Beyond the Pint: The Art of the Negroni and Craft Beer Culture at The Westie
While most pubs are content with a standard rail of spirits and a few predictable lagers, The West Hill Tavern has spent years cultivating a drink program that rivals the city’s specialized cocktail bars. The “Westie” is a place where the beverage in your hand is treated with as much respect as the sourdough in the oven. For the discerning drinker, this isn’t just a pitstop near Brighton Station—it’s a destination for some of the most inventive serves in the South East.
The Negroni Specialists
If you’re a fan of the bittersweet Italian classic, the Westie is your unofficial Brighton headquarters. The bar team here has elevated the Negroni from a simple three-ingredient cocktail to a diverse, rotating menu of house-infused masterpieces. They understand that the “holy trinity” of gin, vermouth, and bitters is a canvas, not a cage.
On any given night, you can choose from a range of twists that reflect the seasons and the kitchen’s creativity. The Pineapple Negroni, featuring Boutique-y Roasted Pineapple Gin, is a tropical, sun-soaked riff that cuts through the traditional bitterness of Campari with a caramelized sweetness. For those who prefer a British edge, the Breakfast Negroni utilizes Aber Falls Marmalade Gin to provide a zesty, citrus-forward punch. There is even a Vanilla Negroni made with Red Leg Spiced Rum for those who want a smoother, deeper finish. Each is served with the perfect garnish and crystal-clear ice, proving that you don’t need a tuxedo-clad bartender to get a world-class cocktail.
A Love Letter to Local Taps
The Westie takes its beer seriously, but it avoids the “hop-snobbery” that can make craft beer bars feel intimidating. As a family-run independent, the pub has the freedom to curate its own taps, and they use that freedom to champion the Sussex brewing scene. You will frequently find the Low Five Vienna Pale from Brighton’s own Hand Brew Co, a crisp and sessionable favorite that pairs perfectly with a spicy pizza.
The lineup rotates frequently to include heavy hitters like Beak Brewery (out of Lewes) and international craft staples like Beavertown’s Neck Oil or Brewdog’s Punk IPA. For those who prefer the classics, a perfectly poured Guinness is always a staple. The selection is designed to be a “something for everyone” list—whether you want a hazy, juice-bomb NEIPA, a traditional cask ale, or a gluten-free Peroni.
The Infamous “Bloody Mary Happy Hour”
It would be a crime to discuss the Westie’s bar without mentioning their Bloody Marys. Known for being some of the spiciest and thewesthilltavern.com most well-garnished in the city, they are a staple of the weekend crowd. During their specific “Bloody Mary Happy Hours,” the pub becomes a laboratory of tomato juice, vodka, and secret spice blends. Whether you like yours with a heavy hit of horseradish or a “fire-breathing” level of hot sauce, the bar staff caters to your specific level of bravery.