In a city known for its wacky offerings, it should come as no surprise that this seaside beauty is filled to the brim with wonderful watering holes. With 20s-inspired cabaret dens, immersive cocktail experiences and secret speakeasies you definitely won't run out of haunts sprucing up regular drinks. To help you think outside the ordinary, we've compiled a list of the best cool and quirky bars in Brighton.
Last updated on 5th May 2023
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Brighton on Various dates from Thursday 8th June 2023
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 in past the warden. The reward? Bespoke bootlegged concoctions.
Searching for cool bars in Brighton? They don't get much better than Proud Cabaret. A glamorous 20s-style den of drinking and debauchery in Kemptown, this spot will delight you with burlesque acts, drag shows and decadent brunch bonanzas.
Part of the iconic brand, BrewDog is dishing up its signature craft beer and industrial-style interiors. Armed with a whopping 30 taps filled with hoppy sips and two fridges of bottled booze, the town centre haunt also cooks burgers, wings and snacks.
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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.
Searching for a rooftop haunt? Then make your way to Oculist on Boyce's Street. This much-loved haunt is home to a swoon-worthy rooftop space, perfect for sunny days or cooler nights with their heated areas, alongside a mouthwatering food and drinks menu.
Cute, quirky and a little kitsch, The Breakfast Club is always worth a visit if you're in the area. Boasting a mouthwatering selection of Mexican eggs and pancake stacks, this charming bar and brunch destination also has a hefty choice of quality cocktails.
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 'til classics come rolling out.
Vintage arcades, vegan fare and weekly entertainment... The World's End are 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.
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.
Whether you're in the mood for a quiet one or a fun event, The Joker is the unique bar in Brighton serving up all kinds of cool and quirky vibes. From the vintage-inspired interiors to the list of boozy concoctions, this neighbourhood 'cocktail pub' is quite the destination.
Pier Nine is a lively gaming venue and bar along Brighton beachfront. Whether you're in the mood for a round of roulette, want to sing along to your favourite ballads or are keen to catch up on the latest matches, this shiny seafront haunt has got your evening down to a tee.
If quirky is your thing, then you're going to want to check out Ink (at etch. by Steven Edwards). Located just below the stylish joint in an ex-tattoo studio, this speakeasy is the ideal hub for drinks with your closest pals. From wine pairings to cocktails, this spot is sure to impress.
Specialists in all things Mexican street food, Wahaca is bringing fun and sunshine vibes to the streets of Brighton. Along with beautifully painted murals and football tables, the sustainable restaurant and bar offers guests a selection of beers, wines and margaritas.
With an on-site brewery creating uber-fresh craft pints, a knockout food menu, raucous bottomless brunch parties and weekly DJ sets, The North Laine Pub and Brewery is definitely a must-try in the city.
Dead Wax Social is a must for lovers of all things vinyl. The Bond Street boozer is jam-packed with old-school records and individual players if you fancy a private listening session, as well as stone-baked pizzas and locally brewed craft beers on tap to keep you fuelled up.
The Tempest Inn is undoubtedly one of Brighton's top bars along the beach. Enjoy a frothy pint whilst taking in unspoiled sea views from the outdoor terrace or snuggle up in your own grotto-style booth at this memorable little cavern.
Free 2L Growler of Bison Beer or Bottle of Prosecco with Bookings of 10+
Bison Beer is a cool hangout with casual vibes and an ever-rotating selection of craft brews to explore. Nestled in North Laine, the bar also boasts a menu of creative delights, such as juicy stacked burgers, small plates and an epic Sunday roast for good measure.
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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. Hit up the Castle Square party bar for its happy hours and top-notch sips.
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 marg with pals.
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.
The Exchange is definitely one of Brighton's hidden gems. Although this spot may seem cut-and-dried from the outside but step through the door and you'll find a haven of retro decor, upcycled furniture and old-school posters.
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.
Located in The Lanes, Mrs Fitzherbert is a brilliantly bizarre cocktail bar. Along with vibrant decor - including female busts, eclectic picture frames and wall-hanging mannequin legs, there's also plant pot libations and teapot tipples to choose from.
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.
You've probably spent your twilight hours dancing here, but if you thought that late-night parties were all that Revolution was good for, then boy have you got another thing coming. Head over during the day and you'll find brilliant happy hour cocktails, tasty food and a stunning courtyard.
A must for fans of theatrical drinks, Bohemia is bringing you smoky sips and medieval gothic interiors, as well as a stylish roof terrace. Set over three floors, this liquor emporium is a sure-fire win for fancy date nights and meet-ups with mates.
MEATliquor's menu of cocktails are anything but boring. Settle into the broody, neon-covered lair and spend an evening sipping on boozy milkshakes and tequila-absinthe-rum concoctions. Not your thing? Craft brews are also on hand for beer fans.
