You could hardly accuse Brighton of being short on independent bars with buckets of personality, but Crossbar lands with a concept that is genuinely new and totally refreshing. Set on Upper North Street, Crossbar stands as the UK’s first dedicated women’s sports bar, melding the atmosphere of a modern sports bar with an inclusive, community-led feel, a cafe menu, and considerably classier pub interiors.
It’s open from morning through to late evening, welcoming those ‘working from home’ alongside weekenders searching out quality coffee and sports fans looking for a welcoming spot to watch the game. Speaking of, it’s worth noting that while the pub shows predominantly women's sport, all are welcome to come and experience it together with a pint or a cocktail in hand.
Interiors at Crossbar balance traditional pub aesthetics, complete with a stripped-back style, French panelled sea green walls, dark wood accents, and pool tables. The space is divided into three separate areas, including the main bar, the Clubhouse and the smaller Boot Room, with eight screens and plenty of bar stools spread across the venue to accommodate simultaneous fixtures and different crowds. Despite the obvious sports focus, it avoids the aggressively masculine feel associated with many well-worn sports bars.
Food menus at Crossbar are simple and flexible, suited to varied occasions and groups. Daytime options include pastries and freshly made focaccia sandwiches, while evening guests can expect sharing boards with vegetarian and vegan options available too. Drinks play a larger role at Crossbar, with the team leaning into cocktails, curated wines, draught beers and coffee from Boxx2Boxx (the brand founded by former England footballer Jill Scott).
More than anything, Crossbar is the place to go for a more social approach to watching sport. It’s all about resting women’s matches as the main event, rather than a subcategory of low priority.