The Connaught Pub & Kitchen

Walk into The Connaught and you'll find yourself in one of those rare Brighton pubs that feels lived-in rather than Instagrammed. It's the kind of place where locals prop up the bar for a pint after work, but the kitchen takes things seriously enough that you're not just getting tired chips with your ale. The space has that warm, unfussy vibe—exposed brick, decent lighting that doesn't make you feel like you're in a cave, and staff who actually know their stuff. You're on Hove Street, which has quietly become one of the better strips in the city if you know where to look, and this sits comfortably among the independent shops and proper neighbourhood businesses. The drinks menu punches above its weight, and the food menu changes seasonally, which always feels like a good sign.