Best cocktail bars in Brighton

The Plotting Parlour in Hove is a dimly-lit, table-service cocktail bar that opened in 2023 as a sibling to the Old Steine original. It focuses on well-made classics alongside house drinks, with a little bit of creative flair. Expect Negroni variations, espresso martinis with a dessert edge, plus a tidy list of natural wines and beers. There's a short menu of small plates if you need to line your stomach.

Clementine and Co sits just off Duke Street and strikes a perfect balance between buzzy and laid-back. Bar stools put you front and centre for the shaking and stirring, while tables suit longer stays. The cocktail list mixes classics with more playful creations, plus a thoughtful non-alcoholic section. Food comes as boards and small plates that pair easily with drinks. Keep an eye out for happy hour deals, which can make an already tempting stop even more fun.

Tucked away near the Royal Pavilion, Bar Valentino keeps things discreet with a doorbell entry and an upstairs room dressed in red velvet and low light. It feels knowingly old-school without tipping into parody. The cocktail menu covers the expected classics alongside rotating house specials, often presented with a bit of backstory. There's clear technical confidence behind the bar, with plenty of house-made ingredients and well-judged flavour combinations. It's a good shout if you want something slightly removed from the noise outside.

Apiary is a bar run by two former beekeepers, and the theme is woven through everything. The candlelit space stocks biodynamic wines, ferments, meads and cocktails that use floral infusions, pollen and honey in thoughtful ways. Drinks can be unusual, but they're balanced rather than showy. Food follows a similar seasonal, produce-led approach, often featuring honey from different places.

Twisted Lemon works well as both a cocktail stop and a place to eat. The drinks list supports the food rather than competing with it, with well-made classics and seasonal specials. The menu focuses on small, shareable plates with Mediterranean touches and changes regularly. The room has energy without being OTT, making it great for a quick drink or a longer evening ordering a few rounds of cocktails.