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8 of the best cocktail bars in Brighton

By Kingfisher Visitor Guides

Whether you’re a fan of a wild night out, or prefer a quiet drink with friends, Brighton boasts some of the best nightlife the UK has to offer. If you’re looking for a classy cocktail night, then you’re in luck – Brighton has some of the best cocktail bars around. Since there are so many to choose from, here are eight of the best cocktail bars in Brighton that will guarantee a great night on the town.

Drakes Cocktail Bar

Drakes Cocktail Bar is ideally situated near Brighton’s seafront and offers a classic cocktail menu with many house specials. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and features stunning views of the iconic Brighton Palace Pier from its window.

People drinking in Drakes of Brighton bar

Spend an evening in the bar at Drakes of Brighton

The Mesmerist

The Mesmerist is a retro-inspired lounge bar located on Prince Albert Street in the centre of Brighton. The bar has plenty of cocktails on offer and hosts themed nights throughout the week, including burlesque events, circus acts and music performances. The interior is decorated in hipster 1930s style, and the bar spans three floors, featuring four bars and a secret roof garden. So why not grab a cocktail and enjoy this beautiful bar?

Black Dove

Fiercely independent, the Black Dove is an independent freehouse, the definition of a cocktail pub. With ten tapped beers from the UK and the continent, 60 other bottled beers, ciders and Belgian ales, an ever-changing mixed drink list, all vinyl DJs on rotation and a well-curated stereo, it’s the perfect place to spend an evening.

: Visit the Black Dove, it’s the kind of quirky pub you’d love to have as your local

: Here, you can listen to great music all night long

MEATliquor Brighton

MEATliquor Brighton is a funky cafe and cocktail bar offering swirling psychedelic décor and frequent event nights. MEATliquor is most famous for two things – burgers and cocktails. If you like the sound of chowing down on classic American style-patties and BBQ wings while sipping on your favourite cocktails all evening, then be sure to check out MEATliquor Brighton – you won’t be disappointed.

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The Ivy In The Lanes

If you’re looking for a slightly more upmarket venue for your night out, then try out The Ivy In The Lanes in Brighton town centre. It’s the ideal spot for all-day fine dining accompanied by an impressive menu of bespoke original cocktails.

: Enjoy a drink in stylish surroundings at The Lanes In Brighton

: Where you can also choose from a mouth-watering selection of cocktails

Twisted Lemon

Twisted Lemon is a hidden gem of the Brighton cocktail scene, hidden away in The Brighton Lanes. Inside you’ll find a huge selection of cocktail concoctions in a fun variety of flavours to suit every palette. The Twisted Lemon also boasts a nine-hour long happy hour Sunday-Friday between the hours of 12pm-9pm. What’s not to love?

Brighton Rocks

A Kemptown favourite is Brighton Rocks tucked away on Rock Place, just off the seafront. It’s an intimate bar, with friendly staff creating great cocktails. Give your night a kick-start with one of the best Espresso Martinis you’ll ever taste.

The Plotting Parlour

Heading back into town, make sure you go via The Plotting Parlour on Steine Street. This tiny bar is easy to miss, but has become a word-of-mouth hit with the locals thanks to its beautiful vintage decor and top-quality cocktails, prepared by expert mixologists. It gets very busy at the weekend, so you need to book at table.