Real ale pubSurrey Street

The Evening Star

Unbeatable real ale by the station, no frills

9.3/10

Local score · A local favourite

No. 9 of 212 pubs & bars on r/brighton, from 63 locals across 66 threads.

98% would send a mate. Still recommended in 2026.

Repeatedly named Brighton's best spot for real ale and rotating craft beer, right by the station, with well-kept casks and pints under a fiver. It's a mellow, friendly place good for solo drinking or post-gig pints, with food served Thursday to Sunday.

Go for: Quality real ale at honest prices
Heads up: Small and can get crowded; food only Thursday-Sunday

What locals say

…fridge full of alcohol free beers or just soft drinks if you prefer and a very friendly, colourful selection of local customers from all walks of life. Other friendly venues that are good for meeting people with a decent alcohol free selection include The Hole In The Wall, The Evening Star, Cowley Club and The Rook.

u/whataplagueyouare, 202531 upvotes“Bars ok with non drinkers?”

Hole in the Wall. Brighton’s smallest pub! Hand in Hand. Also small, some real characters (the good kind). Bottom’s Rest, nice and out the way, but a good location with outside seating. Evening Star (real ale!) near the station. Ditto, Prince Albert. Have a great time in Brighton…

u/your_fave_weapon, 202417 upvotes“Recommend mellow pubs?”

…on the Hill is a great little traditional vibe with a great selection but out of the centre (same for the Independent, but that's a cooler vibe with an even bigger selection of craft), The Grays/Geese further down the hill have great food, The Howard has REALLY great food. The Evening Star is close to the station and very strong on beer choice, particularly if you're looking for something away from the IPA/PA choice (they have those too though). Not to mention The Hole in the Wall, Brick, The Rook... I quite like the Victory for a city centre cosy vibe, but that's far more mainstream.…

u/WilboSwagz, 202617 upvotes“Absolute best pub?”

Blue hasn’t run the Basketmakers in years, not sure he’s even still alive tbh, has changed manager several times since he left. Evening Star was my local for years, new management are nice enough but last time I went in it was card only, I had £300 in cash on me and couldn’t get a pint, they’ve lost themselves a customer for good unfortunately, went to the pond instead.

u/leiferiksoncrewmate, 20220 upvotes“10 of the best pubs in Brighton”

Ranked from 21,200 r/brighton comments. Summaries are written by AI from what locals said; quotes are word for word. Not affiliated with Reddit. Back to the guide