Bars in Kemptown
Home to both one of Brighton's most bustling gay district and some of the best bohemian retreats in the city, Kemptown has individual panache and an eclectic selection of bold boozers. From artistic wares and indie escapes to some of the best cabaret shows in the city, Kemptown's nightlife has got a lot going for it, and we're here to show you exactly what that is. Check out our recommendations for the best bars in and around Kemptown and discover all the wonders of this bohemian retreat just shy of Brighton city centre.
Last updated on 11th May 2017
Low lighting, intimate nooks and crannies and a cocktail list that will have your mouth watering, The Plotting Parlour is a Kemptown favourite. The 1920s-inspired bar has a cracking cocktail list, with drinks infused with heaps of fresh fruit and topped with sweet treats such as marshmallows; this little spot is perfect for a date night or after-work drinks.
Willing to pay a premium price for some top notch creative concoctions? Drakes is the place for you. Boasting contemporary interiors and sumptuous hues, Drakes Cocktail Bar is a great pre-party destination for those of you looking to divulge in a little mixology fare; be them champagne cocktails and pomegranate cosmos down to a '1985' boasting chocolate liqueur and peach puree.
Cabaret schmoozers and decadent drinkers will be truly inspired by this Kemptown watering hole. A premium entertainment venue for cabaret nights, vintage parties, burlesque and retro club nights, Proud Cabaret is a unique bar in the heart of this bohemian town. Doused in nineteenth century charm, kitsch paraphernalia and its historic venue, Proud Cabaret is the place for a truly special night out in Brighton.
Rendezvous is the number one destination for your casino needs. Indulge in a night of fantastic drinks or play across their two floors of gaming, with everything from blackjack to roulette. There’s also the occasional special DJ slot, local live music and manicure evenings for the ladies.
A bustling little indie retreat in the heart of Kemptown, Neighborhood has just the welcoming vibes that its name suggests. From quirky interiors brimming with retro knick knacks and oddities, to a basement snug primed for acoustic nights and laid back tipples, Neighborhood is often chock-a-block with Brighton's young and creative crowd, all looking to get a dose of its cool and quirky charm.
Whilst Kemptown may be brimming with vintage dives and off kilter boozers, the locals do fancy a sophisticated tipple every now and again. Just shy of the main high street and found down on the beachfront, Blanch House cocktail bar is abundant in luxurious post-work tipples and fancy flavours. One for the suited and booted of Brighton after a hard slog, or a date night if you're lucky.
Known for hosting some of Brighton's rowdiest nights out, Poison Ivy is a welcoming gay bar that's made a splash thanks to its fun karaoke nights and drag queen characters. With the bar stocked with all your favourite drinks - plus plenty of great drink deals to make the most of - you won't forget a night out here anytime soon.
Bar Broadway brings all the spectacle and theatre of Hollywood to Brighton's Kemptown. The bar hosts regular live music events, cabaret acts and comedians in an impressive roster of events. They also serve a stellar beer and great wine, making it perfect for a night out or getting your party started.
Vintage and proud, the Black Dove is a pub in Brighton with just the dated vibes you've been looking for. If you're not taking in the delights of their galleon-inspired basement snug - complete with pirate-themed wares - you're sure to be savouring the delights of some of the best cocktails in Kemptown thanks to their expert mixologists.
Doing pin curlers and cafes proud is this vintage little nook. Whilst not the rowdiest of late night ventures, Metrodeco is just the place for traditional schmoozing and hearty teacup cocktails. Famous for their vintage style tea parties, Metrodeco is just the destination for hen nights in Brighton that like their lipsticks a seductive rouge and their hair done-up to the nines.
Burgers, cocktails and Sunday roasts; three things that are always near the top of our list. Boasting a sumptuous selection of all three, Brighton Rocks Bar is an off-kilter treat in the heart of Brighton. From its cocktail classes and subtle vintage charm right down to its great selection of burlesque shows and live music, Brighton Rock Bar has truly got it going on.
Remember the good ol' days when pub floors were laden in sawdust to mop up the mess left behind? JW Lennon's aren't too far off. Boasting one of the city's most vintage-brimming boozers, there's a historical intimacy to JW Lennon's that's hard to catch anywhere else. From bookshelves and walls covered in raggedy historical regalia to some of the best deli-dogs in the city (didn't see that coming now did you) JW Lennon's is a fun blend of the old with the attitude of the new.
Sometimes, all you want from a drink in Brighton is a laid back pub where you can unwind. Well lookie here, we've just the ticket. A traditional Brighton boozer boasting fun knick knacks, a retro-inspired games corner (N64, you guys) and not one, but two beer gardens, Sidewinder is a great retreat from the bustle of Brighton's town centre. Sink into the arms of a cool pint and relaxed on their comfy mismatched furniture.
