5 Live Music Venues in Brighton & Hove You Need to Know About
Brighton is a city rife with entertainment of all types: theatre, comedy, music, art, whatever your niche is, you’re guaranteed to find something fun to do during your weekends. Brighton’s music scene stands out amongst the sea of opportunities: at every corner you will find a pub or a bar playing live music. Brighton’s local bands are numerous, varied, and extremely talented. If you want to get into it, but don’t know where to start, read along!
Please note: this guide will not feature Brighton’s bigger venues (e.g. Brighton Dome, Brighton Centre, Patterns, Chalk etc etc) as the focus is local performers rather than international artists.
Here are 5 of those venues I think you should know about, All from Brighton and all with shows coming up very soon.
The Rossi Bar
The Rossi Bar is a bit of a hidden gem in Brighton’s musical landscape. Located just off the station, Rossi Bar looks just like a small pub from the outside, with its quirky decor and cosy setting. However, if you venture in and down the spiral staircase, you will enter the basement that has been witness to probably each and every one of Brighton’s bands.
This venue is infact one of the very first stops for a band that’s just getting started, Rossi Bar being a great supporter of Brighton’s emerging artists. Book your tickets for one of Rossi Bar’s events to experience the very root of Brighton’s music scene. It is such a privilege to witness local bands that are just taking off, their commitment and energy is just unmatchable. Get ready for a sweaty, rouchy, incredible night of music.
See what’s coming up at The Rossi bar here
St. James Pub
This venue is one particularly close to my heart. It is one of the first places I started to frequent when I first moved to the city, almost 6 years ago. Their Wednesday Jazz night quickly became a go-to for me and my housemates, giving us a great mid-week break from essays and exams. It is a truly special night: several local musicians come together every week to play a repertoire of Jazz music that will delight everyone.
The 2-hour show will have everyone either dancing or singing along- I have even seen someone from the audience get on stage and sing. St. James pub hosts an atmosphere of community that I have seen in very few places. So pop in with your mates, or go in for a solo night. The owners’ dog Biscuit will be there to keep you company either way.
Green Door Store
The Green Door Store is one of the most prominent live music venues in the city. Its look leans towards an unrefined/industrial aesthetic, a warehouse-turned-pub, if you will. Musically, the opposite is true: each performing artist is selected by la creme de la creme of Brighton’s musical landscape. The Green Door Store is an institution, the number one supporter of independent artists and one of the most prestigious stages one could step foot one.
Paris House
Paris House is the perfect place to relax after a long day of work. Its soft atmosphere, French-inspired candlelit decor and delicious menu offer a great place to unwind. Their open mic night is an additional treat that will make your night extra special. You’ll be able to enjoy the music of various local musicians, and spend a lovely evening listening to the notes of their guitars, pianos, and (if you’re lucky) some sax! Watch everyone’s eyes glimmer as you sway to the music, be a witness to the talent of Brighton’s own.
Credit: Lyndsey Smith
Hope and Ruin
Hope and Ruin is widely recognised as one of Brighton's best live music venues. As soon as you step foot in the room, its electric and vibrant energy will uplift you. Its eclectic and repurposed decor is representative of Brighton’s character: everything (and everyone) is welcomed, creating a beautiful cacophony of people, personalities, aesthetic, and tastes.
Their events will also be palatable to a wide audience, mainly due to their “double-bill” set-up of sorts: downstairs, for smaller events, DJ nights, for everyone that’s up for some dancing but doesn’t feel like queuing in front of a club; upstairs, the main stage, for bigger gigs, bigger bands, bigger fun. Along with the aforementioned venues, Hope and Ruin prides themselves in being a big supporter of Brighton's grassroots music scene.
Their vegan hot dogs are also not to be missed!
Some honorable mentions: The Bees Mouth, Pipeline, The Brunswick, The Gladstone, Casablanca, The Folklore Rooms
Written by Roberta Guarini