The allure of Brighton’s legendary nightlife scene isn’t just consigned to the city’s popular pubs, bars, and clubs. Brighton is an epicentre of quirk and idiosyncratic intrigue, and many of its best drinking destinations are tucked away out of sight. Fear not though, as We Love Brighton is very much in the know when it comes to this type of thing, and is here to spill the beans on the best-hidden bars that Brighton has to offer.
The Gin Tub
Cocktails are not exactly in short supply in the various bars of Brighton and Hove. However, finding world-class bespoke cocktails in a secretive and diminutive setting is more of a challenge to stumble upon.
The Gin Tub in Hove is one of the city’s most in-demand and secluded hotspots for in-the-know Brighton and Hove locals. The bar only opens from Thursday through to Sunday, and its beautiful interior design and the fantastic array of cocktails make it a highly sought-after drinking destination. Make sure to book in advance to reserve a table, especially if part of a large group.
Address: 16 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FL
Website: thegintub.co.uk
Nightingale Room at The Grand Central
Situated a stone’s throw from Brighton Train Station, The Grand Central pub boasts a relaxed and jovial atmosphere inside its traditional doors. There is a prohibition-era, speakeasy feel to the decor, and the Nightingale Room is a hidden gem of a bar replete with jazz-era refinery, tucked away in a secretive corner of the pub.
The Nightingale Room can be hired out as an eye-catching venue for large groups looking to party the evening away, or even to sit back and watch a film. Enquiries on how to book the venue can be made over the phone or on the pub’s website.
Address: 29-30 Surrey St, Brighton, BN1 3PA
Website: grandcentralbrighton.co.uk
Twisted Lemon
This lively and eccentric cocktail bar has been a local favourite for years and its secretive nature means that it doesn’t even have a website. Brighton locals are proud of this illicit gem of a bar and for good reason. Its welcoming atmosphere and tantalising selection of cocktails mean Twisted Lemon is a perfect place to start the evening off with a bang.
The bar is situated down a back alley close to Churchill Square shopping centre, and depending on what time of the day or week you visit, you could be lucky enough to watch a performance from Brighton’s very own singing barber!
Address: 41 Middle St, Brighton, BN1 1AL
Website: facebook.com/twistedlemonbrighton/?locale=en_GB
The Wick Inn
This traditional pub in the heart of Hove on the surface looks like your standard-fare characterful boozer. However, it hides a secret. The Wick’s hidden, speakeasy bar is situated up a spiral staircase on the bar’s second floor and has a Prohibition-era feel to the place. In keeping with the prohibition theme, the bar isn’t easy to find, but those who are lucky enough to stumble across it, are in for a treat.
Candle-lit tables and crackling jazz music will accompany your visit to the speakeasy bar, while the menu is something to behold with countless bespoke drinks and cocktails on offer to soothe the palette.
Address: 63 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1JD
Website: thewick.pub
The Mesmerist
The Mesmerist is a vibrant mainstay of Brighton’s busy nightlife scene, and with live music and DJs playing almost every night, it’s a great place to dance the night away with friends. Revellers are also in for a hidden treat when visiting the venue, with The Flipside cocktail bar available for hire and also hosting countless events.
The Flipside is a legendary cocktail bar amongst Brighton locals and is well worth a visit if travelling to the city and exploring the many hidden secrets that Brighton and Hove have to offer.
Address: 1-3 Albert St, Brighton, BN1 1HE
Website: mesmerist.pub
Alcotraz: Cell Block One-Three
Speakeasy-themed bars and illicit drinking go hand-in-hand it seems in Brighton and Hove. No drinking experience in the city gets much more secretive than the one offered at Alcotraz: Cell Block One-Three.
Guests to this one-of-a-kind bar are given full prisoner treatment. There’s a rich theme behind this hidden treat on Brighton seafront, and it’s one of illegal contraband and plenty of booze. The basement bar is perfect for large groups of friends and parties. Reserving a place is a must and can be done through the bar’s website.
Address: 13 Kings Rd, Brighton, BN1 1NE
Website: https://www.alcotraz.co.uk/locations/brighton/
The Black Dove
This popular bar in the heart of the vibrant Kemptown village isn’t exactly secretive, however, the downstairs area of The Black Dove is a hidden gem to discover and a perfect place to drink the night away in stylish surroundings.
The air of mystery is in keeping with the aesthetic of the pub, which has the vibe of a speakeasy. The pub can get very busy during the evening, so arriving early is best to reserve a table.
Address: 74 St James’s St, Kemptown, Brighton, BN2 1PA
Website: blackdovebrighton.com
The Plotting Parlour
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the otherwise loud and excitable Kemptown village, The Plotting Parlour is Brighton’s best-kept secret bar. Regally designed with frescoed walls, the upstairs Meeting Room at this stylish bar is a great place to escape the teeming nightlife of one of Brighton’s most popular areas.
The bar is also famous amongst locals for its signature and bespoke cocktail menu. The cocktail bar at The Plotting Parlour is one of the best the city has to offer. Book a table well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Address: 6 Steine St, Brighton, BN2 1TE
Website: theplottingparlour.uk
Soho House Brighton
Bars don’t get much more secretive or exclusive than Soho House. The members-only clubhouse, made famous for being frequented by many a celebrity, is situated in possibly the most enviable location in the city.
The rooftop terrace of Brighton’s Beach House overlooks the expanse of Brighton Beach and even has a pool for members to swim in on summer evenings. The Brighton Beach House is only available for Soho House members and as such, without a membership entry will be denied on the door.
However, if you are lucky enough to know a member then you can be invited as a guest. Drinks and food aren’t cheap at Soho House, but it’s well worth the experience for those lucky enough to gain entry.
Address: The Terraces, Madeira Dr, Brighton, BN2 1AY
