Brighton’s most eccentric residential neighbourhood, Hanover is known for its steep streets, stunning views, colourful houses, strong pub scene and off-beat personality.
You only have to spend five minutes reading the community Facebook page to see what makes the area so special. Funny, fiercely local and full of character, a perfect reflection of Hanover itself.
Although it’s close to many of Brighton’s main attractions, Hanover is a distinct neighbourhood in its own right, with a unique community spirit and a lively local scene.
Hanover, Brighton: A Local Neighbourhood Guide
Perched on a hillside in east Brighton, not far from historic Kemptown, it’s one of the loveliest areas for taking in the views over the city and out to sea.
What I love most about Hanover is that it has more pubs – many of them independent – than any other Brighton neighbourhood. Excellent news for those who love a pub crawl.
I also like wandering around, past all the pretty painted houses, discovering tiny details, hidden viewpoints and ever-changing street art.
If you’re planning a trip to Brighton, this guide shares my favourite things to do in Hanover, along with places to eat, drink, shop and stay.
You’ll also find my recommendations pinned to a handy map at the end. Let’s explore!
Things to do in Hanover, Brighton
Hidden Hanover Walk, Brighton
A good way to get your bearings is to follow my hidden walk around Hanover. It’s part of the popular hidden Brighton walks series I created during the pandemic that went viral on Instagram.
It’s perfect if, like me, you enjoy exploring the backstreets of city neighbourhoods. It’s self-guided, with fun facts to read along the way and a map including useful addresses. It’s also a fun one to do when the Artists’ Open House event is on throughout May and December.
Follow my self-guided hidden walk around Hanover, here and check out the rest of the series here.
Find the Pepper Pot
Brighton is filled with curiosities to discover, like the Pepper Pot on the fringes of Queen’s Park, I talk about in my guidebook, Secret Brighton. No one knows must about it, except it might have been an elaborate water tower for a mansion long gone.
Find the Pepper Pot at 11 Tower Road, Brighton BN2 0GF
Where to eat in Hanover
The Village
This café-bar-pub occupies a beautiful historic building with a distinctive green-tiled façade that the local community successfully campaigned to save from redevelopment into flats. Inside, it’s decked out in thrift shop furniture, feels cosy and serves all-day brunches, and Thai food most nights.
Find The Village at 129 Islingword Road, Brighton BN2 9SH
Wild Cherry
This little award-winning local favourite on Queen’s Park Road is an authentic place for healthy takeout food like roasted vegetable toasties and lasagne, broccoli and asparagus quiche, creamy soups and chocolate brownies. It’s a treat after the steep walk up Albion Hill to get there.
Find Wild Cherry at 91 Queens Park Road, Brighton BN2 0GJ
Starfish and Coffee
Every local neighbourhood needs a reliable and top-notch independent local coffee shop. In Hanover, this place is Starfish and Coffee.
You’ll come for the superior coffee, and end up staying for the inventive and beautifully presented breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes.
Think: stacks of Greek yoghurt pancakes with ginger poached rhubarb and whipped vanilla mascarpone, cardamom strawberry compote and coconut granola.
Find Starfish and Coffee at 32 Egremont Place, Brighton BN2 0GA
Where to drink in Hanover
Hanover Pubs
Home to the city’s highest concentration of pubs, you could easily plan a Brighton pub crawl around Hanover alone. Each pub is distinct in its own right. Some of my favourites include:
- The Dover Castle is relaxed and homely with stripped pine tables and serves excellent Sunday roasts
- The Geese hung with fairy lights, attracts a young crowd and hosts live music
- The Constant Service perched at the top of Islingword Road is set in a beautiful old corner building and run by local Sussex brewery, Harvey’s
- The Independent Beer and Tap Room has 20 craft beers on tap, over 200 cans and also wine
- The Setting Sun for its sunset terrace
Where to shop in Hanover
THE SMALLEST BOOKSHOP IN BRIGHTON
I discovered this diminutive bookseller by chance one Saturday morning on a browse around the Open Market in London Road neighbourhood. It’s basically a market stall filled with second-hand books, including lots of cult classics at good prices.
It has two other tiny outlets inside several Hanover pubs: The Independent Taproom and Beer Shop on Queen’s Park Road and The Dover Castle pub on Southover Street. They also deliver books locally if there’s a specific read you’d like, and they have.
WHERE TO STAY IN HANOVER
Hanover isn’t really a hotel neighbourhood, which is part of its appeal. Most visitors looking for a Brighton hotel stay closer to the seafront or station and wander up here for the pubs, views and colourful streets.
Staying in the area itself, though, means experiencing Brighton more like a local while remaining within easy walking distance of Brighton station, Kemptown, the seafront and the city centre.
This stylish ground-floor apartment in the heart of Hanover is a great option if you’d like to immerse yourself in one of Brighton’s most characterful neighbourhoods.
Getting to Hanover
Hanover is located on the east side of Brighton near Kemptown and is easy to reach on foot from the city centre and Brighton railway station.
Several Brighton & Hove buses also pass nearby, but honestly, the neighbourhood is best explored on foot. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on all the little details that give Hanover its lovely character, from colourful murals to unexpected views.
I’d also recommend leaving the car behind if possible. Driving can be tricky, with narrow roads, steep hills and limited parking.
Hanover Map
Find a useful map of Hanover independent pubs, cafes and addresses of note below and here.
If you want more inspiration, my secret guidebooks will take you off the beaten path.
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