why as I really like it every time I go. The drinks are a little overpriced however, so expect to pay premium.

The George Street Tap

Welcome to your craft beer heaven. This is one for those that are fed up of lager. But the food is another area this place stands out for, with tapas being the main option. It’s also in a good location, being on George street, as you have multiple bars on the same road.

Railway Bell

Blue Anchor

Based in Portslade (so some way from the station for all your visitors), the Blue Anchor is a great local pub with some scrumptious Thai food on offer. They have all the facilities you want for half time, such as a pool table and a dart board, plus they air both Sky and BT. Their beer selection is however where they lack (time to introduce Blue Moon).

New Unity

Located half way along London road, I used to go to this pub to watch Brighton games, however it has since changed names and gone through a complete revamp, now appearing a bit more like a student bar.

They have a few screens setup for the big games, while they also have live music and DJ’s on certain nights. Plus you can have a cheeky game of darts at half time.

Address: 52-53 LONDON RD, BRIGHTON BN1 4JX

Opening Hours:

Website: NewUnity

Phone: 01273 606088

The Signalman

I was mind-blown with how big their garden was, I didn’t realise it went all the way around. This is a bit of a hidden gem, as people coming down from London won’t tend to venture this far, however it’s easily one of the best pubs in Brighton.

They have two screens inside, showing Sky, BT and terrestrial. They’re hoping to get screens outside and projectors setup for the World Cup, but this won’t be confirmed until later in the year.

Address: 76-78 Ditchling Rise, Brighton BN1 4QQ

Opening hours:

Website: Signalman

Phone: 01273 689783

Pier 9

The Pier 9 is most certainly one of the premier places to watch sport in Brighton, now having Brighton’s largest indoor screen, 1 x 95″ TV, 6 x ceiling suspended 65″ TV’s, 2 rooms available for private viewing by large groups (one accommodates 30 seated and the other 40), plus 2 Sky feeds so they can show multiple sports at once. Just to verify, that was 95 inches! Damn!

Address: 9 Grand Jct Rd, Brighton BN1 1PP

Opening Hours:

Website: Pierninebrighton

Phone: 01273 326514