Best Bars for First Dates in Brighton

Regardless of how well a first date is going, everyone needs a good cocktail. Surround yourself in the swathes of a contemporary Brooklyn-style bar before ordering some of the most quirky cocktails in the city. Without a trace of snobbery, just boisterous bar banter and city centre charm, this venue has all the ingredients for a good date night in Brighton. All we ask is that we get an invite to the wedding. 

As one of the most well-loved pubs in Brighton, The Lion and Lobster will bowl over your date by their selection of dishes and premium pub grub, all in traditional Edwardian surroundings. And if the weather so happens to be on your side, take that date out for a schmooze in the garden. Who said first dates had to be stressful?

If you're looking to woo your date with something a little bit different, head on down to Brighton's first-ever prison-themed bar. Don a bright orange jumpsuit and work together to smuggle in a bottle of liquor, if you're able to manage it without being caught by the beady-eyed warden you'll be treated to an evening of bespoke bootleg concoctions. 

A cracking prohibition themed bar in the heart of The Lanes, you'll have plenty to explore and natter about over a table at The Mesmerist. Doused in 1920s charm and vintage debauchery, the retro wares and romantic flair make for one premium first date destination, where, if you're lucky enough, you and your date may just catch a snippet of one of The Mesmerist's circus themed nights or live burlesque shows. 

There's something about great cocktails, delicious food and a roster of brilliant live music events that all tot up to make a perfect combination for a first date. Luckily Patterns in Brighton has all these factors, as well as a serious cool interior. Invite a date a snuggle up on one of their plush leather couches or perhaps grab a cocktail on their idyllic roadside terrace.

The Tempest Inn was created with those first dates in mind. The venue's bar and kitchen staff serve up a range of different drinks and dishes, including potent cocktails and fresh seafood plates. Better still, the setting itself is sure to make your guests look twice, as the restaurant sits in the middle of a serene cave. With frequent live shows and plenty of cosy corners to unwind this, this first date bar in Brighton is certain to impress.

Don't suffer from those first date jitters, Proud Cabaret have an evening of stunning extravagance for you and your date to enjoy. If you're looking to impress, the venue's vintage regalia, stunning dancers and cheeky cabaret performers are certain to make this a first date in Brighton you'll never forget.

With its own range of home-brewed beers and a food menu that's full of fresh flavour, the North Laine Pub easily makes it onto our list of Brighton's best date night spots. With a number of different seating areas and walls covered in quirky decorations and art pieces, your date certainly won't be disappointed with this serene date night venue in Brighton.

If you want to impress your date with a knowledge of some of the best places to get steak in Brighton, The Coal Shed is the ideal place for your first date. With one of the only charcoal ovens in Brighton, some of the best Scottish steaks in town and a whisky list to swoon over, the amazing flavours and charm of this venue are sure to leave an impression on your date.

There's something romantic about being by the sea and HarBAR has whopping views of Brighton Pier to impress any date. The bar is located in Brighton Harbour Hotel, is open until late and serves a cracking selection of cocktails to get the conversation started.

If you like going all out on a first date - and by all out, we mean all out of pocket - then you need one of the fanciest hotel bars in Brighton. Splash the cash at this seafront cocktail bar, where alcoholic concoctions go down well on the terrace thanks to its stunning beachfront views and fantastic flavours. Dress up in your finest and make this a romantically upmarket affair with classically cooked dishes to boot.

The French are known for their love of great food and romantic charm. So with that in mind, Plateau is near the top of our list when it comes to restaurants for a date in Brighton. You'll be met by friendly folk, candlelit tables and a selection of French-inspired sharing plates that will see you sharing giddy little glances over a premium selection of international wines and freshly picked ingredients. 

Dolled up drinks and the romance of vintage fare, The Black Dove have got your first date all kinds of covered. Quiet enough for a chat, but loud enough to keep the moment going, The Black Dove is one of Brighton's secret gems. And if you two love birds are looking to get cosy, escape to The Black Dove's dimly lit galleon, perfect for cheeky cocktails and perhaps a sweet kiss. 

One of the hardest things about first dates is breaking that initial nerve-wracking ice and from what we've heard, laughter is about as ice smashing as it get. If you're looking to entertain your first date, try Komedia on for size. Host to regular comedy nights and side-splitting comics, Komedia is just the place to break a little first date tension, all before taking to a local bar for that great conversation you missed out on during the show. 

If a first date isn't the time to impress, we don't know when is. The Speakeasy's menu of laid back tipples, your date will definitely be impressed by the fact that you even knew about this secret Brighton bar. Based around the moonshine-slinging prohibition style bars of the 1920s, Speakeasy at The Wick is a sure fire shot for any first date night in Brighton, especially if they're into that sort of thing. 

Whilst it may not be one of the most classically romantic places to grab dinner and a drink in Brighton, your date will surely be impressed by your pick of burgers in the city. A unique den of neon wonderment, carnival themed walls doused in artistic urban arrangements and DJs spinning some retro whoppers, MEATliquour is an eclectic American burger bar in Brighton that will keep you and your date nattering for hours.