Secret Bars in Brighton

While it's no secret that The Mesmerist is one of the coolest bars around, have you heard about The Speakeasy, a hidden space within the twisty turny building? Available for private hire, the spot is a cosy throwback to days gone by with old photos and vintage furniture.

Grand Central may be one of the most notable pubs in Brighton, and have a good fitting just outside the station doors, but did you also know that they have one of the best secret bars in Brighton? Sitting pretty above the pub, the Nightingale Room is a gem of gin and live events. 

It may not look like much from the outside but The Plotting Parlour in Brighton is a den well worth seeking out. Hiding all sorts of luscious libations, the bar is located on the edge of Kemptown; head there to discover frescoed walls, golden bars and plenty of nooks and crannies to while away an afternoon.

There's a man behind a desk in a hallway surrounded by potted plants and an air of secrecy, but what is he doing? Manning the desk for BYOC of course, one of Brighton's most unusual cocktail endeavours hidden beneath The Lanes. Pass this chap and discover what waits below as this 'bring your own bottle of booze' cocktail bar is a wonder of vintage treasures, candlelit corners and mixology mastery.

This new speakeasy in Brighton is accessed by a secret door; once you've worked out how to get in, a den of cool vintage photos, Champagne cocktails, and French charm awaits.

So okay, The Black Dove isn't necessarily a big secret, because it's really rather cool, but not that many people know about the absolute charmer of a drinking den that they have hidden downstairs. Saunter on down to their downstairs where a private, galleon-inspired lounge room awaits. With barely enough room to swing a cat (don't do this), yet brimming with vintage treasures, comfy nooks and low lighting, the space at The Black Dove is a secret worth sharing.

Hidden behind a bookcase is one of Brighton's most secretive drinking lairs. The Hanbury is tucked away in the Artist Residence, opening for private hire and occasional tastings.

It might be a bit of an effort to find Twisted Lemon in The Lanes but the work is all completely worth it. Sandwiched between two buildings, what the bar lacks in size, it makes up in flavours as they whip up a storm behind the counter. Reward yourself with a Banoffee Pie Martini.

A pub may not be the first place you'd take to for a selection of 1920s-inspired cocktails and speakeasy flair, but we think you should give this Hove boozer a chance. Found upstairs, the Speakeasy bar at The Wick pub is just the jaunt for you Prohibition-inspired drinkers.