The most unique and vibrant social venues around Brighton. See how many you you’ve visited.
BYOC
Bring your own Cocktail is the newest bar to join the ever expanding plethora of drinking establishments popping up. This type of bar is the first of its kind in Brighton as alcohol is not available to buy on the premises and there is no drinks menu. You and your friends are invited to bring your favourite spirits and hire one of the expert bartenders to mix whatever drink you desire. The cocktails are prepared and served in front of you from a trolley with a selection of cocktail compliments. You pay a flat fee for a set amount of time with the mixologist. This is great idea if you love cocktails and are on a budget and its lots of fun getting the staff to create your favourite tipple.
Mesmerist
The mesmerist is an extremely popular bar in Brighton and is packed to the rafters every weekend. It is unique as it only plays retro music from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, from jazz and swing to rock and roll. The place is always jumping as people of all ages enjoy the music from a bygone era. The décor is inspired by 1930s gin places and burlesque venues and almost has a magical atmosphere. Entry is free but arrive early as there are always queues, but it is well worth the wait. There is always a little floor show on Saturday night which is usually some form of burlesque or dance act, which is always exciting.
My Hotel
If you’re after a Sex and the City venue then look no further. My Hotel is a beautifully crafted bar with curved walls, gilding pewter surfaces and low lighting, reflecting a warm and spacious cocoon. As part of the My Hotel franchise, the bar is open to non-guests to enjoy some beautifully made cocktails, a sophisticated atmosphere and an altogether glamorous night out. The bar staff are knowledgeable and helpful. This is a good place for special occasions. Everyone gets super dressed up so if you are looking to get your glad rags on and feel special this could be the place for you.
Bohemia
If you are looking for a premier cocktail bar with lots of atmosphere then this the place for you. Bohemia is a great place to spend your evening. Spread over 3 floors it has a large central bar on the ground floor with highly trained bar staff on hand to mix cocktails that won’t disappoint. They are a bit pricey but definitely worth it. The first floor has a late lounge, specialising in champagne and even has a cigar menu. The lounge opens Friday and Saturdays till late and has DJ’s every evening if you fancy a dance. The top floor even has a beautiful glass walled Veuve Clicquot Champagne roof garden complete with AstroTurf.
Hotel Du Vin
A lovely start to your evening in a classy venue. The bar is part of the Hotel Du Vin chain and is open to non-guests to come in and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. It is a little on the pricey side but if it is sophistication you are after then look no further. The bar has an extensive list of wines and a wide selection of whiskies, rums and countless spirits. As well as relaxing in the main bar you can also enjoy a game of billiards located on the balcony above.
Legends
Legends is a gay bar and hotel located on Marine Parade just a minute away from Brighton pier. It has a fantastic selection of rooms with stunning sea views. The venue itself is very spacious and has a large bar upstairs with outside terrace and huge dance floor downstairs. There is always plenty going on with drag acts during the week and great music played by a diverse range of DJ’s at the weekends.
Mash Tun
This is a very popular pub with locals and it is always busy. Mash Tun is a good all-rounder from after work drinks to pre-drinks on a Saturday night, to chilling out on a Sunday. The décor is shabby but this place comes alive with an amazing atmosphere in the summer. The tables outside are always packed with drinkers watching the world go by. It’s a great place to spend a sunny afternoon or a warm evening. There is usually a DJ at the weekends and sometimes live music. This is a really nice to pub to have a sociable drink with friends or a great place to start your weekend antics.
Lion & Lobester
If you are looking for a good, old fashioned, comfy pub with a great atmosphere then this is the place for you. The Lion and Lobster is very popular with the locals and has become a bit of a Brighton institution. It is a good venue to start your night before going out on the town. The pub is spread over three floors with a main bar downstairs complete with cosy real fires in winter. The second floor has a small bar within a beautiful dining room and the third floor is the outside smoker’s area complete with mini bar and outside heaters. The Sunday roasts are very popular but make sure you get there early.
The Font
This is an ideal venue for pre-drinks if you are out on a hen or stag night or with a big groups of friends. The drinks are cheap with lots of offers on shots. The bar staff are very friendly and service is speedy. There is always a DJ downstairs playing popular tunes to get your night started. The atmosphere is fun but cheesy.
Fortune Of Fortune
This lovely pub has been open since 1882, making it the oldest pub on the seafront. It is a good meeting place if you are going clubbing on the seafront. There are DJ’s playing at the weekends and it always has a friendly atmosphere and is never too crowded. The décor has a maritime theme and the pub provides beautiful views over the seafront. It has an outside seating area and a buzzy atmosphere during the summer months.
32 Duke St
Those with a party penchant wont be hard pushed to get your late night fix at this naughty, Brighton number. While a cracking destination for eating out in the day, get stuck into the confines of the quirky Brighton bar as the lights go down and the sound-system goes up for a fun loving, seaside crowd.
Lucky Voice Karaoke Brighton
Bringing the jazzy style of some of Japan’s most infamous karaoke bars, Lucky Voice is a playground for the amateur performer, the ignorant out of tuner or the stage stunna. Whether you can sing or not, grab your mates, get a booth and wait for the classic tunes to roll out for a feel good night like no other. There’s a cocktail bar lined with sofas for lounging and boozing too.
Proud Cabaret Brighton
Proud Cabaret is the ultimate in evening indulgence for your late night drinking antics. A den of 1920s lusting and vintage charm, Proud are champions of sumptuous décor, beautiful babes and cabaret cavorts where you can delight in entertainment, jazzy lights and delicious drinks. Gilded interiors, burlesque romps and a stunning show guaranteed on your visit here.
The Tempest Inn
With scenic views from the beer garden at this washed up bar along the beach front, enjoy the fresh sea air and the beautiful rolling waves from your dainty picnic bench. If you can drag yourself away from this alfresco seating, you’ll be just as impressed by the coastal coves set into the walls. Enjoy a frothy pint and a tempting tipple in your very own seafront cave at this quirky little cavern.
Neighbourhood
Cool and quirky are words that don’t feel like they quite cut it at this laid back dive bar just shy of Kemptown. If you’re not seduced by Neighborhood’s cracking beer garden brimming with brightly coloured furniture and it’s own bar, you’ll be inside taking in two floors worth of Brooklyn inspired insanity. From vintage wares and magazine smothered walls to locally produced art work and mis-matched furniture, Neighborhood have eclectic spot on.
MEATliqour
Hailing from the success of their London counterpart, Brighton’s MEATliquour is a wonderment of carnivore feasts and locally inspired artwork. Based around the carnival days of Brighton gone by, doused in neons and brimming with urban regalia, MEATliquour is a unique restaurant bar in Brighton where the burgers come hearty and the cocktails come laced in awesome.
FunFair Club
Of all the things that you thought you’d be doing when you went for a drink tonight, would watching a lady hammer a nail into her nose be one of them? Nope, we didn’t think so either. A fun fair themed club inspired by Brighton’s hedonistic days, the FunFair Club is brimming with vintage flair and fun filled party people, be them lashing around in the ball pit or taking in the bed of nails table in one of the VIP rooms.
Dirty Blonde
Bar, restaurant, inspiration… Dirty Blonde is a delicious enigma, an intangible pleasure. An intimately lavish setting to eat, drink and relax. By evening, a seductive blend of sophisticated dining and fabulous cocktails. And later, a glittering nightlife emporium like than no other, hosting an eclectic mix of show stopping entertainment