10 Summer Beers to Try from Sussex Breweries
Summer in Brighton. It’s a feeling as much as a season. It’s the late afternoon sun hitting the brickwork on Ditchling Road, the sound of ice clinking in a glass, and that first, cold sip of something truly special. But let’s be honest: in a city overflowing with choices, finding the right pint can feel like a full-time job.
At Lost and Found, we’ve done the hard work for you. We aren't a brewery: we are a craft beer taproom dedicated to the rebels, the small-batch thinkers, and the genuine independent breweries across Sussex that refuse to sell their soul to the corporate giants. We’re the counter-culture to those big-label beers you find in every soulless chain pub.
When you step into our taproom Brighton home, you aren’t just getting a drink; you’re supporting a local ecosystem of passion and craft. From the rolling hills of the South Downs to the creative heart of Lewes, Sussex is producing some of the most exciting beer in the UK right now.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your journey into craft beer in Brighton, here are 10 Sussex beers you absolutely need to try this summer.
1. 360 Degree Brewing – Sussex Haze
The Vibe: A tropical cloud in a glass.
If summer had a signature texture, it would be the "pillowy" mouthfeel of a good hazy pale. 360 Degree Brewing, based over in Uckfield, has absolutely nailed it with Sussex Haze. This isn't just a beer; it’s a juicy, hop-forward experience that manages to be both incredibly flavorful and dangerously drinkable. Expect heavy notes of stone fruit and citrus, with a soft finish that makes it the perfect companion for a sunny afternoon in our outdoor seating area.
2. Long Man Brewery – Helles Lager
The Vibe: Crisp, clean, and uncompromising.
Sometimes, you just want a lager. But not a mass-produced, chemically-assisted lager. You want a Helles. Long Man Brewery uses barley grown on their own farm in the Cuckmere Valley, and you can taste that "grain-to-glass" honesty. This is a Bavarian-style lager that is naturally gluten-free and sparklingly crisp. It’s the ultimate palate cleanser and a testament to why brighton breweries (and their Sussex neighbors) are leading the charge in quality.
3. Beak Brewery x Harvey’s – Spring
The Vibe: Tradition meets the avant-garde.
In the world of Sussex beer, this is a "clash of the titans" moment. When the legendary, traditional Harvey’s of Lewes teams up with the modern, hype-driven Beak Brewery, magic happens. Spring is a golden ale that manages to bridge the gap between old-school bitterness and new-school hop aromatics. It’s bright, floral, and feels like a crisp morning walk through the Sussex countryside.
4. Lakedown Brewing Co – Sussex Pale
The Vibe: The modern classic.
Lakedown is a brewery that understands the importance of "sessionability." Their Sussex Pale is an aromatic, modern pale ale that doesn't shout to get its point across. It’s balanced, with a gentle malt backbone and a refreshing citrus lift. It’s the kind of beer that makes you realize why we love being an independent Brighton venue: it’s honest, local, and consistently excellent.
5. Goldmark Brewery – Micro Bus
The Vibe: A citrus punch to the senses.
Goldmark Brewery, hailing from Arundel, knows how to pack a punch into a lower-ABV beer. Micro Bus is a session pale that leans heavily into grapefruit and zesty citrus notes. It’s light enough to enjoy more than one, but flavorful enough to keep your taste buds interested. It’s the perfect "festival in a glass" beer for those long summer weekends.
6. Langham Brewery – Rocket Juice
The Vibe: Bold, punchy, and unapologetic.
Based in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Langham Brewery might have a traditional setting, but Rocket Juice is anything but old-fashioned. This is a craft-focused, hop-heavy brew that delivers bold flavors of pine and tropical fruit. It’s for the beer lover who wants their summer drink to have a bit of an edge.
7. Beak Brewery – Parade
The Vibe: The gold standard of hazy pales.
If you’ve spent any time in a taproom Brighton locals frequent, you’ve likely heard of Parade. It is Beak’s flagship for a reason. It’s an IPA that is so incredibly soft and juice-forward that it almost feels like breakfast: if breakfast was 6% ABV and incredibly hoppy. When we have this on tap at Lost and Found, it doesn't stay there for long.
8. Long Man Brewery – Long Blonde
The Vibe: An award-winning summer staple.
There’s a reason Long Blonde has a trophy cabinet full of awards. It is the quintessential golden ale. Light-bodied with a soft malt sweetness and a delicate hoppy finish, it’s the beer you hand to someone who says they "don't really like craft beer" to show them what they’ve been missing. It’s a crowd-pleaser in the best possible way.
9. Goldmark Brewery – Hop Idol
The Vibe: An aromatic American Pale Ale with a Sussex soul.
Hop Idol is for those who love the big, resinous aromas of American hops but want the drinkability of a Sussex brew. It’s clear, slightly bitter, and incredibly refreshing when served cold. It pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of our weekend street food vans: think spicy burgers or loaded fries under the Brighton sun.
10. Lakedown Brewing Co – New England IPA
The Vibe: Tropical stone fruit in liquid form.
Closing out our list is the NEIPA from Lakedown. This is a soft, pillowy beer that explodes with notes of mango, peach, and pineapple. It’s the ultimate "treat yourself" summer beer. High-quality, independent, and miles away from the watery "craft" clones you’ll find in the supermarket.
More Than Just a Pint: The Fiveways Experience
We believe that great beer deserves a great atmosphere. That’s why we’ve worked hard to make Lost and Found the most welcoming taproom in Brighton’s Fiveways community.
Like what you’ve tasted? Want to try some more? Our taps are constantly rotating, which means every visit is a new opportunity for discovery. Each sip tells a story of quality and passion, and we’re here to help you navigate that journey.
Sun, Street Food, and Community
Summer at Lost and Found isn’t just about the fridge and the taps. We’ve got:
- Sunny Outdoor Seating: Perfect for watching the world go by on Ditchling Road with an outdoor pint.
- Weekend Street Food: We don't have a kitchen, but we do have some of the best partners in the business. From the incredible MOMO dumplings to gourmet burgers, there’s always something delicious parked outside to soak up those Sussex pales.
- A Space for Everyone: Whether you’re a seasoned "hop-head" or just looking for a cozy place to enjoy a locally curated wine, you’re part of the family here.
Planning a Summer Bash?
If you’re looking for a Brighton party venue that isn't a sticky-floored basement or a generic hotel bar, we’ve got you covered. We offer free venue hire in Brighton for groups up to 80 people. It’s the perfect spot for birthdays, celebrations, or just getting the crew together for a summer session.
Check out our 5 reasons our taproom is the ultimate Fiveways party venue to see why we’re the go-to choice for local celebrations.
Visit Us Today
The sun is shining, the beer is cold, and the community is waiting. Don't settle for "corporate craft." Come and support the real brighton breweries and Sussex makers who put their heart into every drop.
Find us at our taproom Brighton location in the heart of Fiveways. Grab a stool, pick a Sussex brew from the list above, and let’s toast to a summer of independence.
Lost and Found Taproom
Ditchling Road, Fiveways, Brighton
