Brighton Tops List of UK’s Most Haunted Pubs with Eerie Encounters

Brighton has been identified as the most haunted city in the UK, according to a recent study that catalogued over 1,300 ghost sightings in pubs, hotels, and restaurants. Conducted by Where The Trade Buys, the research highlights the coastal city’s remarkable history of eerie encounters, with 39 reported ghost sightings in its venues alone. As Halloween approaches, the findings provide a chilling glimpse into the supernatural side of Britain’s hospitality scene.

The study analyzed data from The Paranormal Database, a comprehensive archive documenting ghost sightings across the UK and Ireland. Unsurprisingly, pubs accounted for the majority of reported hauntings, with 871 sightings linked to these establishments. Brighton stands out with an impressive total of 33 haunted pubs, far surpassing other cities like York with 11 and Edinburgh with nine.

Ghostly Encounters in Brighton

Among the venues in Brighton, the Ali Cats pub has garnered attention for its unsettling atmosphere. During renovations in the 2000s, workmen reported hearing inexplicable human groans and experiencing sudden cold drafts. Just a short distance away, staff at the Aquarium Public House have claimed that a disembodied voice frequently calls out to them by name when the building is empty.

Another intriguing location is the Bat & Ball, where witnesses have described seeing a woman in a nightdress silently dancing across the bar before vanishing into thin air. The Bath Arms also has its share of paranormal activity, with patrons recounting encounters with a Victorian man and another figure in a tricorn hat, both of whom have been seen since the 1990s.

One of Brighton’s oldest pubs, the Black Lion, is said to be haunted by Deryck Carver, the first Protestant martyr in England. Carver, believed to have been Brighton’s first brewer, reportedly met a gruesome end in 1555 and is said to linger in the pub’s cellar, where staff have reported feeling an unnerving presence.

Historical Hauntings Beyond Brighton

Other cities also feature prominently in the study. York, known for its rich history and folklore, includes the Cock and Bottle Inn where a ghost known as “The Man with the Big Nose,” believed to be George Villiers, the Second Duke of Buckingham, has been frequently spotted. This figure is thought to haunt the pub built on land he once owned.

In Edinburgh, the infamous spirit known as Rosie haunts the Banshee Labyrinth. Staff have described her as a former prostitute who makes her presence known by scratching or marking late-night employees. Another ghostly figure known as “Six Finger Bill” reportedly lurks beneath tables, grabbing patrons by the ankles.

The research by Where The Trade Buys emphasizes the unique stories each venue holds, illustrating a blend of history and supernatural lore that continues to fascinate visitors. Marketing Director Emma Thompson noted the significance of these findings, stating, “From centuries-old pubs to seaside hotels, each venue has its own story – and for some, that story comes with a spine-tingling twist.”

As Halloween approaches, these ghostly tales not only add a layer of intrigue to the nightlife but also highlight the deep-rooted history of hospitality in the UK. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, the stories of haunted establishments continue to captivate those willing to explore the darker corners of Britain’s past.