Ever contrary, Brighton has always been one to champion the unique, the weird and the wonderful. It's friendly and non-judgmental approach to life extends across its bar and pub offering, serving up all sorts of unusual cocktail concoctions in wonderfully creative spaces. Check out our top picks for weird and wonderful drinking dens in Brighton; you won't be disappointed - promise.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 22nd October 2024
Seascape is a stylish cocktail bar located at the top of Brighton i360, where you can enjoy views of the beachfront and beyond from 450 feet above ground. The glass pod rises every half an hour, allowing ticket holders to come and go freely.
Take advantage of their extensive cocktail menu, which offers booze-free alternatives too. Think classics like an espresso martini, as well as nautical blends such as the zesty Sussex Siren.
Nestled in a network of caves along the seafront, Tempest is one of Brighton's more unusual watering holes. The venue is a great place for pints or if you want to check out the quirky space some more, get dinner or one of their legendary Sunday roasts.
Inspired by all things unconventional, The Mesmerist is a damn quirky hangout in The Lanes. Paying sweet homage to both the gin palaces of the 1930s and the steampunk movement, this is for those in search of jazz tunes, retro photo boots and burlesque performances.
From the graffiti wall murals to its lineup of live music and DJs playing jazz, swing, blues or rock 'n' roll, The Bootlegger Brighton is one unique bar. Head here for Prohibition era party vibes and unrivalled entertainment.
It's all about vinyl records, craft beers and perfectly cooked pizza at this north Lanes hangout. The interior is stripped back, with an industrial feel and a striking decor. Posters of artists and bands adorn the walls and you can even take your pick from the eclectic selection of music when it's quiet.
Nestled in the heart of The Lanes, this quaint cocktail bar is easy to miss if you aren't in the know. However, once you're inside, you really can't resist that sweet smell of lemon. There's happy hour every day until 9pm so get the cocktails in and immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere.
Everyone's favourite junkyard, The Bee's Mouth offers a plethora of unique events, a treasure chest of bottled beers and a bizarre collection of oddities. Manoeuvre your way through the multitude of cosy nooks and locate the live music room or mirrored basement den.
This unique cocktail bar lets you choose the soundtrack to your night, with the option to select the music that is played. Pull up a seat by the bar or get cosy in the fairy light-adorned garden and spend a night soaking up refreshing cocktails... especially when it's happy hour!
Delightfully dusty and unquestionably unique, The Black Dove is an emporium of knick-knacks, vintage wares and age old paraphernalia. The creative interior is charmingly matched by a 'Cocktail Bible' of creative concoctions, an impressive selection of international craft beers and locally brewed ales.
Somewhere between a decadent manor house and Pat Butcher's living room, The Regency Tavern mixes kitsch opulence with good old fashioned pub vibes. A hit with locals and tourists alike, this kooky bar serves great tapas, as well as, British classics and fantastic seafood.
Chances are, you've already heard of this Hove hotspot. This place is lined with copper to block signals and discourage phone usage inside, so the only thing you're thinking about is that sweet, sweet taste of gin. There's even a phone at each table so you can order in comfort and perhaps make a call to that guy across the room...
Whaddya get when you combine dark black chesterfield sofas, mirrored walls, glowing red lights and some of the most spectacular cocktails imaginable? Bohemia. Expect all sorts of molecular madness at this quirky drinking spot, where cocktails are adorned with pieces of real Brighton rock and dry ice.
Rough, ready and downright rock and roll, this hotel bar is unlike anywhere else. A fun and brazen retreat in the city, guests can expect misshapen oddities, bespoke wallpapers, red velvet boudoirs and a personal disco ball. Known for intimate gig nights, book readings and cocktail parties alike, this is your one stop shop.
Raggedy books, vintage fare and a deli-style selection of hot dogs. That's JW Lennon's for ya. A homage to the traditional Irish and American style bars that came to prominence at the end of the 19th century, this Kemptown bar is something of a love letter to back street bars of a bygone era.
