Brighton’s Best Cocktail Bars
Brighton is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse range of bars and pubs. The town is famous for its relaxed and eclectic atmosphere, and there is a wide variety of places to choose from, including traditional pubs, trendy bars, and lively clubs.
In recent years its hospitality scene has made strides to keep up and even compete with that of London’s and that can be seen with the excellence presented by the cocktail bars. Some of the most talented and creative bartenders can be found in Brighton, looking to innovate and develop incredible new flavours, whilst welcoming their guests to warm and exciting atmospheres.
Whether you’re a long term resident, have just moved to the area, or are a tourist looking to explore the seaside town, here are some of the hangouts you should try.
Bar Valentino
7A New Rd, Brighton BN1 1UF
Hidden away on New Road, this well kept secret is a small venue perched above Tinto Taperia. With a great view of Pavillion Gardens, this speakeasy welcomes its guests with not just exceptional drinks but friendly staff too. Whether you’re looking a long, tropical vermouth based drink such as the Xanadu, or if you’re a lover of agave, spice and all things nice and fancy a Paddington, there’s a drink there for you.
Plotting Parlour
6 Steine St, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1TE
Ask any Brighton bartender where to find a stunning drink and they’ll probably point you to the award-winning Plotting Parlour. Sitting on Steine Street, the cozy and intimate bar is a mere stones-throw away from Brighton’s famous pier.
The Parlour serves a wide variety of beer, wine, spirit, and cocktail options available, with a soft emphasis on gin. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and passionate about their craft and have developed an incredible menu with drinks such as the Pear and Cardomon gin based St Pierre, or the Rum Plum Negroni which indulges the drinker with a winter-spice, bittersweet cocoa taste.
The bar has a rustic and vintage feel to it, with a lot of warm wood and vintage décor and also has a small outdoor seating area, which is great for enjoying a drink during the warmer months.
Bohemia
54-55 Meeting House Ln, Brighton BN1 1HB
Found in a 19th-century building located in the heart of the Lanes, boasts many restored original features and is decorated with salvaged items from Brighton's famous West Pier, adding to its historic charm.
Boasting several distinct areas, this venue offers something for everyone. The Grand Café, open all day, is a popular spot, while the first-floor Late Lounge, open until late on Fridays and Saturdays, features DJ sets and an ample selection of sparkling wine. The opulent decor, including black faux crocodile skin booths and an abundance of glitter and glamour, sets the stage for an elevated experience.
The Roof Garden and a second terrace overlooking the bustling Lanes add to the ambiance. The cocktail menu includes unique creations such as the Lavender Cobbler, a blend of Beefeater Gin, pear liqueur, St. Germain Liqueur, lemon juice, cucumber and Sauvignon Blanc.
The cocktail menu at this venue offers a variety of refreshing and delicious options. The Brighton Fizz, a blend of blood orange liqueur, Aperol, pink grapefruit juice, and Prosecco, is a perfect option for those looking for a light and tangy drink. For those with a sweet tooth, the White Delight, a creamy mixture of coconut rum, Chambord, Frangelico, cream and cinnamon, is a must-try.
The more adventurous can sample the molecular drinks, such as the Bohemia Chocolate Martini, which combines Absolut vanilla vodka, Mozart dark chocolate liquors, bitter cherry liquor, chocolate bitters, and white chocolate foam. The menu also features sharing cocktails, like the Brighton Belle, a potent mix of Beefeater gin, Havana Club 7 years rum, guava juice, Crème de Fraise, and Crème de mure, served in a vintage travel case and designed for up to six people to share.
The Twisted Bars
It would be wrong not to mention the Twisted Bars, each with their own twist on a great formula.
Twisted Lemon
41 Middle St, Brighton BN1 1AL
Twisted Lemon is a great little hangout spot located near The Lanes, where extraordinary tastes and local customers are the top priority. Its entrance is a radiant yellow alleyway, which some of us would usually try to avoid; yet, the prize-winning cocktails at the end of this yellow brick road make it an attractive destination. The venue is two floors and has its main bar on the floor level.
When entering the Twisted Lemon, it feels like being at a friend's home. The furniture is modern and the walls have a yellow hue, while the bar is illuminated by fairy lights and a tart yellow courtyard is at the back. Although the decoration may not be incredibly inventive, who needs it when you can get a delectable drink?
The team recently picked up the Bonzer Barware Best Bar Team Award at the Brighton Bar Awards 2022 and the cocktail selection, throws up some delightful surprises! From the Cherry Mash Sour to a Chambord-covered Lemon Tree to the timeless Sloe Gin Fizz, the bar has a truly special list of drinks. Plus, with their cocktail hour from 12-9pm Sunday through Friday, these potent potionsstart at just £3.95 - making the coins in your pocket a great investment!
Twisted Lime
1 Middle St, Brighton BN1 1AL
Twisted Lime is the sibling establishment of the acclaimed and award-winning cocktail bar, Twisted Lemon. With the same fun attitude, this bar is sure to be a hit with those that love the Lemon.
This spot is decked out with a striking décor, boasting hand-painted pink and yellow illustrations on the walls. The menu is full of zesty favorites like the zombie, mai tai, and daiquiri as well as one-of-a-kind inventions.
XOXO
24 Prince Albert St, Brighton BN1 1HF
XOXO opened its doors in early 2021 and is located in the bustling Prince Albert Street of Brighton. The venue has two floors and provides a generous amount of outdoor seating for customers. Known for its ever-evolving cocktail menu, which features featuring a blend of old-time favourites and fresh new additions XOXO quickbly became a renowned spot for neighbourhood
brunches, coffees, wines, and cocktails.
Some of the standout drinks include its chocolate orange espresso martini, along with it’s sweeter-than-average cheery negroni.
Golden Pineapple
14 Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AD
The Golden Pineapple has long been a representation of hospitable behavior, and that's exactly what the owners and staff set out to do; providing friendly service for any occasion, whether it's a casual gathering or a special event.
The Pineapple maintains a comforting and intimate setting from the weekdays to the weekends, making it a peaceful haven amid the bustling streets of Brighton, a city renowned for its regal grandeur and romanticism. A concise list of drinks that are either made in the house or give a twist to the classics, using only fresh, homemade, and seasonal ingredientsis on offer. But if you'd like something more traditional, the staff are happy to accomodate.
The bar recently launched a new bar snacks menu with informal small plates, loaded with flavor and meant to be shared.
Due to the size and design of the bar, it primarily caters to smaller groups of up to 6 people, but can make a couple of exceptions for bigger groups, depending on particular nights.
Gung Ho
36 Preston St, Brighton BN1 2HP
Gung Ho is a sustainable cocktail bar situated on Preston Street, Brighton, illuminated by vivid green neon, that serves cocktails made from local, seasonal British produce and carefully chosen flavors. It was voted Brighton's Best Bar in 2018 and was placed at #33 in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars of 2022.
Its menu is split into three distinct concepts:
Revised Disco Drinks which sees sweet and sour brambles as well as rich, saline, sour banana daquiris make an impact
Seasonal Cocktails which highlight in-season ingredients such as carrot and corriander iced teas, as well as lavender and vodka mixes (at least at the time of writing!)
The Apothecary – a well-crafted mocktail list which exploits both the hedonistic and healing effects of powerful plants like tumeric and ginger. The Apothecary recently picked up The Lyres Best Non-Alcoholic Selection Award at the Brighton Bar Awards.
These menus, along with the bartenders who definitely pass the vibe check make Gung Ho is a laid-back spot presenting inventive and seasonal drinks in a tranquil atmosphere.
Nautilus Lounge
129-130 St James's St, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1TH
Considered by some to be a great additikon to Brighton’s thriving gay scene, Nautilus Longue offers a war atmosphere, great cocktails and stunning live music.
There’s a big love for stirred twists on old classics on this bar’s menu. Negronis featuring mulled wines, or bergamot liquers, as well as boulevadiers with Jameson instead of bourbon all shine, giving those that love a slightly bitter taste something to enjoy.
If you have any recommendations that we haven’t listed above please let us know.
We love an excuse to sink a few cocktails!