The best Brighton bars that have little rooftops, terraces or hidden gardens.
If there’s one thing I love about Brighton, it’s that even on a tiny seafront city footprint, there are so many hidden gardens, secret terraces and rooftop bars tucked away where you’d least expect them. Some of these I’ve been going to for years, others are newer discoveries, but all of them are places I’d happily send a friend to for a sunny lunch, a long lazy brunch or an evening cocktail with a view.
Local Choice: 12 Of The Best Brighton Bars With Rooftops, Terraces Or Hidden Gardens
As Brighton local. here are 12 of my favourites, from leafy courtyards to proper rooftop bars with sea views. As a Brighton local, here are some of my favourites, from proper locals’ pubs to the spots worth braving the tourists for.
Brighton Beach House
A fairly new addition to Brighton, part of Soho House. It’s members only, but my goodness the interiors are fabulous, I’m obsessed with the parasols on the terrace. If you don’t have membership you can still visit Cecconi’s restaurant if you book, with views over Palace Pier, and there’s even a mini pool. Top tier interiors and service, worth every penny. Find a friend with membership and beg them to take you.
Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1TW
Murmur
Murmur is one of those spots that feels a bit special without being precious. A great seafront spot for catching the sunset over the pier with a cold drink in your hand. It’s the kind of place that will make you want to move to the seaside.
91-96 Kings Road Arches, Brighton BN1 2FN
Bohemia
Tucked away in The Lanes, Bohemia has a hidden rooftop terrace that always feels like a little secret even when it’s busy. It’s a brilliant spot for cocktails, music and relaxed dining above the bustle of the streets below, and exactly the kind of place I love taking visitors who think they know Brighton already.
I love the old building and they make a really good cocktail. It’s a buzzy spot to start your night, and they also do boozy brunches, plus a little outside seating at the front if you want to watch the world go by.
54-55 Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB
The Hop Poles
One of my absolute favourite hidden gems. There’s a little garden at the back which gets the sun, and even though it’s five minutes from the beachfront it feels like a proper locals’ place that tourists haven’t found yet. The interiors are always interesting, they once had an octopus on the ceiling, and the Sunday roasts are wonderful with the chef from West Hill Tavern running the kitchen. Great local beers too. Well worth a stop.
13 Middle StreetBrightonBN1 1AL
No 32
If you’re after a proper cocktail bar with a view, No 32 is one of my go to spots. Their rooftop terrace looks out over Duke Street and the drinks list is excellent. It’s stylish without trying too hard, which is very Brighton.
I’ve been to a fair few day raves at No 32 over the years. It’s not the most local of places, but it sits right off Churchill Square so it’s a good spot if you need a sit down and a drink after some shopping. Another beautiful building too, with a rooftop terrace and an excellent drinks list. Stylish without trying too hard, which is very Brighton.
32 Duke Street, Brighton BN1 1AG
Bar Valentino
This is one of my real faves, I’ve been going for years. Bar Valentino isn’t technically a rooftop but it has a lovely bijou balcony overlooking New Road, and in the colder months you can see the Royal Pavilion through the trees which is a proper Brighton moment. It’s hidden away above Tinto Taperia and right next to the theatre, so it’s brilliant for a pre show drink. The interiors are Deco inspired with rich velvets and reds, and the cocktails are beautifully crafted with a real mix of classics and exciting specials. My fave cocktail is the Shaking Stevens with gold vodka…yum!
The little terrace overlooks the Pavilion Gardens and is a great spot for people watching, with views through to the Royal Pavilion.
Above Tinto Taperia, 7 New Road, Brighton BN1 1UF.
i360 Sea Cocktail Bar
Yes it’s touristy, but the Sea Cocktail Bar at the i360 genuinely has one of the best views in Brighton. Sometimes it’s worth embracing the obvious choice, especially with a cocktail in hand and the sun going down over the West Pier.
Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN.
Artist Residence
The roof terrace at Artist Residence is a proper hidden gem. Tucked above the hotel, it has that effortlessly cool, slightly bohemian feel that the rest of the hotel is known for, and it’s a brilliant spot for a quieter drink away from the crowds.
Artist Residence is a beautiful hotel that takes local artists and lets each one design a room, so the whole space is packed with art from Brighton and beyond, full of interior inspiration. Tucked downstairs behind a vintage suitcase is a hidden bar so small you’ll get to know everyone in there within about ten minutes. It’s an amazing restaurant too, in a stunning location just off Regency Square, and a brilliant spot for a quieter drink away from the crowds.
33 Regency Square, Brighton BN1 2GG.
Flint House
Created by the team behind the Gingerman Restaurant Group, Flint House in The Lanes is a chic spot for a summer date night, with a rooftop terrace and umbrellas for when the British weather inevitably has other plans. Their small plates menu is gorgeous, think oysters, marinated aubergine and ham and gruyere croquettes, alongside a brilliant wine list. The staff are wonderful, and will go out their way to make you a cocktail to pair with you rmeal.
13 Hanningtons Lane, Brighton BN1 1GS.
The Canopy at Seven Dials
This is a proper locals’ spot and a lovely hidden garden in the heart of Seven Dials, with a beautiful fig tree and all day brunch from Chef Michael Bremner. This is one of those places that feels miles away from the city even though it’s right in the middle of it. Perfect for brunch or an afterwork drink.
You’ll find yourself in Seven Dials surrounded by vintage shops, St Anne’s Well Gardens and little eco food shops, so it’s well worth a wander up here just to look at the gorgeous houses and imagine living in one of them.
87-93 Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 3JE
The Hampton
Easy Tiger’s bloody tasty Indian street food is good enough reason to head to The Hampton, but we also love their craft beer selection, perfect for supping in their sun trap of a garden with its cheery mural. They’ve had to take their tent down, so you are subject to the elements, but who needs shelter when you’ve got great food, beers and a friendly welcome? (Ok, we do, but that’s what umbrellas and blankets are for).
57, Upper North Street, Brighton BN1 3FH
easytigerbrighton.com
The Joker
A bit different to everything else on this list, but The Joker deserves a mention because it’s such a brilliant space for events. It’s available to hire Monday to Thursday and on Sundays, so if you’re planning a private party, supper club or get together, drop them an email to discuss. They’ve also got event experience add ons (like cocktail making master classes) and a list of recommended suppliers if you want to make a real occasion of it.
2 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4QF
Got any secret spots of your own? I’d love to hear them, and I promise I won’t tell anyone.
MORE ABOUT MAXINE BRADY
Maxine Brady is an award winning interior stylist in Brighton. She has 25 years experience styling homes and interiors for magazines, brands and TV shows across London, the UK and internationally. Follow her on Facebook (133k) and TikTok (11.3K)) Listen to Maxine’s Interiors Podcast: How to Home
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