Summer Beer Guide 2026: 5 Brighton Craft Beers You Need to Try at Lost and Found Taproom
[Photo: real photo of customers socialising with craft beer at Lost and Found taproom]
There is something undeniably magical about summer in Brighton. The salty sea breeze drifting up from the coast, the hum of friendly chatter spilling out onto the pavements, and: best of all: the golden hour casting a warm glow over Ditchling Road. Here at Lost and Found, nestled right in the heart of the vibrant Fiveways community, summer is our absolute favorite time of year.
As a dedicated craft beer taproom, we believe that every sunny afternoon and warm evening deserves a pint that tells a story. We’re proudly the counter-culture to big-label beer. While massive corporate conglomerates churn out mass-produced, identical pints, we champion the dreamers, the innovators, and the independent Sussex brewers who pour their hearts, souls, and endless creativity into every single batch.
Whether you’re a seasoned hop-head on a quest for the next big flavour or a curious newcomer just beginning your craft beer journey, our rotating taps are ready to surprise and delight your palate. Looking for the ultimate spot among taprooms in Brighton to unwind this season? Look no further. Grab a seat, soak in the neighborhood atmosphere, and let’s dive into 5 incredible Sussex craft beers you need to try at our Brighton taproom this summer!
1. UnBarred Brewery – Juicy IPAs & Refreshing Sours
[Photo: real photo of a lively evening at Lost and Found taproom with craft beer and cozy ambiance]
Kicking off our summer guide is none other than Brighton’s own UnBarred Brewery. Based right here in the city, UnBarred are renowned for their boundary-pushing, fearlessly experimental approach to brewing. When the temperature climbs, nothing hits the spot quite like one of their fruit-forward sour beers or tropical, hazy session IPAs.
Pouring an UnBarred brew across our bar is always a moment of pure excitement. Each sip is a masterclass in balance: bursting with vibrant citrus notes, juicy peach, or punchy passionfruit, backed by a velvety mouthfeel that begs to be savored in the sunshine. If you’re looking to experience what modern craft beer in Brighton is truly all about, start your summer adventure here.
2. Beak Brewery (Lewes) – Hop-Forward Summer Pale Ales
Just down the road in the historic town of Lewes, our friends at Beak Brewery are crafting some of the most sought-after beers in the UK. Yet, they remain wonderfully rooted in our local Sussex soil. Beak is celebrated far and wide for their feather-light, intensely aromatic pale ales and hop-forward IPAs.
What makes Beak such a summer essential at our craft beer taproom is their uncompromising dedication to freshness and drinkability. Pouring a glass reveals aromas of crushed pineapple, white grape, and freshly cut grass, followed by a crisp, refreshing finish that practically demands a second round. It’s sunshine in a glass, crafted by people who live and breathe their craft.
3. Lost Pier Brewing – Coastal Creativity in Every Pint
[Photo: real photo of friends gathering and enjoying independent craft beer at Lost and Found]
Brighton is a city defined by its coastline, and that coastal spirit flows directly through the vats of Lost Pier Brewing. Brewing locally with an independent mindset, Lost Pier creates beers that capture the breezy, adventurous essence of the Sussex seaside.
Whether it’s a crisp, refreshing Pilsner designed for scorching afternoons or a bold, aromatic West Coast IPA packed with pine and citrus notes, Lost Pier never misses a beat. Drinking one of their exceptional creations at our independent Brighton venue feels like a toast to local independence and coastal living. Every drop is a celebration of what happens when passionate brewers are given total creative freedom.
4. Loud Shirt Brewing Co. – Bold, Vibrant Craft Brews
If you want a beer with personality that matches the bright, sunny days of Brighton in 2026, Loud Shirt Brewing Co. is your go-to. Known for their psychedelic branding and uncompromising flavour profiles, this Brighton-based independent brewery delivers beers that are as lively and welcoming as our community here in Fiveways.
From crisp, clean lagers that cool you down after a long walk across the Downs to fruit-infused wheat beers and robust session ales, Loud Shirt brings pure joy to our taps. Pop into our Brighton taproom, order a pint of Loud Shirt, and let the worries of the week melt away while you chat with friends old and new.
5. Burning Sky Brewery (Alfriston) – Crisp Saisons & Farmhouse Ales
[Photo: real photo of guests celebrating and enjoying drinks in a warmly lit, bustling atmosphere]
Rounding out our top five is a true jewel of the Sussex countryside: Burning Sky Brewery. Tucked away in Alfriston, they specialize in Belgian-inspired farmhouse ales, complex saisons, and barrel-aged masterpieces that showcase patience, tradition, and artistry.
For summer, their lighter saisons and refreshing mixed-fermentation pours offer an alternative to heavy IPAs: dry, effervescent, floral, and deeply quenching. Pouring a Burning Sky beer at Lost and Found brings a touch of rustic elegance to our urban taproom, proving that the Sussex craft scene is as diverse as it is delicious.
More Than Just Great Beer: Street Food, Sunshine, and Good Times
While our taps are undoubtedly the star of the show, summer at Lost and Found is a complete sensory experience. As a cozy neighborhood taproom, we believe a great pint deserves great company and fantastic food.
While we are proudly not a brewery: we are your local independent curators of the finest independent beers: we partner with incredible local street food vendors to park up outside our doors on weekends. Imagine grabbing a crisp, ice-cold Sussex IPA from our bar and pairing it with mouth-watering street food, eaten right outside in the warm Brighton air.
Planning a summer celebration? Whether you're turning another year older, hosting a get-together, or planning an unforgettable party, our space doubles as a premier brighton party venue capable of hosting up to 80 people. With warm lighting, local artwork, friendly staff, and fridges fully stocked with independent takeaway cans and bottles, your next gathering is sorted.
[Photo: real photo of a busy evening at Lost and Found taproom with guests enjoying drinks, street food, and community atmosphere]
Come Raise a Glass with Us at Lost and Found
Like what you’ve tasted? Want to explore even more unique flavours? We invite you to step away from the bland, corporate-owned taps and discover what real, independent craft beer tastes like.
Drop by our doors at Lost and Found, located right on Ditchling Road in Fiveways, Brighton. Whether you're settling in for a lazy Saturday afternoon or dropping by for a takeaway can on your way home, our friendly team is always ready to guide you to your new favorite brew.
Get in touch today or pop in this week: let’s make Summer 2026 one to remember, one independent pint at a time!
