The Better Half in Brighton and Hove

Lovely place with lots of atmosphere. Good food and friendly service. Dogs welcome.

Lovely local pub, the ambience is perfect for those looking to eat or just have a drink. Food was spot on, and the chefs special of clam and mussel pappardelle was delicious. The team are always very welcoming. Definitely would recommend!

It's a great place to be. I loved the food and the wide range of beer. People we're very friendly. I will come again.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Better Half in Hove on Saturday night. Traveling from Melton Mowbray to spend time with my daughter and her boyfriend, we enjoyed a delightful evening of food, drink, and conversation at this upmarket pub. The Harvey's Bitter was a truly wonderful pint, and the fish of the day, a Bream, was simply beautiful. I even took a moment to extend my compliments to the kitchen for their perfect preparation. With extremely reasonable prices for the high-quality offerings, I look forward to revisiting this fine establishment when I'm back in the area, hopefully in a few months' time. Apologies for the photo which I appreciate is as relevant as a penguin in the desert.

Now my favourite pub in Brighton and Hove. Really lovely staff, food was gorgeous (mushroom pate with focaccia, nachos, charcuterie board, milk chicken burgers) and they didn't mind the kids!

The best roast I've had out in ages! The cauliflower cheese was to die for. Staff were lovely and informed us of the wait on food as a big table had just arrived. Gave us some nuts to keep us going, the wait wasn't that bad anyway. Will definitely go again. Thanks guys. Dog friendly with loads of lovely pups there ❤️

The service and the atmosphere were great, however I was slightly disappointed with the Sunday Roast. I’d heard so many good things but unfortunately didn’t have a good experience. The potatoes were so crisp they were hard to eat, and there was a lot of fat on the roast beef - pretty much more than half of the meat I was unable to eat. I didn’t have a good experience. Would go back for drinks but not for food unfortunately.

Roast was 4 stars. Staff service was very good and music wasn’t played too loud. 100/100 minimum characters completed.

We went there for sunday roast - vegan/vegetarian options as well as the meat options were really good. Can definitely recommend if you are visiting Brighton.

Out first visit. A cosy little pub with a nice atmosphere. Well be back.

An amazing pub / restaurant, great selection of drinks, very good table service. We had ox cheek cottage pie and ribs - both were absolutely amazing, some of the best ever! Well worth a visit

Wow, a lovely little pub with BIG personality! Cozy areas, fun decor, great drinks, everything about this place wants me to live here! A great range of drinks, including non alcoholic cocktails! Roast dinner is a winner! Doggies welcome too! Go and enjoy well done staff, u make a huge contribution to the business, happy, friendly, informative, excellent evening thankyou. Philippa

It was our first visit yesterday and was on a busy Saturday night. We were able to book on the day, and we called, but there is also a booking system online. The staff were very pleasant, friendly and looked after us really well. Our table for six people and one dog was next to another with about twenty people, so it was incredibly noisy and very lively, but everyone was jovial and smiley. The staff realised it was far too noisy for us and helped move us to another table, which was much appreciated by all of us. The food was excellent, we tried a couple of the starters to pick between us all - if you like pork belly, you must try the pork belly bites - we had a couple of the pork bites and some delicious olives. Everyone enjoyed their main courses. There's a good selection of gins and tonics, which we all had as well as beer/ larger on tap and a good selection of soft drinks. Our Labrador came and was very welcome by the staff. There were another two or three dogs in the pub. Parking is all street parking, zone N in Hove, and paid for between 9-8 daily. Just use the main PayByPhone app. We booked our table for 8pm and I found a free spot just a road away. Overall, it was a great little pub with very decent food and excellent team. It's close to where our daughter lives so we will be visiting again soon. Recommended.

Excellent meal and very reasonably priced.

We had the Sunday roast. Between the four of us we had chicken, lamb and beef. They were up there in my top 3 roasts and we'll be back.

Truly excellent Sunday roast. Lovely and cosy on a cold wet December afternoon and we all loved the food - tasty well cooked and lots of different veg.

Excellent pub, with good food 👌

Great atmosphere, friendly staff, amazing food and lovely decor. We come here all the time, especially to enjoy vinyl Friday.

Potatoes very poor really disappointed the whole meal was average .I usually go to hove place ,like to try somewhere else but not here next time I heard new club is good

Super traditional public house. Great real ales, Timothy Taylor, Harveys and Longman. Definitely worth a visit

Really enjoyed this place, hid from the rain and had a late lunch. Only sadness is that the fish and chips comes with normal peas and not mushy peas :(

One of my fave pubs! Great atmosphere, lovely staff and incredible roasts.

Great pub with good traditional food, staff are very friendly and helpful, gets busy so best to book a table if you want food.

we had a fantastic lunch today and the team and the food were fantastic and by far the best roast I’ve had in Brighton. I lived in Brighton for a few years and never managed to get a booking and so glad we were squeeze us in today.

Without doubt, a cracking crackling roast. Highly recommended if you're in Hove on a Sunday.

we had a fantastic lunch today and the team and the food were fantastic and by far the best roast I’ve had in Brighton. I lived in Brighton for a few years and never managed to get a booking and so glad we were squeeze us in today.

I had my leaving drinks from work here on a Friday evening and can't help but praise the pub! From everything from making the booking to the actual evening, they ensured things went smoothly. I wouldn't hesitate in coming back for a drink or booking a private event here again - they're just the best!

Great Sunday Roasts. We really enjoyed all the food and the staff were nice too!

First time at this pub despite living locally. Tried the Sunday roast (beef and chicken leg) and both were outstanding. Especially liked the large variety of veg on the plate. Will return!

Not great today ….. We came in August and were impressed by the best roast dinner out! We came today, after booking some weeks ago as a family, to celebrate a birthday, and felt very let down. Three dishes off the menu and only one left of another veggie option. Not a good choice of what to eat and then the food quality really didn’t match our last visit. If only they had let us know of restricted menu choice beforehand, or took a pre- order, or offered some other options instead (?) The pub still has a nice atmosphere though, it’s clean with quirky decor, and the service was efficient and thoughtful. To their credit the manager apologised and compensated us. That’s much appreciated … but still the special lunch together was a disappointment. Not sure if we would return… we’ll see. …..

Friendly staff, great beer selection and excellent food.

Great selection of beers and really good food.(pulled pork baguette and vegan risotto). Very quiet on our Thursday lunch but would like to be here on a buzzing Friday afternoon with the jazz.

Nice atmosphere and friendly staff

Nice for a quick lunch. Not somewhere I'd rush back to unless it was my local.

I love this boozer, friendly staff, lots of books and crannie to get comfortable in, great selection of booze and the food is delicious, one of hives best kept secrets… go on have a vist

Lovely little pub with a big great atmosphere.

Friendly service. Had a terrific steak and my partner had a very good fish and chips.

Delicious catch of the day and extremely polite staff.

Fantastic pub. Great decor, very attentive friendly staff & lovely food. Easy to find parking on the streets. Highly recommend

Pop in for a drink after dining in the area, super stylish pub and very helpful staff. The staff even made a cocktail off the menu for my mother which was much appreciated. I will be back for food.

Great friendly pub with top quality jazz on Friday afternoons

Noisyish friendly slightly older trendy liberal crowd, good range of beers, comfortable smart cozy, good sociable pub.

Drinks Were Very Expensive Large Gin and Tonic & Pint of Lager Just shy of £20.

Really nice people and atmosphere

Great little pub tucked away. Great selection of gins and beers. 9/10

Stop off here while visiting my brother for the day. Had a nice lunch food was excellent and good portion sizes. The onion rings were especially nice. Lovely friendly staff and nice chilled atmosphere.

Food and atmosphere A1 would highly recommend this hidden gem we found during our 4 day stay in beautiful Brighton. Will definitely come again.

This pub is tucked away but since I discovered it I can’t stay away as it ticks all the boxes. Super friendly bar staff, a wicked pint of Guiness, and delicious Sunday Roasts. Great atmosphere and dog friendly

Went for a roast and it was perfect. I would advise booking ahead to avoid disappointment

Noisyish friendly slightly older trendy liberal crowd, good range of beers, comfortable smart cozy, good sociable pub.

Amazing time, great atmosphere and lush food. 10/10 would recommend

Went along with visitors to Hove, who really enjoyed the evening. Great atmosphere, friendly place and the service was very good.

Discovered the better half pub and restaurant while taking a long walk from Brighton along the sea front. A great find, a beautiful traditional interior. Good selection of food and drinks and the landlord very welcoming. Drop in and pay it a visit.

Great food, service and atmosphere!

Cool cosy local with friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere

Food was very tasty 👍,and looked good on the plate

Great food and service. Would definitely visit again.

A real gem of a place. Stumbled on this pub after a long journey to Brighton and we needed to decompress and eat. It was a Friday afternoon and to our delight, there was live jazz to accompany our meal. The beer battered fish and chips were perfect - flaky fish, crisp batter, nice and fresh and presented well. The fish of the day - bream - was beautifully cooked and a really big portion, too. We ended up staying much longer than we intended and enjoyed every minute of it. Food and wine prices were fairly standard for "nicer" Brighton eateries. Had a good chat with the owner, Simon, and was pleased to hear this is truly a family run, independent business. They should be proud of what they've created. It felt more like a local than a touristy spot but was beautifully decorated throughout and had a very genuine feel to it, which can't be bought, only cultivated. Would definitely return.

This place is amazing! The atmosphere is warm and inviting with wonderful staff. I love the outdoor patio. The food is off the chain. The best breakfast I have ever had. What a great value and a great experience.

Nice local pub with live jazz/swing on Friday afternoons. The bar snacks and small plates were excellent. Recommended 😀

The Better Half just keeps getting better! I came here with my daughter a few Sundays ago and had a great time. We originally came in for a drink, but as we watched the food being served on neighbouring tables, it looked so delicious that we decided to stay for dinner. We both had a roast - I had the beef which was exceptionally tender and my daughter had the pork belly which was melt in the mouth delicious with fabulous crackling. Both servings were extremely generous, as were all the trimmings. Best roast potatoes we've had in a pub roast! The staff are so friendly and we both felt at home here. And it was not expensive. So in essence, a great pub with fabulous staff, delicious food, relaxed and friendly atmosphere and great value for money. Thanks Simon and team - we will definitely be back!

Had Sunday lunch there last Sunday and it was not good. Beef was grisly and roast potatoes seemed like they had been reheated too many time - had to work hard to try and cut them. I would suggest giving the place a miss for Sunday lunch.

Amazing, delicious roast dinner. Great service. What's more to say than that?!

We came for my husband's 50th last Sunday. Food was incredible, service was warm and attentive, and as always there was a lovely buzzy atmosphere. This is a brilliant pub - they don't put a foot wrong.

My husband and I had Sunday lunch which was a delicious roast. My husband had sirloin beef & I had the lamb. The portions were generous, especially the meat portions. We also shared a side of cauliflower cheese which was the best I’ve ever had. The pub is lovely & cosy & the staff were welcoming & friendly throughout. We finished off the meal with apple & plum crumble & sticky toffee pudding. Both really yummy. The only criticism for me was that although delicious, the crumble was more of a sprinkle than a proper crumble topping.

Firstly, we were sat in a booth which was great. Lots of choices for our beers also great. And then the Sunday roast - I ordered an extra yorkshire expecting just a small one as it turns out the one on plate was huge (good start) and then the roast - I had the pork belly which was excellent with crackling which crackled. The helpings were large and everything on the plate delicious. My colleagues - one had the Lamb, 'excellent' the other the pork belly also reported 'excellent'. Probably my favourite Hove Pub for Sunday roast, will return one weekday evening to sample another menu. Anyway, we loved the atmosphere in the place and the Staff were really friendly. Nothing negative to say about the place at all. Highly recommended.

Very cozy and friendly pub with delicious foods

Lively pub welcoming, great staff on Sunday serving......

Amazing roast dinner! Booked based on TA reviews, and they're not wrong. Booked in advance but needed to change time, staff were very responsive via email and accommodating. Warm and welcoming venue. Super pooch friendly. Food exceptional; I always worry about a late roast (our table was 5pm), will the spuds still be crisp? Will the meat be dry? But I needn't have been concerned, all lush. Looks like booking is essential as it was packed.

A GREAT pub. Brilliant day in day out

I’ve been coming here for years and and as always a welcoming venue and staff were very friendly. I was very surprised however at the basic food menu on a Saturday evening, I’d booked a table because my past experience here has always been very good, you go here for decent food and a great atmosphere. Sadly tonight the menu was basic, limited and bland, there were no starters and no specials. The pub wasn’t busy yet the food arrived almost an hour after we sat down and was in my opinion sub standard for the expectation of The Better Half. On this experience I would not recommend it or go again due to lack of choice, delay and quality of the food. I could as well have been in The Sussex across the road at 1/3 the price for the meal we experienced. Such a shame but I hope this was a blip or is the pub under new management?

A roast and a half. For meat eaters or veggies. Lovely atmosphere, cosy and friendly. Good wine list, too. I was recommended this place by a chef and I can see why. 👌🏻

Delicious, roast and all gluten-free, including the Yorkshire pudding, such a treat! Followed by apple and plum crumble – my only criticism, I’d have loved a little more ice cream with the crumble. Staff really nice also!

Roast dinner was a nightmare! 😢 We waited 1 hour and 17 minutes to receive our food. The food was just warm, over-salted, mushy roast potatoes, undercooked pastry, swimming in gravy, very thin sliced portions, rubber like textures and the Yorkshire pudding served was actually a dumpling. After our meal, we were going to order dessert to improve our experience and service told us we had 15 minutes left on our table booking. So we paid and left.

Good vibes, nice staff, amazing decor

Lush hidden gem of Hove...chilled music and great decor.

Lovely atmosphere and found the staff very friendly

Wow amazing Sunday roast. Food was amazing so tasty. Loved the atmosphere so chilling. So helpfully with dietary needs

Delicious roast and decent portions, amazing atmosphere and quirky interior. Attentive staff but not overly so, all spot on . Wish we lived nearer as would be our local, love it.

Was there on Friday 24th Jan for a couple of hours, early eve. GREAT atmosphere and efficient staff, cheers!

Great food, fantastic atmosphere and the staff are really wonderful

Sunday lunch with friends and family. Most had the completely delicious veggie roast, one had lamb which was really well cooked. Great veg and amazing roast potatoes. Really attentive and helpful cheery staff. Best local pub.

Outstanding Sunday lunch as usual. Big group of us, delicious food, great beer, attentive staff. Just an all-round brilliant pub. Cheers.

Outstanding Sunday lunch as usual. Great staff, lovely food, We were a big group and they absolutely nailed it. Just a fabulous pub all round.

Great pub, good vibes. Gorge decor. Cool events. Beautiful dogs. Lovely food.

Great food - and amazing jazz on Firday afternoons too!

Lovely food, great surroundings and service. Really nice local pub

Good food and relaxed atmosphere

The stingiest portion of fish, which didn’t taste like cod, came accompanied by a vast pot of tartare sauce and the same sized pot of mushy peas which were disgusting. I shan’t be going there again.

Had a roast. Basically had veg which was deeelisssh but the beef not so. Very fatty and inedible. Shame as usually a 5 start eating experience. Better cuts of beef should be served or taken off the menu. Wouldn't stop us from going back as food is usually divine.

Cosy and friendly. Great food. What more could you ask?

Good selection of beers. The Sunday roast was very nice. I usually don't eat the veggies but ate them all..

Lovely food, atmosphere and friendly staff.

Really lovely pub and great food! We visited this pub last year and had some small plates including the Patatas Bravas with cooked chorizo. It was amazing. I write so many reviews where I say the same thing - We live in London where so many pubs are closing and the food is clearly mass produced frozen food and most have the same menu. It is always a pleasure for us to go to pubs outside London where they make fresh food and not the bog standard pub options. When we find great pubs that make amazing fresh food we really love it and value it. Please don't take this for granted like we used to. This was a really lovely meal and we still talk about it! Thank you

A cosy hidden gem of a pub in Hove. Keep it to yourself mind! ;)

An enjoyable meal and had good service from the bar staff but was disappointed with the vegan sausage and new potatoes; cabbage was bland, potatoes a little dry.

Over an hour to wait between starter and main. We had an early lunch so wasn’t full venue either. Starter was inedible. A shame as food had always been a lot better in the past.

Superb experience for a group of 20 of us. The space, setup and staff were excellent and catered for everything we asked for - thank you!

Gone downhill - after coming here often we were very disappointed with our visit this afternoon/eve after waiting over 1 hour 20 mins for our roast it came with just sprouts as the seasonal veg and 2 cold roast potatoes the food was poor and...

Cosy friendly pub with good food.