Review: The Druids Head, Brighton

Brighton is famous for its vibrant nightlife, quirky pubs, and historic drinking spots, and among them sits The Druids Head — one of the city’s oldest pubs, tucked away in the heart of The Lanes. With centuries of heritage and a loyal mix of locals and tourists, it promises the warmth and charm of a […]

Brighton is famous for its vibrant nightlife, quirky pubs, and historic drinking spots, and among them sits The Druids Head — one of the city’s oldest pubs, tucked away in the heart of The Lanes. With centuries of heritage and a loyal mix of locals and tourists, it promises the warmth and charm of a classic English pub. But how does the experience measure up today?

Stepping inside, you’re immediately welcomed by the building’s character. Low ceilings, exposed beams, and a cosy, time-worn feel give the pub genuine atmosphere that newer venues struggle to replicate. From the outside it’s inviting, and inside that authenticity remains — the sense of history is its strongest feature.

That said, the overall presentation fell short during my visit. Several tables were sticky or hadn’t been cleared properly. While busy pubs can struggle during peak hours, cleanliness is a basic expectation, especially for a venue trading heavily on its reputation and central location.

The menu focuses on traditional pub staples including burgers, fish and chips, pies, and vegetarian options. We ordered the chicken wings for £7.50, which felt like good value for the portion size and worked well as a sharing dish. Prices are clearly displayed and consistent across the menu — a small detail, but one that adds a professional edge. Overall, food pricing is reasonable for Brighton city centre.

Behind the bar, The Druids Head offers a solid range of beers, ciders, wines, and spirits, including guest ales alongside familiar names. Prices sit at the typical Brighton level — not cheap, but far from excessive. Cocktails are available, though they aren’t the pub’s specialty. The real appeal remains the simple pleasure of enjoying a pint in a genuine old Brighton boozer.

Atmosphere is where the pub truly shines. It feels busy without becoming overwhelming, maintaining the welcoming buzz of a “proper local” despite being in one of Brighton’s busiest tourist areas. Service matched the atmosphere — staff were friendly, efficient, and professional, even during peak periods.

The venue is the sister pub to The Sussex, located just down the road, and the two together form part of Brighton’s established historic pub scene. It’s common to see customers drifting between them throughout the evening.

The most concerning issue was with the toilets. On my visit, the entrance light was out, leaving a hidden step that posed a genuine safety risk — something especially worrying in a high-footfall, late-night venue. Combined with inconsistent table cleaning, this detracted from an otherwise enjoyable experience and suggested a lack of attention to routine checks.

Despite these shortcomings, The Druids Head remains good value. Prices are fair given its prime location, the food is reliable, drinks are competitively priced for Brighton, and the atmosphere consistently delivers.

Reviewers Scores

Cleanliness: 3/5 – Let down by sticky tables and poor toilet lighting.

Food Value: 4/5 – Good portions for the price, with highlights like the £7.50 chicken wings.

Drink Value: 4/5 – Solid selection at typical Brighton prices.

Service: 5/5 – Friendly, efficient, and welcoming throughout.

Atmosphere: 4/5 – Warm, busy, and authentically pub-like.

Overall Score: 4/5

Reviewers Remarks: A characterful historic pub with excellent service, fair pricing, and a great atmosphere. Attention to cleanliness and safety details would push The Druids Head from “good” into truly “great.”