Cool And Quirky Bars In Brighton

• Why we recommend: this place is so much more than just a bar; it's an immersive experience that will keep you entertained for hours, complete with bespoke cocktails made from your own spirits
• Location: 13 Kings Road, BN1 1NE
• Price: ££
• Best for: immersive entertainment

Grab your friends and head to one of the best secret bars in Brighton, Alcotraz: Cell Block One-Three. Set in an underground location, this immersive cocktail experience will task you with smuggling spirits past the warden while donning bright orange jumpsuits. The reward? Bespoke bootlegged concoctions whipped up by the long-serving inmates. Inspired by Hollywood films and TV shows, it's a theatrical bar perfect for date night or group days out with tickets from £31.50 per person. 

• Why we recommend: the views of the beachfront are fantastic here, especially from the terrace, and we love the live music and DJs that regularly play
• Location: 10 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL
• Price: ££
• Best for: dancing and live music by the sea

One of Brighton's best places for a night out, Patterns is a cool beachfront bar, club and restaurant providing you with tasty drinks and party tunes. Its regular roster of live music events and top-notch DJ sets makes this beauty a go-to come Friday evening. You'll find a gorgeous south-facing terrace perfect for soaking up the sun with a tequila-based Devil's Kiss in hand during the warmer months. Then, check out the low-lit basement downstairs where the party truly gets started on the weekend. 

• Why we recommend: this glamorous spot has you covered from day to night, whatever the vibe is - think date nights, partying until late or a relaxed evening with friends, all under one roof
• Location: 32 Duke Street, BN1 1AG
• Price: ££
• Best for: rooftop drinks and all-day vibes

A popular choice at any time of day, No 32 is also a fun place for those looking for rooftop bars in Brighton. Whether you're here for a leisurely brunch, a flirty date or some midnight larks, you're guaranteed to find all this and more at the glamorous Duke Street bar. Find two floors of fun, as well as a pretty terrace here. Inside you'll find a dazzling chandelier in the middle of the dancefloor, and cosy, leather sofas filled with punters sipping a flirty pink Flamingo, made with tequila and cranberry juice, or a Flat White Martini, surround. 

• Why we recommend: a four-floor party palace inspired by Japanese karaoke culture, with seven private karaoke pods for groups of 4–20 and even a 'Thirsty' button for room service cocktails, this place makes for the ultimate night out with friends
• Location: 8 Black Lion Street, BN1 1ND
• Price: ££
• Best for: karaoke and group nights out

Up there with Brighton's best bars in The Lanes, Lucky Voice is welcoming Mariah Carey wannabes, Dutch courage crooners and all-out stage performers to its karaoke playground. Grab your mates, get a booth and sip on fruity concoctions named after pop classics 'til classics come rolling out. At £10.70 a pop, enjoy the likes of the Ziggy Stardust, made with raspberry syrup and lychee juice, or the mezcal-based Bitter Sweet Symphony. 

• Why we recommend: we love the Prohibition theme here, and they host all kinds of live entertainment on a regular basis. There's even a rooftop terrace that's ideal for summer
• Location: 1–3 Prince Albert Street, BN1 1HE
• Price: ££
• Best for: live entertainment and group nights out

Enter a realm of Prohibition-themed fun with an evening at The Mesmerist. Decked out in vintage furniture and retro wares, this wacky joint is an obvious choice for those looking for something a little different, playing host to an array of circus performers, party DJs and live jazz bands. Spread over three floors and boasting four bars as well as a rooftop garden, there's plenty of space to choose from to sip on an espresso martini and tuck into Mexican-inspired fare from the kitchen. 

• Why we recommend: you'll feel like you've stepped back into the 1920s here, from the jazz soundtrack to the old-school cocktails, and it's all hidden above a pub
• Location: 63 Western Road, BN3 1JD
• Price: ££
• Best for: secret speakeasy vibes and date nights

A stylish Prohibition-inspired watering hole in the heart of Hove, Speakeasy at The Wick is hidden above an unassuming pub. Filled with deep mahogany booths, decadent liquor cabinets and a classic cocktail menu, this intimate hangout is perfect for a date night drink or two. Listen to the low hum of 20s jazz buzzing through the speakers as you ponder over a Side Car, made with brandy Cointreau or a Mary Pickford, dedicated to the film star in Cuba and concocted with rum, pineapple and cherry liqueur.

• Why we recommend: undoubtedly one of Brighton's most interesting seafront bars, Tempest offers a unique, sprawling interior and one of the best beer gardens in the area
• Location: 159–161 King's Road Arches, BN1 1NB
• Price: ££
• Best for: seafront drinks and DJ nights

Tempest is undoubtedly one of Brighton's most interesting seafront bars. Enjoy a frothy pint while taking in unspoiled sea views from the outdoor terrace or snuggle up in your own grotto-style booth at this memorable little cavern. This quirky venue also plays host to an array of live music events, such as Dykes On Decks, plus disco sessions. Alongside fun-filled events, the food menu isn't too shabby either, with grilled delicacies courtesy of Bonito's chef Alistair Munro. Gobble up crispy seaweed or nori and sesame seasoned fries, washed down with a classic G&T.

• Why we recommend: loaded with character and quirky interiors, plus a gorgeous botanical rooftop terrace, The Joker is serving some of the best cocktails in town
• Location: 2 Preston Road, BN1 4QF
• Price: ££
• Best for: cocktails and rooftop drinks

Loaded with bags of character, quirky interiors (think marble table tops and custom-built 'Express booths'), plus a selection of hot DJs, The Joker is your one-stop shop for fun nights out in Brighton. Come for a feast of comfort food from Lost Boys Chicken, play some pool in their upstairs games room or sip on some knockout concoctions in their cocktail lounge. Better yet, it fronts a gorgeous rooftop bar where you can get your lips around pomegranate sours and mandarin mezcal margaritas with your mates under twinkly fairy lights.

• Why we recommend: if you're a fan of vinyl sets then you'll love this place, particularly if you fancy craft beer and New York-style pizzas at the same time
• Location: 18a Bond Street, BN1 1RD
• Price: ££
• Best for: craft beer, pizza and vinyl lovers

Dead Wax Social is a must for lovers of all things vinyl as its entire soundtrack is dedicated to the beautiful form. The Bond Street boozer is jam-packed with old-school records and individual players if you fancy a private listening session, as well as a slice of Dee Dee's New York-style pizzas and locally brewed craft beers on tap to keep you fuelled up. Spot the neon signage from afar then wander on through to catch some DJ sets and games nights. 

• Why we recommend: a brilliantly bizarre cocktail bar in The Lanes inspired by King George IV's mistress, this place is full of vibrant colours and eclectic decor - an Instagrammer's delight
• Location: 25–26 New Road, BN1 1UG
• Price: ££
• Best for: quirky cocktails and eccentric interiors

Located in The Lanes, Mrs Fitzherbert is a brilliantly bizarre cocktail bar inspired by King George IV's mistress Maria Fitzherbert. Along with vibrant decor - including female busts, eclectic picture frames and wall-hanging mannequin legs, there are also plant pot libations and teapot tipples to choose from. Dabble in two for £13 cocktails and pick from the likes of peach-flavoured Tom Collins and espresso martinis. And if you're hungry? You'll be thrilled to find some delicious Greek food in the form of souvlaki wraps to gobble up.

• Why we recommend: the cocktails here are creative and delicious, and there are three floors of grand interiors to enjoy them in - perfect for date night
• Location: 54–55 Meeting House Lane, BN1 1HB
• Price: ££
• Best for: cocktails and dinner in a grand setting

A must for fans of theatrical drinks, Bohemia is bringing you smoky sips and medieval gothic interiors, as well as a stylish roof terrace in partnership with Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Set over three floors, this liquor emporium is a sure-fire win for fancy date nights and meet-ups with mates.

Here you can sip on the likes of a Smoked Coffee Old Fashioned with Havana 7yo and homemade spiced syrup, or the gin-based Brighton Up My Rock. Fancy something a little more daring? How about the Jekyll & Hyde, laced with absinthe?

• Why we recommend: renowned across the country for its buzzy atmosphere and potent cocktails, Be At One is a cracking spot for nights out at an affordable price
• Location: 5 Castle Square, BN1 1EG
• Price: ££
• Best for: happy hour cocktails and big nights out

Renowned across the country for its buzzy atmosphere and potent drinks, Be At One is an obvious choice for those of you looking to let loose and enjoy some fruity cocktails. It fronts exposed brick walls, low-hanging lights and lots of leather bool stools to perch upon where you can enjoy some cracking deals. Hit up the Castle Square party bar for its daily happy hours and top-notch sips: look forward to the Paradise Punch, made with Disaronno and Southern Comfort, plus the gin-based Singapore Sling. 

• Why we recommend: don't be fooled by the unassuming exterior, step inside to find a haven of retro decor, upcycled furniture, old-school posters and industrial lighting, paired with quality IPAs and hearty grub like battered fish and chips
• Location: 8 Goldstone Street, BN3 3RL
• Price: ££
• Best for: laid-back drinks with a retro edge

The Exchange is definitely one of Brighton's hidden gems. Although this spot may seem cut-and-dried from the outside, step through the door and you'll find a haven of retro decor, upcycled furniture and old-school posters. Fronting industrial lighting and lots of leafy, potted plants, it's a relaxing spot to get involved in some quality IPAs and guest ales before tucking into proper, hearty grub like battered fish and chips. 

• Why we recommend: with an on-site brewery creating uber-fresh craft pints, a knockout food menu, raucous bottomless brunch parties and weekly DJ sets, this place is a must-try, especially for all the beer-lovers out there
• Location: 27 Gloucester Place, BN1 4AA
• Price: ££
• Best for: craft beer fans and brewery lovers

With an on-site brewery creating uber-fresh craft pints, a knockout food menu, raucous bottomless brunch parties and weekly DJ sets, North Laine Brewhouse is definitely a must-try in the city. Every Wednesday, you'll be able to test your general knowledge thanks to Quizzy With Lizzy, and there's even a chance to get stuck in with a guided tour around the brewery. You won't get thirsty at this lively haunt, especially with beers like Professor Citra and High Maintenance on tap.

• Why we recommend: there's so much going on here that one visit isn't even enough - we're talking vintage arcades, board games and even a Scalextric track
• Location: 60-61 London Road, BN1 4JE
• Price: £
• Best for: entertainment, games and group fun

Vintage arcades, delicious fare and weekly entertainment... The World's End is spicing up your evenings out. Trade in bog-standard beers for unconventional sips and take part in a quiz or drag bingo event - that's when you're not sampling their bounty of board games and Scalextric track. After you've finished your activities, tuck into burgers from Marlowe's (think chicken Kiev editions, as well as a vegetarian or vegan pattie aptly named Yeah Lovely), and sink back a couple of fresh pints. 

• Why we recommend: this is one of our favourite beer gardens in the city, with both covered and open-air areas, and they know how to whip up an excellent cocktail
• Location: 65 St James' Street, BN2 1JN
• Price: ££
• Best for: alfresco drinks and laidback vibes

Fancy heading to a bar that is as cool as it is quirky? Make your way to Sidewinder for some lip-smacking drinks and unique interiors. Adorned with curated pieces of art and mismatched vintage furniture, this is the perfect place to sip on a margarita with pals. Also, from Monday to Thursday, you can feed four for just £40: gobble down hearty a lasagna, cottage pie, chicken parmigiana and more, then finish with one of the 'big gins' this establishment is famous for.

• Why we recommend: a swoon-worthy rooftop space filled with fairy lights, a giant eye as a centrepiece and intimate wooden booths adorned with greenery, this place is truly gorgeous
• Location: 2 Boyce's Street, BN1 1AN
• Price: ££
• Best for: rooftop drinks

Searching for a rooftop haunt? Then make your way to Oculist on Boyce's Street. This much-loved venue is home to a swoon-worthy rooftop space with fairy lights and a giant eye as a centrepiece; it's perfect for sunny days or cooler nights thanks to its heaters. Pair all this with a thirst-quenching drinks menu and you've got yourself a corker of a Brighton hangout. Bring your friends to sip on G&Ts and pints.

• Why we recommend: a cosy speakeasy-style bar full of Prohibition-era party vibes, you'll find everything from live jazz to unique cocktails at this party hotspot
• Location: Brighton seafront
• Price: ££
• Best for: Prohibition-era atmosphere and live music

The Bootlegger Brighton is a moonshine-packed, speakeasy-themed bar found just a stone's throw from the city's iconic seafront. Nip behind the unassuming facade to find jazz, swing, blues and rock 'n' roll music, alongside Prohibtion-style drinks. All the glamour of the 1920s is poured into this cosy nook boasting exposed brickwork and a menu that packs a lot of flavour in the form of Italian bites. Chomp on cheese platters and pizzas while sipping a watermelon cosmopolitan or a raspberry mule.

Even better? Six limited-edition cocktails have joined the menu this summer, including the Altos Paloma Picante and Honey and Ginger Penicillin. Enjoy them until 11pm daily for just £9.50 each.

• Why we recommend: boasting more than 70 different wines from around the world, this is exactly where you need to be for great quality vino
• Location: 17 Marlborough Place, BN1 1UB
• Price: ££
• Best for: wine lovers and date nights

The Wine Cellar Brighton is a charming bar that's home to over 70 stunning vinos from across the globe. Whether you're looking for date night ideas or somewhere to host a birthday, this unique venue is sure to hit the spot. Sit outside at one of the intimate alfresco dining tables or make your way into a cosy room filled with unique bottles lining the walls, before tucking into the ultimate grazing selection (£44.95, think cheeses meats, biscuits and olives), paired with a glass of red, white or pink. 

• Why we recommend: Brighton's oldest boozer, dating back to at least 1568, there's so much history to this pub - and it's an absolute dream for beer-lovers
• Location: 74 East Street, BN1 1HQ
• Price: ££
• Best for: craft beer and late-night club nights

Inspired by the culture of New York, East Street Tap is a hop heads haven and one of the oldest boozers in Brighton, dating back to at least 1568. It's located slap bang in the middle of town, and right next to the music venue CHALK, so it's a perfect stop-off on your way to catch a gig. Head over for craft beers supplied by the likes of Brooklyn, Trillium, Alchemist, Stillwater and many more, not to mention cracking DJ sets and mouthwatering hot dogs.

• Why we recommend: run by passionate beekeepers, this unique all-day bar and restaurant celebrates the honey bee through award-winning honey-infused cocktails, an entirely organic wine list, an extensive mead selection and delicious small plates
• Location: 50 Norfolk Square, BN1 2PA
• Price: ££
• Best for: cocktails, wine and a bee theme

Step inside Apiary, a lively bar where bee-inspired cocktails and whimsical vibes fuse to create the bee's knees of experiences. From the Bee's Knees with gin, fresh lemon and Sussex honey to the Orchard Keeper with calvados and dry vermouth, the drinks here are un-bee-lievably good.

• Why we recommend: a truly one-of-a-kind experience — a stylish cocktail bar inside the Brighton i360 pod that rises 450 feet above the beachfront every half hour, with stunning panoramic views and a creative cocktail menu
• Location: Lower Kings Road, BN1 2LN (Brighton i360)
• Price: ££
• Best for: views and a truly unique drinking experience

Part of the iconic Brighton i360, Seascape is a stunning bar that looks out over the beachfront, raised 450 feet above the ground. This pod ascends every half an hour, giving ticket holders the chance to come and go as they please, while enjoying the views.

There's a cracking selection of classic and signature cocktails on offer, as well as plenty of booze-free options. Sip on a tequila-based Seawater Elixir, or opt for the tart, fruity Cherry Reef instead.

• Why we recommend: a Grade II-listed building that has been around for over 100 years and is the Masonic capital of Sussex, there's a lot of history to be explored at this old-school venue
• Location: 38–39 Western Road, BN3 1AF
• Price: ££
• Best for: a historic atmosphere and craft beer

Situated in Hove, Freemasons is a Grade II-listed building that is one of Brighton's only bars to retain its original name. Its's been around for over 100 years and is the Masonic capital of Sussex, boasting two floors of simple wooden furniture and gold gilding.

Sink into one of their plush booths to enjoy a wide variety of craft beer and cocktails, and be sure to catch sports on their big screens too. South African kitchen residents Bunny are providing the food, from pumpkin fritters to salt and pepper corn strips or mac and cheese balls.

• Why we recommend: with sprawling trees, whimsical décor and moody lighting, Medusa delivers the perfect blend of cool and quirky - we love this one for date night
• Location: 20 Preston Street, BN1 2HN
• Price: ££
• Best for: atmospheric date night drinks

With sprawling trees, whimsical décor and moody lighting, Medusa delivers the perfect blend of cool and quirky. Nestled neatly on Preston Street, it's a great spot for date nights, solo sipping or catchups with your closest pals.

The drinks list is as dreamy as the décor. We're talking perfectly chilled espresso martinis, classic old time cocktails and sensational signature serves like the Choconut Milkshake.

• Why we recommend: Helm Gallery is a contemporary gallery, coffee shop and bougie bar all in one, promising rotating exhibitions and a range of delicious drinks to suit all occasions
• Location: 15 North Road, BN1 1YA
• Price: ££
• Best for: art lovers and creative cocktails

In the heart of Brighton's cultural quarter, Helm Gallery is a contemporary gallery, coffee shop and bougie bar all in one. Settle in for speciality brews by day and creative cocktails and craft beer by night. 

Expect ethically sourced spirits and inventive creations the Chilli Peach Margarita and Helm Royale. Whether you're popping in for a quiet coffee or meeting friends for drinks, its rare art, eye-catching books and rotating exhibitions will see that you stick around.

• Why we recommend: nestled in the lanes, this charming spot serves a carefully curated cocktail menu, promising a cosy, independent feel thoughout
• Location: 10 Dukes Lane, BN11BG
• Price: ££
• Best for: intimate drinks with a curated, independent feel

For a bar with personality, character, and a hint of mystery, Rumour Has It is the Brighton destination to explore.

Nestled in the Lanes, it pairs a curated cocktail and aperitif menu with vinyl, independent artwork, and thoughtful touches like focaccia sandwiches, as well as pie and mash.