Call me bourgeois, but I really don’t think date night should involve grabbing a cheeky Maccies, no matter your student status or budget. Of course, there’s a time and place for casual dining, but with Valentine’s Day just gone, perhaps your partner’s reaction to your date of choice means it’s time for you to treat them to something a little more refined next time. Whether you’re looking to impress a special someone or you’ve grown weary of others’ company and would rather unwind alone, heed my recommendations; you’ll not be disappointed. Try these, my absolute favourite, top-rated Brighton bars to guarantee yourself a delicious drink and a moment to remember:
This secret, 1920s themed speakeasy is a stylish take on a retro ideal, bridging bygone sophistication with modern metropolitan mixology. Steeped in mystique that originates from its concealment, I’ll maintain the allure by keeping its location under wraps. To enter, you’ll need to ring a buzzer, parodying attempts to gain entry to someone’s apartment. Once welcome, you’ll climb a narrow, winding staircase to reach the desired scarlet lounge. You’ll behold an undeniably sexy, Art-Deco interior and a jazzy, aphrodisiac ambience that will surely, if but momentarily, serve to mute your meddling melancholy. Cocktails average £12.50, and selections are befittingly eccentric; try Japanese-inspired sake mixes, summery, fruity concoctions or tasteful twists on tried and tested classics. Your drink will be prepared by friendly, expert staff with whom every detail is carefully accounted for. As advertised, this bar is an excellent place to grab some drinks before a night out. Downside? The venue is quite small (about the size of a front room, plus balcony), but if you’re lucky enough to get a seat not at the bar, you’ll have a great time, I’m sure of it.
Situated on a side road off St James’s Street, this unassuming little place hosts quite an exceptional bar. Tucked away from the triviality of quotidian life, you’ll enter this den of enchantment and unwittingly become transfixed by its vaguely vampiric air and underground, artsy vibe. Aptly named, the atmosphere is such that your every hushed word will feel as if you are about to conjure some lascivious conspiracy or scandalous affair. Perhaps this feeling is unintentional, but it’s amusing to play the part of a scheming villain. When selecting your poison, staff readily explain their elaborate drink-making processes; you may find the spiel to be pretentious, but if precision in practice matters to you, it is exactly what you’ll want to hear. Your drink will come at a premium, with impeccable service, craftsmanship, and locally sourced, seasonal ingredients more than worth splashing out for. The rum plum Negroni is particularly delectable and comes served on-the-rocks with a caramelised plum garnish. If you’re entirely seduced by your drink of choice (as you no doubt will be), you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home too; search the Plotting Parlour’s website to order a bottle or two, for indulgence at leisure. With a sister location in Hove recently having permanently closed its doors, this bar is a last-man-standing and wholeheartedly deserves support to live on as one of the very best bars in Brighton.
Hear me out. This is not strictly a bar (it’s a pub), but this place is such a delight that it absolutely merits recognition as a fine drinking establishment. In visiting this quaint, crimson slice of city, expect immersion in the same charming hospitality and comforting appeal that the neighbouring Norfolk Square community has long felt. Pop in, and you’ll find your surroundings embellished with a pleasant, rustic décor that leaves you feeling welcome and warm. You’ll be spoiled for drink choice, and changing seasons means novel, exciting options; this winter’s mulled apple cider had a hint of spice and honey and was truly to die for. Its culinary menu is equally notable, making this the ideal location for both a posh brunch and an elevated evening excursion. If music is what you’re after, this pub also hosts live jazz nights between six and eight on Sunday evenings that are worth attending. This homely hub of joy is a sincerely splendid spot in which to spend a squiffy soirée, so don’t miss out!
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