From giant outdoor screens and football-mad pubs to seafront venues and seafood with a side of England, these are our favourite spots to catch the World Cup in Brighton.
The World Cup only comes around once every four years, which means you might want to watch England’s biggest games with (new) friends rather than alone on your laptop. Although if that’s your bag, there’s no judgement here.
If you do fancy heading out for a spot of sporting companionship, Brighton has no shortage of places showing the action this summer. Whether you’re the sort who knows every squad player or just wants somewhere with a decent pint and a fun atmosphere, here’s where we’d be heading.
For the hardcore football fans: Brighton & Hove Albion’s Terrace Screenings
If you’re the kind of person who still gets goosebumps walking into the Amex, this is probably the one. Brighton & Hove Albion are screening selected World Cup matches on their giant wraparound terrace screens, giving fans the chance to watch alongside hundreds of fellow supporters in a football-first environment. That means proper match-day energy, plenty of chanting and arguably the biggest dedicated football crowd in the city outside an actual game. Plus it’s only a fiver to get in and that includes (at least) one free pint and there’s a free coach back to the city for the late game on the 27th June.
Why here? Because if football is the main event rather than the excuse for a social, nowhere else on this list comes closer to the real thing.
For the biggest atmosphere: Central Park
The team behind some of Brighton’s biggest outdoor events have transformed Black Rock into a huge World Cup fan zone. You’ll find large-scale screens, street food, bars and an atmosphere that can best be described as football screening meets festival. If England go deep into the tournament, this could end up being one of the city’s biggest sporting gatherings. Tickets start at £4.50 and include a free pint.
Why here? Big screens, big crowds and plenty of room to celebrate (or commiserate).
For curry and football: Permit Room
Dishoom’s Brighton outpost is showing matches throughout the tournament from their cute (English weather-proof) rooftop bar. The combination of big screens, cold beers, excellent cocktails and Dishoom’s legendary snacks feels like our kind of World Cup pairing. It’s first come, first served or you can take over the whole space with up to 20 football- (or food-) loving pals.
Why here? Bacon naan rolls by day, football and black daal by night.
For the Brighton postcard view: Brighton Palace Pier
Watching a World Cup game while standing over the sea feels very appropriate here. The Palace Pier is screening matches throughout the tournament, combining football with fairground rides, fish and chips and pretty unbeatable coastal views. For view-paired footie, this is the one. And if you get too cold (or hot), you can go inside Horatio’s which will also be showing the games across multiple screens. This one’s completely free (or £1 if you haven’t got a local residents’ card).
Why here? Because nowhere else lets you celebrate a goal with a stroll down the pier afterwards.
For classic football pub vibes and every game: King & Queen
If you’ve watched football in Brighton before, you’ll already know this one. The King & Queen is one of the city’s best-known sports pubs and invariably attracts a huge, shall we say slightly crazy, crowd – and even bigger queues – for big games. It’s (very) loud, lively and packed with fans who are there primarily for the football. Not least because the pub’s showing every single game and you don’t have to book or pay to get in.
Why here? Classic tournament atmosphere and one of the safest bets for a proper football crowd.
For a safe and inclusive football experience: Crossbar
Crossbar was created to champion women’s sport, and it’s become one of Brighton’s most welcoming places to watch live sport full stop (not to mention the UK’s first dedicated women’s sports bar). There’s multiple screens, a friendly and supportive crowd and a space where everyone – from lifelong fans to first-timers – can feel safe and welcome.
Why here? Because football’s for everyone.
For pub lovers who also like football: The Caxton Arms
Some venues are all about the match. The Caxton is one of those places where the pub is just as much of a draw. A favourite with Brighton locals and Albion supporters – it’s full of memorabilia inside and a mural of player Danny Welbeck outside – it’s showing World Cup games throughout the tournament without forgetting all the other things people’ love about it: good food, good beer and good banter.
Why here? Come for the football, stay for the good vibes.
For a great meal with a side of World Cup: Aberdeen Seafood
Not everyone wants to spend 90 minutes surviving on lager and crisps (that will be us then). Aberdeen Seafood is showing World Cup matches on its big screen alongside some seriously impressive seafood feasting (see our review here) by the sea.
Why here? Because sometimes you want the football to accompany dinner rather than the other way round.
For football and a big night out: Chalk
If you’re planning to turn the games into a proper night out, Chalk has you covered. The venue is showing the matches on what they say is Brighton’s biggest indoor screen, with drink deals (and a free drink with the £5 entry), giveaways and DJs bringing the atmosphere before and after kick-off. Better still, if you’ve got tickets for what’s on beforehand (Oasis tribute band Noasis on Sat 27th), you’ll get free entry to the football screening afterwards – before the venue rolls straight into an indie club night.
Why here? Because where else can you go from Oasis to football to an indie club night without leaving the building?
For London Road football fans: The Signalman
The Signalman has long been one of our go-to pubs around London Road and Preston Circus for major sporting occasions but if you don’t live nearby you might not know how good it is. They’ve got a lovely garden with a big outdoor screen and plenty of space inside if the weather isn’t playing ball (even though everyone else is). They take walk-ins if there’s space, but if it’s a big match, you’d be well advised to book.
Why here? Big-match pub atmosphere without heading into the heart of town.
For cocktails, sea views and football: Babble
If you prefer a (75″) football screening that can also involve cocktails and table service rather than standing shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowded pub, Babble in Hove offers a more polished alternative (and excellent sea views). The beachfront spot is running special menus during matches and brings a bit of a different vibe to the usual football experience.
Why here? Football, but make it slightly more glamorous.
For football by the West Pier: Brighton i360
If you’d rather be outside than getting acquainted with a sticky pub carpet, Drift at the i360 is running World Cup screenings throughout the tournament (and they’re also giving away free tees while stocks last). Expect big screens, free face-painting and one of the best spots on the seafront to soak up the atmosphere as the goals go in.
Why here? Football, sea views and freebies is a pretty strong combo.
For watching solo: The Constant Service
Not everyone wants to watch England with 15 mates and a pre-booked table. Tucked away in hilly Hanover, The Constant Service (recently reopened under new management and thriving) is one of Brighton’s friendliest pubs and the sort of place where turning up alone doesn’t feel remotely weird. It’s all a bit less frenetic round these parts too. So if you’re new to the city, your mates don’t care about football or you simply fancy watching the match with a pint, some excellent food deals, a spot of banter and seeing where the evening takes you, this is a solid shout. It’s also got a cute secret garden.
Why here? Big enough to have some atmosphere, small enough that you might leave having made a few new friends.
For something a bit different: The Engineerium
Watching the World Cup inside a Grade II-listed Victorian engineering museum wasn’t on our bingo card, but we’re into it. Brio Events have transformed the historic Engineerium in Hove into a huge fanzone complete with giant screens, bars, food, pre- and post-match DJs and live bands, and plenty of room for larger groups. Oh, and it’s all free, but it’s worth pre-booking for the England games.
Why here? It’s probably the most unusual World Cup venue Brighton has to offer.
For people who’d rather do literally anything else: Hope & Ruin
Not everyone wants their summer dominated by football. While much of Brighton is rolling out giant screens and matchday specials, the Hope & Ruin have said they won’t be showing World Cup matches at all. So if you’d rather spend the evening discovering a new band, catching up with friends or simply enjoying a pint without keeping one eye on the score, this is your safe haven.
Why here? Sometimes the best place to watch the football is somewhere that isn’t showing it.
More information
For big private groups: lots of options
And if you’re looking for a space you can book out just for you and some pals, several Brighton venues are offering private screening packages during the tournament.
Among our favourite options are Permit Room, Shelter Hall’s Skylark bar, Coal Shed, Burnt Orange and Crazy Goose, all of which have bookable spaces available for groups looking to make a proper occasion of it.