The Best Cocktail Bars In Brighton

Discover the epitome of mixology with our guide to Brighton's top cocktail bars...

By Rex Adams | Updated Apr 12 2024

A variety of seven colorful cocktails arranged on a marble table. Each drink is in a different style of glass, including a teacup, martini glass, and rocks glass. The background is dimly lit, creating a cozy atmosphere. — thejokerbrighton.com

Welcome to the coastal haven where the tides aren't the only things shaking—Brighton, a town that's not just on the rocks but expertly stirred with a twist of seaside flair. As the sun sets on summer, the fun doesn't wane; instead, it takes a sip from the vibrant cocktail culture that defines this seaside gem. Whether you fancy margaritas by the shore, prefer a sip in a prison cell, or yearn for a tropical escape in a cozy hideaway, we've mixed and muddled our way to uncovering the best cocktail bars in Brighton!

The Plotting Parlour

Cozy, warmly-lit indoor space with rustic wooden furniture. A long table with benches is adorned with autumnal decorations, including pumpkins. Twinkle lights are strung on branches placed in the corner, and the walls feature arched mirrors and lantern-style lighting. — The Plotting Parlour via Facebook

6 Steine St, Kemptown, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1TE

Step into the clandestine world of The Plotting Parlour, reigning supreme as the unrivaled maestros of mixology in Brighton. Nestled discreetly in the beating heart of Kemptown village, this award-winning cocktail haven beckons those in the know to embark on a flavor-filled escapade. Picture this: a 'Fear and Loathing' or 'Ginger and Chili Margarita' in hand as you plot away with your lucky cohorts. The Plotting Parlour has perfected the alchemy of crafting each drink into a masterpiece, using the best locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and top-shelf spirits. The bar opens its doors from 4 pm Sunday to Thursday, and 3 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, making it the ideal spot to kickstart or cap off your evening. As for upcoming events, keep your eyes peeled for their soirées!

Bar Valentino

A dimly lit room with red walls, red upholstered seating, and red ottomans. Various framed artworks in different sizes are displayed on the walls. Several table lamps with red shades provide warm lighting. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate. — barvalentino.co.uk

7A New Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1UF

Ring the bell, ascend the velvety stairs, and step into the red-room glamour of Bar Valentino – Brighton's modern-day speakeasy tucked next to the Theatre Royal. This luxurious 1920s-styled sanctuary feels like a sip back in time, with a cocktail menu as fresh as a daisy and secrets shared by the talented team behind the bar. Bar Valentino offers a perfect prelude to Brighton's nightlife. The balcony overlooks the city's vibrant thoroughfare, providing a front-row seat to the town's transformation from day to night. Awarded "Best Bar" in 2021, this first-floor gem, perched above the acclaimed Spanish tapas restaurant Tinto Taperia, is a cultural delight where classic and innovative concoctions meet in a buzzing speakeasy ambiance.

The Twisted Lemon

A cocktail glass garnished with lemon twists and rimmed with sugar stands amid two large bottles of Plymouth Gin and six miniature bottles featuring different gin varieties. The backdrop features a bar vividly stocked with various liquors. — The Twisted Lemon via Facebook

41 Middle St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1AL

This cozy and quirky spot has been mixing up both classic and 'twisted' concoctions that Brightonians can't get enough of. Step into the intimate garden or perch on the patio, where sipping on lovingly crafted cocktails won't break the bank – a tantalizing deal for your taste buds and wallet alike.The Twisted Lemon is not just a place; it's a hidden sanctuary for those in-the-know, offering a happy hour between 12-9 pm every Sunday to Friday. From nuclear banana daiquiris to classic martinis, this charming haunt serves up pocket-friendly blessings in a glass.

Burnt Orange

Five colorful cocktails on a green marble table. Each drink is uniquely garnished: an orange slice on a frothy top, fresh berries and mint, a grapefruit wedge and herbs, and more. The background is a warmly lit orange wall. — burnt-orange.co.uk

59 Middle St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1AL

Open since June 2021 and crowned the best restaurant in town at the 2022 and 2023 Brighton Restaurant Awards, Burnt Orange is the brainchild of acclaimed restaurateur Razak Helalat, the creative force behind The Coal Shed and The Salt Room. This sophisticated spot seamlessly combines warmth and elegance, offering meticulously crafted cocktails and a curated wine list that caters to diverse tastes. Beyond exceptional food and drink, Burnt Orange is an immersive experience where afternoons effortlessly transform into evenings, thanks to friendly service, an easygoing atmosphere, and perfectly pitched music. Every Saturday night, the venue transforms with a live DJ set, turning dining into a night of drinks and a lively party vibe.

Bohemia

Two bowls of creamy yellow dessert topped with sliced passion fruit rest on top of white bowls releasing smoke, creating a dramatic presentation. The background is dark and illuminated with red lighting, enhancing the mystical ambiance of the scene. — Bohemia via Facebook

54-55 Meeting House Ln, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HB

Since its glamorous debut in February 2012, Bohemia has been a top choice for cocktail enthusiasts, offering a unique ambiance with artistic interior design spread across four floors. From the heated front patio on the Lanes to the Veuve Clicquot roof terrace, this liquor emporium is a visual delight. Bohemia's extensive food menu caters to all tastes, serving British classics, Scandi-chic late lounge nibbles, and a renowned Brighton Sunday roast. The cocktail menu is a highlight, featuring creations like the 'Brighton Rock Clover' and 'Smoked Coffee Old Fashion,' presented with theatrical flair. The venue is open from midday every day until late, with DJ sets and a stylish evening transformation on weekends. Families are welcome until 9 pm, making Bohemia the perfect spot to unwind with good food and relaxed vibes, while the late hours turn it into a vibrant hotspot in Brighton's nightlife.

The Joker

A cozy cafe interior featuring a long, gray cushioned bench along the wall. Several small, round tables with chairs are arranged in front of the bench. Warm light bulbs hang beside tall, arched windows that allow natural light to fill the room. — thejokerbrighton.com

2 Preston Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4QF

The Joker is not your average pub – it's a landmark building near New England Street's creative hub and iconic spots like Preston Park and the Duke of York Picturehouse. While its grand main room and street-side benches witness happy crowds during the summer, it's the upstairs cocktail lounge that steals the spotlight. With vintage decor, plush velvet seating, and a grand piano setting the mood, The Joker offers a sophisticated oasis above Preston Circus. The lively downstairs bar is a haven for Lost Boys Chicken enthusiasts, serving award-winning New York-style chicken wings and sandwiches daily until 10 pm. The pub, along with Lost Boys Chicken, has secured top spots in the BRAVO awards, showcasing its commitment to excellence. Regular promotions, including 3-4-2 on Wing Wednesdays and 2-4-1 Prosecco Mondays, make The Joker a go-to for both food and drink enthusiasts. With late-night opening until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays too!

Golden Pineapple

A cocktail in a stemmed glass is placed on a wooden bar counter. The drink is orange in color and the background shows a blurred array of bottles on shelves, creating a bokeh effect with soft lighting. — Golden Pineapple

14 Ship St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1AD

This swanky spot is a tequila and mezcal lover's paradise, offering an extensive, creative cocktail menu that ventures beyond the ordinary (margarita who?). The bar, with its stylish furnishings, emanates a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, making it a calm oasis in the Lanes of Brighton. With a focus on good hospitality, the Golden Pineapple invites you to enjoy a friendly service whether you're opting for a casual drink, celebrating a special occasion, or anything in between. The cocktail list, featuring in-house creations and twists on classics, showcases their dedication to fresh, homemade, and seasonal ingredients. While catering primarily to smaller groups, the Golden Pineapple's knowledgeable team is always ready to mix up something special, on or off the menu.

Gung Ho

A dimly lit bar interior with wooden stools and tables. The bar counter has a soft red light underneath, and the menu is written on a chalkboard on the wall. The entrance with glass doors reflects green neon lights from outside. — Gung Ho Bar

36 Preston St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 2HP

Perched on Preston Street, Gung Ho has swiftly become the pinnacle of cocktail excellence in Brighton, securing the title of Best Cocktail in the Brighton Restaurant Awards 2022. Founded by Julien and fueled by a commitment to zero waste, GungHo offers an ever-evolving cocktail menu influenced by seasonality, featuring foraged and local ingredients, from green strawberries to chicory root. This sustainable haven not only boasts mouthwateringly magnificent drinks but also upholds eco-friendly practices in every aspect, from interior design with reclaimed woods to powering on 100% renewable energy. The beats of 80s tropical disco and lo-fi set the lively vibe, and the staff, known for their welcoming attitude and endearing banter, complete the experience. Be sure to try their signature Mai Tai twist and revel in their innovative cocktails that showcase the best of Sussex produce. With just five tables, booking is a smart move for this niche gem, where sustainability meets sensational mixology.

Shuffle Bar

People are socializing and having drinks in a dimly lit bar. A glowing sign with two intersecting arrows is prominently displayed on a wall. Through the window, streetlights and the outside environment are visible. — Shuffle Bar Brighton

27 York Pl, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4GU

Nights out hit a new high at Shuffle Bar, just a hop away from St. Peter’s Church in the vibrant North Laines. Offering a one-of-a-kind experience, Shuffle Bar lets patrons curate the soundtrack to their night using their smartphones—because who doesn't want to be the DJ at their own soirée? But the musical marvel doesn't end there; the bar serves up an eclectic array of reasonably priced signature and classic cocktails that will have your taste buds dancing. Don't miss their extensive happy hour, treating you to 2-4-1 drinks all night from Monday to Thursday.

The Gin Tub

A collection of small glasses with various garnishes including strawberries, pineapple, and rosemary are arranged on a white table. In the background, there are several bottles of different beverages and some black straws in containers. — The Gin Tub via Facebook

16 Church Rd, Brighton and Hove, Hove BN3 2FL

This retro-meets-modern haven is a gin lover's dream, The Gin Tub where every sip is a journey into mixology magic. With tables equipped with phones for ordering or mingling with fellow patrons, the place buzzes with energy and color. Expert bartenders bring their A-game, twirling and mixing spices, fruits, and spirits to craft an impressive lineup of gin-based concoctions. For those seeking a subterranean adventure, check out "Under The Tub" on Fridays and Saturdays—an underground bar ready to quench your thirst with a fine selection of rums, gins, and beats to dance to till the early hours. The Gin Tub not only serves drinks but offers a unique experience, including gin-tasting events, an afternoon "G&Tea," and cocktail-making courses for those who want to shake things up a bit more than the usual G&T