Bar hopping makes Brighton's nightlife 'best in UK'

A Brighton pub owner says the city's night life has "everything going for it" after it was recognised as the best in the UK, according to a recent survey.

Brighton was named as the best city for nightlife in the UK by Time Out magazine, and eighth best in the world ahead of cities such as Amsterdam and Beijing.

George Taylor, of the Prince Albert pub in Trafalgar Street, said the size of the city "really helps its charm", as the survey found people favoured being able to hop between establishments, rather than staying in one place for the night.

Taylor told BBC Radio Sussex: "The offering and diversity here is really, really up there."

He added: "Travelling really takes the fun out of it in places like London, but in Brighton you can experience every corner of it in a day.

"It makes it more enjoyable for people to be able to have fun on their night out."

Grace Beard, travel editor of Time Out, said customers were now enjoying "an evening of bar hopping" rather than staying in one place, and that Brighton's offering helped to cater for that.

Despite the high praise for Brighton, it comes amid tough times for the hospitality industry, both in the city and across the UK.

Earlier this month, two of Brighton's most best-known gay bars, Charles Street Tap and R-Bar in Kemptown, announced they would be closing, with R-Bar director Steve Jones pointing to issues with rising costs and business rates.

The Prince Albert itself had also previously faced a campaign to try to protect it, after plans for offices were approved next to the pub.

Beard said: "News of club closures and people drinking less might have people thinking nightlife is dead, but I think anyone who lives in a city knows that's not true.

"I think cities are adapting to changing nightlife habits.

"Brighton nightlife is famously laid back and made up of small indie venues rather than big nightclubs, and it's famously inclusive."

David McGregor, Brighton & Hove City Council's cabinet member for the economy, culture, heritage and tourism, said the city was "one of the UK's most vibrant and inclusive destinations for nightlife".

He added: "It's always devastating to see much-loved venues such as Charles Street Tap and R-Bar close their doors.

"Brighton & Hove's nightlife is a crucial part of our city's identity and following the biggest change to our licensing policy in January 2026, we're actively looking at ways we can support our night-time economy at a difficult time nationally."

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