The Fortune of War is Brighton's oldest seafront watering hole, trading since 1882 from the Kings Road Arches (BN1 1NB) — famously the only pub on the strip shaped like an upside-down boat. It's home to late-night entertainment and live music, run by Laurence Hill, a long-time Brighton live-music promoter, alongside Paul Jonas of Tru Thoughts Records. The programme leans on some of the best DJs in and beyond Brighton playing funk, soul, reggae and hip hop, plus live performances, with the beach itself serving as the venue's enormous beer garden. A Guardian Top 200 pick, it runs a full in-house PA (with drums, guitar and bass amps available) and welcomes both originals and covers. Capacity is around 200.
Brighton · Open mic · Closed
Fortune Of War Open Mic
This open mic has stopped running. Here's where to play in Brighton instead.
Last checked 13 Oct 2026.
Still running nearbyUpdated 13 November 2026
Status
Checked 13 Oct 2026CLOSED
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The check
| Status | Stopped |
| Last checked | 13 Oct 2026 |
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01 — Inside the room
4 photosPhotos: Google
02 — About
BrightonAbout the venue
The Fortune of War is Brighton's oldest seafront watering hole, trading since 1882 from the Kings Road Arches (BN1 1NB) — famously the only pub on the strip shaped like an upside-down boat. It's home to late-night entertainment and live music, run by Laurence Hill, a long-time Brighton live-music promoter, alongside Paul Jonas of Tru Thoughts Records. The programme leans on some of the best DJs in and beyond Brighton playing funk, soul, reggae and hip hop, plus live performances, with the beach itself serving as the venue's enormous beer garden. A Guardian Top 200 pick, it runs a full in-house PA (with drums, guitar and bass amps available) and welcomes both originals and covers. Capacity is around 200.
03 — Find Fortune Of War
BrightonGetting there
156 Kings Rd,
Brighton BN1 1NB
Brighton BN1 1NB
The nearest station is Brighton (rail station), about 15 minutes' walk away.
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Brighton · Closed
Fortune Of War Open Mic
This open mic has stopped running. Here's where to play in Brighton instead.
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Open mic status CLOSED
Was the nightEvery Tuesdayfrom 20:00
Last checked13 Oct 2026re-checked on a rolling cycle
Still running12 nearbyopen mics in Brighton
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Last updated: 13 November 2026
Fortune Of War Open Mic Has Stopped
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Find Fortune Of War
156 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 1NB
Address156 Kings Rd
AreaBrighton
PostcodeBN1 1NB
DirectionsOpen in Google Maps →
Getting there
The nearest station is Brighton (rail station), about 15 minutes' walk away. Fortune Of War is in Brighton — use BN1 1NB for sat-nav, taxis and ride apps. Check the venue's website for parking and the nearest station before you set off.
Open mics nearby
Station data: NaPTAN, Department for Transport (Open Government Licence).
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