Top 10 Bars In Brighton

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By Lisa Moore Email Marketing Manager, DesignMyNight Experience in entertainment, events and hospitality content spanning 18 years.

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.




Tapestry

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 Brighton: Cell Block One-Three

@ Alcotraz Penitentiary: Brighton on Various dates from Thursday 26th March 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...

Tempest

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.

The Mesmerist

Free bottle of house wine or prosecco when booking a roast for 6 or more guests!

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. 

Plateau

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.