Butterflies 'a' fluttering, stumbling over your ill-put-together sentences and traces of toothpaste on your t-shirt; first dates can be a nerve-wracking affair unless you're Lord Byron or the don of love. To help, we've put together a cracking list of drinking dens for that all important first meeting. Whether you're schmoozing over a creative cocktail list, snuggling up something silly next to a roaring fire or catching a chipper little local band, Brighton's full of great venues for your big first date. Check out our recommendations for the best bars for first dates in Brighton.
Last updated on 25th April 2022
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.
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?
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Brighton on Various dates from Sunday 26th June 2022
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.
purveyors of American craft beer and hearty comfort food, the East Street Tap is a bustling, lively spot for a first date in Brighton. Perfect if your partner's outgoing, the venue's delicious burgers and fun vibes if certain to put a smile on even the least enthusiast date. With DJs spinning tracks long into the early hours, this spot is perfect if you're looking for an easy-going date night location.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
