The best late-night bars in Brighton

Over in the North Laine you can find Dead Wax Social – with its bold red-and-black patterned façade, it's hard to miss. This late-night bar in Brighton is open daily and boasts a top-notch sound system, along with an impressive vinyl collection. DJ nights and live concerts are a regular feature, and the place has the kind of warm, welcoming atmosphere that distinguishes the best dive bars.

A favourite haunt for fans of electronic music, the Oculist has carved out a reputation as one of Brighton's go-to spots for late-running DJ sets, keeping the energy high well into the night. The lively main bar downstairs is complemented by a lovely rooftop terrace that's open all year round. Regular student nights and affordable drink deals draw in a younger crowd, but all are welcome at this inclusive late-night bar.

Irish pub Fiddler's Elbow is open late daily, meaning you can get one of the best-pulled pints of Guinness even after other places have long since closed up shop. If you aren't a fan of the black stuff, there are always craft brews on tap and a well-stocked beer fridge to help quench any late-night thirst. The pub also shows all sorts of live sports – the late opening hours make it a popular choice for catching American sports like the NFL.

By day, Bohemia is a glamorous European-style grand café serving tempting international favourites. Come sunset, however, and it leans fully into its name, turning into a lively late-night Brighton bar that embraces fun debauchery in the best ways. The award-winning bar team keep the drinks coming while the convivial atmosphere and stylish areas like a glass-walled terrace help make the night unforgettable – and long.

If you're looking to keep the drinks flowing late into the night but have to keep an eye on your budget, the Be At One chain bars cover both areas quite nicely. There are lots of affordable drinks and offers available, including a hundred-strong cocktail list, and the bar is open late daily. Add in a banging soundtrack, likeable staff, and a fun, carefree atmosphere, and you won't be heading home any time soon.

The Mesmerist is a well-loved spot in Brighton's Lanes, particularly fond of those who appreciate a bit of live music. Styled like a retro gin palace, the interior pairs nostalgic flourishes with a sharp black-and-white palette, while outside there's a sunny terrace for relaxed daytime drinking. The programme spans live bands and DJ sets across multiple genres, and the bar is open late daily.

The Black Lion is a friendly local in The Lanes, known for its warm, homely atmosphere and cosy charm. Classic pub favourites come out of the kitchen, from proper fish and chips to generous Sunday roasts, while the bar pours cocktails, local beers, and other premium drinks. Open late and boasting its own garden (open until midnight), it also hosts regular live music.

The Revolution chain has venues up and down the country, delivering lively nights out fuelled by regular drink deals and generous happy hours. It's a reliable go-to for budget-friendly cocktails and familiar comfort food like burgers and pizzas, all enjoyed in a high-energy, party-forward atmosphere. The Brighton branch stays open late every day of the week.

Brighton's dedicated karaoke bar Lucky Voice stays open daily, letting aspiring midnight crooners have at it in one of their private karaoke booths. The modern venue features a comprehensive library of hit songs and bangers through the ages, with signature cocktails, wine, and other drinks making sure your voice stays in form regardless of the hours.

The fact that East Street Tap, the oldest pub in Brighton at around half a millennium old, still stays open late every night reads like one of the secrets to longevity espoused by cheeky centenarians – “one G&T a day and never stop having fun,” that sort of thing. It seems to be working, however, with this beloved Brighton pub regularly hosting live gigs and DJ nights that keep its funky neon-lit interior full and busy.