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 · Every Tuesday · Free
Fortune Of War Open Mic
Brighton's Fortune Of War hosts a weekly open mic night every Tuesday with full backline provided.
Open mic at a glance Fortune Of War · Brighton
Tuesday
Open mic night
May 2026
Listed since
24 Jul
Last verified
Free
Entry
19:30
Sign-up time
Closed
Listing status
Run a Brighton open mic? List it free — verified within 48 hours
Last updated: 2 June 2026
Fortune Of War Open Mic — Quick Facts
Brighton's Fortune Of War hosts a weekly open mic night every Tuesday with full backline provided.
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The Details
Everything you need before you turn up
DayTuesday
Start20:00
Sign-up19:30 walk-in
Slot length–
EntryFree · 18+
Capacity–
Performer typesMusic
Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night
View on map
Where
Fortune Of War156 Kings Rd
Brighton BN1 1NB
Brighton — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Highlights
Free entry for all
PA system provided
Walk-in sign-up
Music welcome
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About Fortune Of War
About This Open Mic
Every Tuesday in Brighton
Kicks off at 20:00, sign-up from 19:30
Free entry for performers and audience
Slot length — we’re on it, no info yet
PA provided — BYO instrument
Part of the Brighton open mic directory
The Night
Fortune Of War in Brighton hosts a weekly open mic on Tuesday evenings. This beachfront pub offers a lively atmosphere and a range of drinks.
Sign-up process
Sign up is in person at the venue from 7:30 PM on the night of the event.
Getting there
156 Kings Rd, BN1 1NB. Located on Brighton seafront.
The venue
This is a traditional pub located directly on Brighton seafront. The event is 18+ due to the venue type and evening timing. A full PA system, microphones, guitar amp, bass amp, and drums are provided for performers.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
PA + monitors
Drum kit
Guitar amp
Bass amp
Keys / keyboard
2 vocal mics
In-house engineer
The Night at a Glance
How Fortune Of War’s Tuesday night runs.
19:30Sign-up
20:00Kick-off
00:00Venue closes
Every Tuesday Free entry
Find Fortune Of War
156 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 1NB
Planning Your Tuesday Night
Arrive by 19:30 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until late. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Brighton live music scene.
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Try the Rate CalculatorCommon Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Brighton's Fortune Of War open mic.
Walk-in sign-up only, opens at 19:30. Arrive early — slots fill on the night. See other Brighton open mic nights for alternatives.
PA + vocal mic provided. BYO instrument and amp.
Slot length varies — check with the host.
Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Brighton mics are free; browse the list.
Solo and duo acts work best given the gear available; ask the host before bringing a full band.
156 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 1NB.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Brighton regulars across the Brighton open mic scene. Brighton open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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