Mike Harvard and bar manager Milton

Down a tiny stairwell in a picturesque square, Brighton’s newest bar isn’t immediately visible to passers-by.

But offering quirky entertainment, unusual drinks and gorgeous cocktails it’s sure to get noticed. There are even rumours of a secret garden.

Part of the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Jam Events has taken over the running of the basement venue, which has been redesigned by Clement Clarke to include a purpose-built cocktail bar. The Brighton-based promotions team, which has run the Big Chill bars for the past five years, has some interesting plans.

Regular events include a poker club (Mondays) with proper tables and a professional croupier; a live acoustic night (Wednesdays) called Circle of Friends, which people might remember from the Enigma; Spinner Stays On (Thursday) where budding DJs are invited to take their own records along to spin – the most popular wins a prize and the chance to play at a London venue; All Time Top 100 (Fridays), the Brighton institution, which has moved from its previous home The Sidewinder (Los Albertos are guest DJs tonight); Who Do You Love? (Saturdays) with live music and DJ sets from Brighton acts including Frequent Soundz (tomorrow), and Super Happy Land presenting live hip-hop and spoken word (Sat, Dec 16), and The Full Moon Pub Quiz (Sundays), the resurrection of the infamous quiz night.

From February, there will be a monthly burlesque night, to include a five-course meal. “The bar is going to have an uptempo feel to it,” says Michael Havard of Jam Events. “We wanted to create a venue which is stylish but not snobbish, with a lively, fun atmosphere.

Led by bar manager Milton (who’s worked in top London venues Met Bar, Pharmacy and Smollensky’s) the team has sourced what it believes to be the best drinks around.

“We want the best of the best,” says Michael. “We also have an environmental ethos, so we serve local and organic where possible. Why get wine from Australia when you can get just as good a product – if not better – from Europe?

“You’ll be able to get a straight house spirit but also pick up something you haven’t tried before – for instance, we’ll be serving Weston’s organic cider, which in my opinion is the best bottled cider in the country.” Organic tipples include wine, gin, vodka, vodka, rum, whisky and bourbon.

Mainstream products include Becks, Grolsch and Leffe lager: “We pick mainstream products we think are good. We look into the company we buy products from. There are certain large brands you definitely won’t find here.” All staff have been trained to not only knock up perfect cocktails but also advise customers on the different brands and flavours.

Available Sundays only for the time being, the food menu will generally include a meat dish, veggie choice and fish, with options including smoked haddock pie, stuffed peppers and roasts (priced about £7.95).

The bar is open to the general public as well as hotel guests and their friends.

Review by Leilah Nicola