FROM lively bars to cracking beer gardens – Brighton and Hove has them all. A nightlife website’s annual awards has confirmed what we all already know, that the city has some of the best venues in the country. FLORA THOMPSON reports.
THE city’s pubs, bars, clubs and venues have been rated among the best in the country.
Brighton and Hove’s finest picked up wins in 13 categories in a contest launched by website DesignMyNight.com.
The company bills itself as being an expert guide to help punters plan nights out in most of the country’s biggest and best cities.
The awards saw users of the website choose between more than 600 venues with some 8,000 responses.
In Brighton and Hove the winners were varied: from alcohol-free establishments to historic pubs and swanky cocktail bars.
There was also a nod to the city’s thriving live music scene with wins for some of our best venues.
A spokesman for the website said: “A renowned seaside hub of fun-filled part debauchery, Brighton is one creative destination. From boisterous beachfront clubs and vintage burlesque parties, to unique bars in Brighton, they have it all. Come and discover the best in new bars and events in Brighton.”
Brighton and Hove’s nightlife is regarded as one of the best in the country. As well as scores of pubs, there are bars, restaurants and nightclubs. There are 350 venues across the city open after midnight.
The venues are also a key contributor to the city’s economy, bringing in millions of pounds each year.
For more details about the website visit designmynight.com/brighton.
Best Bar
BYOC, Meeting House Lane, Brighton
With no alcohol available to buy on the premises, and no drinks menu, guests are invited to bring their own favourite tipple for the skilled bartenders to create cocktails tailored perfectly to their taste.
Cocktails are prepared and served right in front of you from an antique drinking trolley containing an encyclopaedic selection of accompaniments such as fresh syrups, pressed fruit and vegetable juices, spices, herbs, salts, seasonal fruits, homemade cordials and bitters. It is the perfect place to get into the 1920s vibe.
Best Cocktail Bar
Speakeasy at the Wick, Western Road, Hove
The old-fashioned 1920s speakeasy allows patrons to choose from a range of cocktails inspired by the prohibition era.
Its central Hove location makes it ideal. Once inside the doors, you are transformed to a different period.
Best Pub
Black Dove, St James’s Street, Brighton
This pub is laid-back with quirky decor, basement DJs, quality cider and acclaimed cocktails.
The music is also a huge attraction for punters with a healthy rotation of be-bop, Jamaican ska, cool jazz, delta blues and much more.
There are also regular live performances including rhythm and blues artists.
Best Club
Coalition, King’s Road, Brighton
One of the biggest clubs in the city, it is a must visit for anyone wanting a drink, dance and a good time.
Their popular club nights are always a hit and the terrace is often packed in the summer. The club also hosts regular live music from a variety of artists.
Best Pop-up
The Set, Regency Square, Brighton
After a successful year as a pop-up restaurant, The Set recently opened in the prime location.
The 20-seat restaurant has a choice of three tasting menus for lunch and dinner. The intimate dining room overlooks the open kitchen. A must for any Brighton foodie.
Most Inventive Cocktail Menu
Bohemia, Meeting House Lane, Brighton
This swanky European-style grand café is a favourite of many in the city. As well as a late night lounge and glassed-in roof terrace, there is an impressive bar with a wide selection of drinks.
However, cocktails are their speciality and it is the skilfully made tipples that pull most punters in.
They also regularly have live music and in particular live jazz.
Best All-in-One Venue
Dirty Blonde, East Street, Brighton
The bar mixes show-stopping cocktails and hand-crafted beers. They also have an extensive menu and a great setting in which to eat, drink and relax with a mix of entertainment.
The restaurant offers contemporary twists on grills, burgers, steaks and salads and celebrates New York cuisine.
Best Party Bar
Mesmerist, Albert Street, Brighton
Described as the most unconventional bar in The Lanes, it is inspired by the 1930s gin palaces, burlesque and the steampunk movement.
As well as food – including a Sunday roast – and live entertainment, the bar has its own swing dancers and a resident DJ who plays vintage classics.
Best Outdoor Space
Neighbourhood, St James’s Street, Brighton
A funky bar and diner with a cartoon-style mural and a garden. This cutting-edge venue also serves fantastic food with burgers and beers from around the world.
Best Live Music Venue
Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, Middle Street, Brighton
The bar offers Slush Puppy cocktails and organic bottled beers, chilled lagers and draft ale.
Handmade pizzas are available for £5 and there are a number of club nights. But the venue is at its best when hosting live music.
Best Happy Hour
Lola Lo, East Street, Brighton
VIP booths and an illuminated dance floor are some of Lola Lo’s highlights. Add in its Polynesian decor, cocktails and waitress service, and it is a venue to be reckoned with.
Best Event
Speakeasy at Proud Cabaret, St George’s Road, Brighton
The historic venue is themed as a retro supper club. They offer a fantastic three-course menu and cabaret/burlesque with performances before and after dinner. They also put on lively club nights.
Best Beer Garden
Hare and Hounds, London Road, Brighton
The decked beer garden is spacious and crammed with booths and murals. The pub itself is lively with good food and a fantastic selection of bottled beer and beer from the pump.
Located along the rejuvenated London Road, it is a pub not to miss.
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