Top 10 Brighton Beers Ideas: What to Drink at Your Next Fiveways Visit
Let’s be honest: life is too short for boring, mass-produced lager. If you’re standing in a pub looking at a row of taps owned by a global conglomerate, you’re missing out on the real soul of our city. Here at Lost and Found, we’ve made it our mission to be the ultimate craft beer taproom for those who actually give a toss about what’s in their glass.
Located right in the heart of Fiveways on Ditchling Road, we aren’t just another bar. We are a Brighton taproom built on a foundation of "counter-culture." That means we don't do corporate. We don't do "faux-craft." And we certainly don't stock the big-label brands that have lost their way. Instead, we back the local heroes: the independent Sussex brewers who are putting in the graft to make something special.
Whether you’re a seasoned hop-head or someone just looking to escape the "St Paddy’s nonsense" (which we proudly ignore), we’ve curated a list of the top 10 beer styles and local legends you need to try on your next visit.
1. The Hazy Hero: UnBarred – Joosy
If you haven’t had a pint of Joosy, have you even been to a craft beer taproom in Brighton? UnBarred is a staple on our lines for a reason. This pale ale is exactly what it says on the tin: juicy, hazy, and packed with citrus notes. It’s the kind of beer that makes you realize why people are switching to genuine independent Brighton beers. It’s fresh, it’s local, and it’s consistently brilliant.
2. The High-Flyer: Hand Brew Co – Bird
Hand Brew Co is doing incredible things over in Worthing, and we love bringing their creations to the Fiveways community. Bird is a session pale ale that punchy, crisp, and incredibly easy-drinking. It’s the perfect companion for a lazy afternoon on Ditchling Road. We love these guys because they stay true to their roots: purely independent and quality-focused.
3. The Wild Card: Loud Shirt – Funky Pales
Loud Shirt Brewing Co. doesn’t do "quiet." Their beers are as bold as their branding. We frequently rotate their pales and IPAs because they aren't afraid to experiment. When you drink a Loud Shirt pint at Lost and Found, you’re tasting the creativity that makes the Brighton scene so vibrant. It’s a sensory experience that tells a story of passion rather than profit margins.
4. The Lewes Legend: Beak Brewery – Mixed Pales
Technically just down the road in Lewes, Beak Brewery has become a titan of the Sussex craft scene. Their pales are legendary for their soft, pillowy mouthfeel and incredible hop profiles. Seeing a Beak tap handle at our Brighton taproom usually means it won't be there for long: it's that popular. It's the gold standard for craft beer in the Southeast.
5. The Gluten-Free Game Changer: Gun Brewery – Scaramanga
Gun Brewery, based on a beautiful farm in East Sussex, produces some of the cleanest, most refreshing beers around. Scaramanga is an extra-pale ale that happens to be gluten-free, but you’d never know it. It’s zesty, refreshing, and a testament to the skill of Sussex brewers. Supporting these guys is a no-brainer for us; it’s about supporting Brighton breweries through the survival crisis and keeping the local economy buzzing.
6. The Sophisticated Pour: Burning Sky – Saison Été
For those who want something a bit more complex, Burning Sky is the answer. Located in the Sussex Downs, they are masters of farmhouse ales and sours. Their Saisons are elegant, slightly spicy, and deeply refreshing. It’s the kind of beer you sit back and savor while chatting with friends in our cozy, friendly space.
7. The New Traditionalist: Three Acre Brewery
Three Acre is all about "the best of Sussex." They bridge the gap between traditional styles and modern craft. Their Best Bitter or their newer Pales are consistently high-quality. If you’re looking for a pint that feels familiar but tastes vastly superior to the corporate lagers found elsewhere, this is the one for you.
8. The Tropical Trip: Abyss Brewing – Super Pale
Abyss is another Lewes heavyweight that we are proud to feature. Their beers are often tropical, vibrant, and incredibly modern. Drinking a pint of Abyss is like a tiny holiday in a glass. It’s bold, it’s fun, and it perfectly matches the upbeat vibe of a Friday night at Lost and Found.
9. The Coastal Classic: Lost Pier – Deckchair
Lost Pier Brewing captures the spirit of the Brighton coast perfectly. Their Deckchair LIPA is a light, fruity IPA that’s designed for sunnier days (though it tastes just as good when it’s raining on Ditchling Road). They are a fantastic example of a local brand staying independent and focused on the community.
10. The Experimentalist: Cloak+Dagger
Last but certainly not least, Cloak+Dagger. These guys are based right here in Brighton and are known for their weird and wonderful releases. From heavy-hitting DIPAs to boundary-pushing sours, they are the definition of the Brighton craft beer spirit. We love surprising our regulars with a new Cloak+Dagger pour on the guest tap.
More Than Just a Drink: The Fiveways Vibe
At Lost and Found, we know that a great pint is only half the story. The other half is where you drink it. We’ve worked hard to create an independent Brighton venue that feels like home. Whether you're here for our poly-math pints or a post-term teacher’s drink, the atmosphere is always inclusive and welcoming.
Street Food & Pairings
You can’t survive on beer alone (though some of us try). We host some of the best weekend street food vans in the city. Think MOMO for dumplings and bao buns, or NOMAD for some incredible late-night eats.
If you’re wondering what to eat with your Sussex craft beer, we’ve got ideas. A crisp UnBarred Joosy pairs perfectly with a juicy burger, while a sophisticated Burning Sky Saison is a dream alongside sea bass or even scallops. We’re all about elevating the experience.
The Takeaway Fridge
Loved what you had on tap? Want to take the taste of Fiveways home? Our takeaway fridge is stocked to the brim with cans and bottles from the very same independent Sussex brewers we feature on our taps. It’s the perfect way to support local even when you’re heading home for the night.
Hosting a Party? Think Local.
If you’re looking for a Brighton party venue, we offer something a little different. Forget the stuffy backrooms of corporate pubs. We offer free venue hire in Brighton with a vibe that is purely authentic.
Whether it's a birthday, a work do, or just a massive get-together, we provide the space and the best brighton beers in town, and you provide the people. Just make sure you avoid the common party planning pitfalls and get in touch with us early!
Why We Stand Alone
We aren’t a brewery. We are a craft beer taproom. This distinction is important because it means we aren't tied to one set of beers. Our taps are a rotating gallery of the best that Sussex has to offer.
We stay independent because we believe in the human cost of beer. We saw what happened with the BrewDog job losses and the "bubble" bursting, and it only made us more determined to back the little guys. When you buy a pint at Lost and Found, your money stays in the local economy. It supports the brewer in Lewes, the delivery driver in Worthing, and the bar staff in Fiveways.
So, next time you’re wandering up Ditchling Road, pop in. Try something new. Ask our staff for a recommendation: they know their stuff and they love talking about it. Whether it's a hazy IPA or a crisp Sussex bitter, your next favorite beer is waiting for you at Lost and Found.
See you at the bar! 🍻
