Dive barYork Place

The Yellow Book

Brighton's proper goth bar with cheap doubles

8.1/10

Local score

No. 30 of 212 pubs & bars on r/brighton, from 39 locals across 51 threads.

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

Redditors reach for this as Brighton's proper dingy goth/rock bar alongside the Caroline of Brunswick, with an upstairs theatre space hosting a horror book club, film screenings, exhibitions and gigs. Doubles are famously cheap (£6.50) and the crowd is friendly and alternative, popular with the trans/queer community, though one reviewer found the advertised steampunk theming subtle rather than obvious.

Go for
Goth/alternative nights, cheap drinks, friendly chats
Heads up
Steampunk theming is subtle, easy to miss despite marketing

What locals say

I've always thought it a travesty that there aren't any proper dingy goth bars in Brighton. The closest things I've found in the area are The Farm Tavern in Hove, and The Yellow Book in Brighton.
u/ich_liebe_berlin, 202535 upvotes“Any good dark and dingy bars in central Brighton/Hove?”
I don't know about any free venues but the theatre above Yellow Book is a nice space and reasonably priced I believe. Bear in mind, if you're using a space for free, they will always prioritise paying customers, so don't expect to be able to use that space regularly or consistently if they get a better offer.
u/mutley_101, 20256 upvotes“Any Venue Suggestions for Upcoming Dialogue Group?”
For the alternative, tabletop game loving enjoyer of the finer things, some places I'd recommend: Burkitt's in Hove: a lovely cigar shop with a good selection, reasonable prices (by EMS standards), and a lovely tasting room. The Yellow Book: steampunk themed bar opposite St Peters Church, near the level. They have some very nice meads in at the moment! The Dice Saloon: a tabletop gaming bar on New England Road. I haven't personally been but I've heard good things.
u/ePluribusBacon, 20176 upvotes“Stag-do help”
The Yellow Book on York Place advertises itself as a Steampunk bar and draws an alternative crowd. If you're looking for a strong look/ambience/vibe I don't know that I would have spotted the steampunk theme without the advertising. Cowley Club cafe is open in the day - you sometimes need to knock to be let in. It's an…
u/No-Night-7760, 20246 upvotes“cool alternative/ indie places to eat 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