1. The Mesmerist
The mesmerist is an extremely popular bar in Brighton and is packed to the rafters every weekend. It is unique as it only plays retro music from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, from jazz and swing to rock and roll. The place is always jumping as people of all ages enjoy the music from a bygone era. The décor is inspired by 1930s gin places and burlesque venues and almost has a magical atmosphere. Entry is free but arrive early as there are always queues, but it is well worth the wait.
2. BYOC
At first glance a bar that doesn’t sell alcohol may seem as useful as a chocolate teapot, but BYOC is actually the place to go if you are serious about your cocktails. Although you have to bring your own liquor, you can pre-book a two-hour slot for £20 which buys you attentive service by skilled bartenders who will craft your drinks exactly to your tastes. Mixed at your table from a vintage drinks trolley, the bar has an exclusive, speakeasy style that feels very special indeed.
3. Lola Lo’s
Brighton’s quirkiest, most talked about nightclub featuring bespoke cocktails, waitress table service and the best DJs in town. Lola Lo is a gorgeous Tiki themed cocktail bar and night club and they specialise in high quality bespoke cocktails, and feature personal waitress table service, a state-of-the-art soundsystem, and some of the best DJs in Brighton. They’ve taken a dazzling array of show stopping cocktails, champagnes and rums and mixed it with an intoxicating blend of credible club classics and contemporary beats.
4. The Font
This is an ideal venue for pre-drinks if you are out on a hen or stag night or with a big groups of friends. The drinks are cheap with lots of offers on shots. The bar staff are very friendly and service is speedy. There is always a DJ downstairs playing popular tunes to get your night started. The atmosphere is fun but cheesy.
5. Bohemia
Luxurious and layered in tradition to say the least, Bohemia is a creative cocktail bar in Brighton with a few hidden spaces and charms up its sleeve. Found in one of the traditional Edwardian buildings of The Brighton Lanes and retaining period features, Bohemia can be noticed by the glowing red lights and chuckle of drinkers potted around its street side terrace tables. From a restaurant serving indulgent British classics and Scandi-chic late lounge brimming with dark black chesterfield sofa and mirrored walls, to a Jazz bar and a sun trap of a rooftop terrace; we weren’t lying when we said that Bohemia was harbouring a few secrets.
