The best wine bars in Brighton

Plateau has been Brighton's natural-wine stronghold for years, but its food now gets just as much attention. The short menu changes often, usually sticking to Sussex produce and dishes like whipped cod's roe, crunchy salads and chunky terrines. The space itself is cosy without trying too hard, with bare brick, stained glass and a soundtrack that hops between jazz and funk. Whether you're here for a quick glass or a longer dinner, it's one of the easier places to settle into in the Lanes.

Fourth and Church is one of Hove's go-to spots when you want good wine and something decent to snack on without making a whole night of it. The menu focuses on seasonal bits from local and European producers, backed by a rotating list of wines, sherries and cocktails. Most of the action happens around the bar and countertop, which makes it great for a slower, graze-as-you-go kind of meal. They also host pop-ups and masterclasses, from visiting chef nights to low-key sherry sessions.

Kemptown and Hove both have their own version of The Well, and they share a similar rhythm of low-key neighbourhood bars where natural wine is the main event. Regulars pop in for a glass, a bottle to take home or a bowl of Perello olives, usually to a laid-back soundtrack. The Brighton spot is tucked into Kemptown, understated and gently busy, while the Hove bar still carries some off-licence charm (it's located in a former offie), complete with records spinning and the odd guest DJ. Neither shouts for attention, but both attract a crowd who treat them like part of the weekly routine.

Patio sits a short walk from Brighton station and brings a mellow, candlelit energy to an already buzzing area. The focus is on local wines, beer, and a monthly kitchen residency that keeps the menu moving. Expect Sussex bottles alongside small-batch imports, plus whatever the visiting chef is cooking that month. It's cosy and always a little busy, and people tend to stop in for a drink and end up staying for whatever's coming out of the kitchen.

Paris Wine Bar sits quietly on Church Road and works just as well for a late-morning coffee as it does for an evening spent with a bottle. The food runs on modern British tapas, like chicken skewers, tapenade crostini, salmon croquettes and a few easy crowd-pleasers, backed by a lengthy wine list and seasonal cocktails. Inside, expect warm leather and big windows for people-watching, while the roomy garden out back makes it a great spot whatever the weather.

In Preston Circus, Curio Café Bar does the whole all-day thing seamlessly. Daytimes mean proper coffee, hefty sandwiches and big breakfast plates, while evenings shift to sharing dishes, local charcuterie and whatever's in season. They're good at nudging you toward new wines, too, with occasional tastings featuring local vineyards. The soundtrack is usually fun, and DJs pop up at weekends.

Just off Trafalgar Street, Vine Street Tap keeps things simple while stocking some of the city's most interesting bottles. Alongside a dozen changing taps pouring local brews and UK oddities, there's a fridge full of natural wines, ciders and the odd wild sour. The room is compact, pale-wood cosy and often home to a dog under a table. Regulars come for the thoughtful curation and a team who'll guide you toward something good without making it a big deal.

Vios brings a subtle Mediterranean streak to Brighton's Lanes, drawing on its founders' Greek roots. The daylight-filled space matches the menu, which includes pastries, yoghurt bowls, wraps, meze plates and simple salads, plus a few sweet things if you fancy them. Coffee is taken seriously, while the drinks list includes lots of Greek wines alongside a couple of local beers. 

Between North Laine and Hove, L'Atelier runs two quietly stylish spaces that share a similar rhythm, with dim lighting, soft jazz and plenty of room to settle in and get cosy. The Brighton bar feels like a vintage studio crossed with a speakeasy, while Hove offers loungey corners and a separate area for private groups. Both focus on long wine lists, rare spirits and classic cocktails shaped by Burgundy and northern Italy. Food stays easy, including the likes of cheese, charcuterie and baked things ideal for grazing. There are regular pop-ups, plus jazz nights if you want something livelier.

Apiary is one of the city's more unusual wine spots, run by two beekeepers who bring their passion to the drinks list. Inside, it's all warm golds and candlelight, with shelves stacked with biodynamic bottles, wild ferments and plenty of mead. Cocktails play with pollen and floral infusions, and the food follows suit, with seasonal dishes with touches of local and international honey.