After a helluva lot of careful consideration, we've whittled down the town's finest drinking destinations to tick off your bucket (and spade) list. With more curious cocktail concoctions, brilliant interiors and welcoming bar staff than you can shake a stick of rock at, this is no mean feat. Need a hand deciding? Read our list of the top 10 bars in Brighton.
A secluded, peaceful venue in the heart of Brighton, The Wine Cellar boasts a collection of over 70 wines from all over the world. Expect cosy, sophisticated interiors, and a menu full of premium quality drinks.
They host private wine tastings every single day, with a knowledgeable team of staff to guide you through. There are multiple experiences to choose from, paired with artisan cheese and locally sourced meats (and there's a vegan option too).
Tapestry is quickly becoming Hove's go-to spot where community spirit, exceptional food, and classic design come together in perfect harmony. Whether you're after a lazy weekend brunch, inventive cocktails, or a relaxed post-work drink, Tapestry offers a warm, inviting atmosphere to unwind.
Their food menu is crafted for sharing, featuring small plates and bar snacks made with the finest local ingredients and bold, elegant flavours, ideal for grazing with friends or indulging in a decadent grown-up Sunday roast. The drinks menu is equally impressive, boasting creative cocktails like the spicy margarita, elderflower gin spritz, and classic espresso martini, alongside continental lagers and a carefully curated wine list.
@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Brighton on Various dates from Sunday 9th August 2026
After fun bars in Brighton? Venture to Alcotraz's Cell Block One Three and partake in some boozing behind bars. This immersive cocktail experience will see you treated to a night of expertly mixed concoctions - that is if you're able to smuggle your contraband past the warden...
A vital organ on the Brighton party scene, Patterns is one of the best bars in Brighton thanks to its seaside closed, miami interiors and vibe, and consistently buzzing crowd. Bottomless brunching? Yup. Some of the best gigs and DJ nights in town? Only every day. Head to the beachfront to live it up on the outdoor terrace or party-worthy indoor space.
Tempest is a Brighton hotspot located right on the seafront, flaunting a stunning terrace that overlooks the ocean. Inside, you'll find cosy lantern-lit caves, function rooms available for private hire and an exclusive bar that hosts some of the city's best DJ events. It's the perfect place for grabbing a chill drink with mates, day or night.
Right on the seafront, Drift is hard to beat when it comes to bevvies with a view in Brighton. Next to the iconic i360, this is the perfect place to unwind, graze, sip and soak up the sunshine.
There's plenty to keep you refreshed as you watch the waves roll in. We're talking sharing plates and a spritz, catching up with friends over mezze and mocktails, or relaxing with an ice cold beer.
Securing a spot among Brighton's elite drinking dens, Coppa Club excels by offering a polished, all-day bar experience in a stunning square setting.
The cocktail menu relies on fun, elevated flavour profiles - the peach and elderflower Mai Tai is an absolute must-try - complemented by a thoughtfully sourced selection of beers and fine wines. Combined with its iconic glass igloos and bustling brasserie atmosphere, it's easily one of the coolest places in town to raise a glass.
A Brighton legend, The Mesmerist is a more than reliable base for whatever you might need for some fun in town. From a rooftop bar for when the sunshine hits, to as 70s themed space for cocktails, and Asian cuisine (including bao and tofu) from UmamiNation, it's a hybrid worth heading to when you're around the lanes.
Multi-award winners (and sometimes difficult to grab a table at come the weekend), The Joker is a hidden gem in London Road, notorious for their jet black interiors, raging fireplaces and vintage theme. On top of looks? Try out their rooftop terrace, delicious cocktail menu, or selection of American-style plates from Wing Ting.
Looking for the best bars in Brighton's The Lanes? Lucky Voice Brighton is a gem worth visiting. Paying homage to Japanese karaoke culture, this joint has plenty of booths that are ideal for non-stop fun. On top of that, there's also a cocktail speakeasy in the basement.
No list of the 10 best Brighton bars would be complete without a wine-based suggestion, right? With sunshine streaming through stained-glass windows and an eclectic mix of international bottles from red to sparkling, Plateau is notorious for delicious date nights in town, whether you're on the street-side tables taking up the neighbourhood vibe, or inside enjoying small plates.
Inspired by the legendary mistress of King George IV, Mrs Fitzherberts is one of Brighton's most eccentric venues. Venture inside, where you'll be met with botanical vibes, palm tree-adorned walls and vibrant features. If you're hungry? Chow down on the Caribbean-themed menu.
