Brighton Cocktail Bars

In honour of World Cocktail Day (yes that’s a real thing) we thought we’d run through some of the top spots for cocktails around Brighton. We’ve not used any specialist criteria and have simply selected the venues around town that we think are most worth a visit.

L’Atelier du Vin

This local chain of French speakeasy themed bars is known for its extensive wine list and impressive selection of hand curated cocktails. There are three l’Atelier’s across Brighton: one in Queens Square, opposite the shopping centre, one in Seven Dials and one in North Laine, handily located just a stone’s throw from JetSpace’s Brighton office.

As well as offering the full roster of cocktail classics we all know and love such as the Long Island Iced Tea, Old Fashioned and Negroni, l’Atelier bars also offer a range of bootlegger cocktails inspired by the Savoy Cocktail Book. Among these specialist concoctions you won’t find elsewhere are the delightfully floral Madagascar Marigold made from vanilla vodka, elderflower liqueur, Champagne, lime and pineapple, and the smoky and aromatic Mattia of Montenegro which features mezcal, Amaro Montenegro, vermouth, green Chartreuse and Angostura bitters.

The cocktails on offer at l’Atelier du Vin are a cut above those you might find in a less upmarket establishment and their simple food offering of cheese and charcuterie plates allows for a spot of grazing whilst imbibing. All three sites benefit from outside terraces too making these spots ideal for post-work drinks on a warm and sunny evening.

Plotting Parlour

This tastefully decorated temple of cocktail mastery is tucked away behind St James’ Street, very close to the seafront’s premier attraction the Palace Pier. Under ten minutes’ walk from JetSpace’s Brighton serviced office the killer feature of the Plotting Parlour is their reservation system meaning drinkers are expected to make a booking or wait to be seated in order to enjoy the splendid array of cocktails on offer.

It’s a very simple concept but one that makes the bar infinitely more pleasant than some of the busy city centre bars that can become somewhat overwhelming at peak times. It ensures the venue never feels overcrowded and table service prevents frustrating queues at the bar.

Naturally you’ll find all the classic cocktails on the menu, made with expert care and attention, whilst their signature creations can leave guests really wanting more. For instance their PP Espresso Martini, made with Pelicano espresso and salted caramel, offers only the slightest twist on the traditional Espresso Martini but stands it out as possibly the best example you’ll find in all of Brighton. Meanwhile their ever-popular Ginger and Chilli Margarita promises a real kick for fans of a little spice.

This place is not a restaurant so don’t come here expecting to dine with your drinks, but they do offer nuts and olives if you’re looking for nibbles to keep you going. The music is unintrusive and its slightly out of the way location lends it an air of exclusivity that helps your night feel just that little bit more special.

The Yellow Book

Named after a British literary journal of the 1890s this unassuming bar on York Place, offering a splendid view of Brighton’s “cathedral”: St Peter’s Church, describes itself as Britain’s first steampunk bar. It’s only small and doesn’t expressly pitch itself as a cocktail venue but the friendly staff are more than adept at putting together some truly delightful alcoholic (and non-alcoholic) creations.

Their selection of quality spirits means very few concoctions can’t be compiled as long as you ask nicely and there’s a reassuring menu of traditional cocktail options that sits on the bar.

The casual atmosphere and Victorian decor make the Yellow Book a memorable visit whether out for a quick post work drink or settling in for an evening watching the sunset from their small terrace at the front. This is a bar with a lot of personality and definitely worthy of any cocktail fan’s time whilst in Brighton.

Would you like to be able to frequent these and many other wonderful Brighton bars following a hard day’s work in the office? Well if your office was slap bang in the centre of Brighton you’d have all this and more on your doorstep! JetSpace have suites available in our serviced office building situated on Grand Parade, featuring speedy broadband, private terrace and cycle storage. Just get in touch with us if you’d like to know more or to arrange a viewing.