After scouring the city for the weird and wonderful, we have compiled a list of six quirky pubs and bars in Brighton.
Update: Make sure to follow all government guidelines such as social distancing measures and check with each venue's website to see how they are operating during the ongoing pandemic.
Dead Wax Social
18A Bond St, Brighton BN1 1RD
A retro bar mainly focused on the style and music of the 1950s with a punk décor to match; Dead Wax Social offers a range of handmade pizzas that cater to vegetarians, vegans, and any meat lover; they also serve craft beers on tap. Even with the retro theme, the most notable quirk of the bar is undoubtedly the music, playing only vinyl records to add a little flourish and style and keeping continuity with their nostalgic atmosphere.
The Yellow Book
3 York Pl, Brighton BN1 4GU
The décor and atmosphere of The Yellow Book feels like an amalgamation of science fiction ideas (Think H.G Wells and Jules Verne) mixed with the aesthetic and style of the nineteenth-century steam era, aka Steampunk. Events include a Monday board games night, Quiz's every Wednesday, open mic Thursdays and a Sci-fi fantasy writers workshop every other Sunday.
The Mesmerist
1-3 Prince Albert St, Brighton BN1 1HE
Three floors of eclectic decor and sophistication. On one such floor, you will find The Flipside, prepare to be transported to a cocktail lounge straight out of the 70s, where the drinks from the era have been given a slightly modern twist. It's kitsch and cool at the same time and looks like the kind of place Bowie or the Rolling Stones would have hanged out at back in the day.
There is also a selection of craft beers to choose from as well as a plethora of meals to enjoy, including ‘Southern-fried halloumi bites’ and ‘Jackfruit fries’ if you're vegan. The Mesmerist is only a minute’s walk from the beach, so why not enjoy a stroll along Brighton’s famous seafront after your visit.
The Hope & Ruin
11-12 Queens Rd, Brighton BN1 3WA
A hub of Brighton’s culture, this restaurant, formerly named ‘The Hope’, offers great food and a lively atmosphere. The décor could be described as alternate fifties, with half caravans, strange clown statues and fairy lights dotted around, giving the restaurant a quirky carnival atmosphere. The Hope & Ruin is also home to some of the most exciting vegetarian and vegan food around, thanks to local catering company ‘Beelzebab’, with options such as poutine, currywurst and ‘fooled’ pork fries. The restaurant is also one of the best places in Brighton to catch the most talented local musicians.
Tempest Inn
159-161 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 1NB
This unique setting at the Tempest Inn is designed to make the diners feel like they are eating in the depths of a cave, with the walls textured and shaped to resemble the glistening rock face of a hollow. The ‘cave’ is illuminated by the candlelight from the tables, which truly gives the pub a magical feel. The Tempest Inn is located just off Brighton beach, and therefore, the menu is focused mainly on seafood, but there are still vegetarian options available.
Proud Cabaret
83 St George's Rd, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1EF
If you’re looking to take your dining experience in Brighton to a whole new level regarding the quality of food, drink and entertainment, then look no further. Elegant and rich food accompanied by performance-driven entertainment will make you feel like you’ve been whisked back to the golden age of cabaret. That’s not all; you also get to enjoy all of this inside an authentic cabaret theatre. So, dinner, drinks and a show, what more could you ask for?
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