Spring has sprung and we’re loving making the most of Brighton and Hove’s bars and restaurants with outdoor spaces again. The garden furniture has had a spruce, umbrellas have been ordered (it is still England after all) and we’re ready for the first of many Aperol Spritzes…
The Flint House
Hannington Lane’s coolest little cocktail bar and small plates restaurant, The Flint House, is top of the list for an open-air tipple – and for good reason. The bar team’s expertly made, Insta-worthy drinks are just what we’ve been craving this lockdown, especially the Gold, their twist on an Espresso Martini and the Primavera Negroni (think grapefruit and salted honey). And, as this is part of the Gingerman restaurant Group, it would be rude not to enjoy them with a dish or two. Those rich blue cheese crumpets are always a good choice! With a gorgeous, tucked-away sun terrace and additional seating out the front, it’s the perfect suntrap in this new(ish) lane, complete with umbrellas and an awning in case things do get a little wet.
The Flint House, 3 Hanningtons Lane, Brighton BN1 1GS
flinthousebrighton.com
Rockwater Hove
Another must from us is destination beachfront hub Rockwater Hove down on Western Esplanade. With its uber-chic décor and prime beachside locale, we couldn’t think of a more perfect place for a spring sundowner or boozy brunch. There’s a separate sun deck on the beach and a gorgeous rooftop terrace, so there are plenty of options to sit back and enjoy a few rays of sunshine, a Brighton Cosmo (yes, it’s a thing) and listen to the waves crashing on the pebbles.
Rockwater, Western Esplanade, Kingsway, Hove, BN3 4FA
rockwater.uk
Med
Every visit to this colourful spot in the city centre promises to transport you to the sunnier climes of the Mediterranean with bright, fresh interiors and mouth-watering small plates. Set up by the boys behind Wolfsmouth and Paradiso Social, it’s had us impressed from day one and we can’t wait to make a return. Drinks-wise, the concise wine list is always a good option, but the cocktails and perfectly executed sharing dishes are what really wow here. Last time we visited, a Strawberry Sbagliato blew our socks off. Med have even managed to bring their Riviera-esque dash of colour outdoors – with orange umbrellas over white-cushioned kerb-side seating to brighten up spring evenings.
Med, 2-3 Little East Street, Brighton, BN1 1HT
medbrighton.co.uk
Plateau
Brighton’s best (and only) dedicated natural wine bar obviously had to make the list. Here, you can easily while away the early-evening hours over a grape glass of red, white, pink or orange… accompanied by oysters or other tasty, slightly French seasonal morsels off the blackboard. Lucky for us, Plateau expanded their street seating last year so there’s plenty of space. You can normally find a table suitable for couples and small groups – perfect for enjoying a laid-back bottle of vino.
1 Bartholomews, Brighton, BN1 1HG
plateaubrighton.co.uk
The Brunswick
Boasting rolling brewery tap takeovers and a brilliant selection of cask ales, keg beers and ciders from plenty of local Sussex brewers and more from further afield – if you’re partial to a good brew, then the Brunswick is the pub for you! The brilliant Humble Plates have moved here from Bison Beer’s North Road site and are dishing up their trademark tasty burgers and sides every day – with roasts on Sundays. The pub’s famous wooden terrace, which you can spot from Hove’s Holland Road, is always popular in the summer months and now comes with a fully covered gazebo area, too, so you can seek shelter when needed.
brunswickpub.co.uk
Oeuf
Ah, Oeuf. This not-so-little Hove gem has had a special place in our heart since it first opened and we love supping their Insta-ready drinks in their secret garden at the back. There’s space for 30 people in the pretty green space and there’s also a terrace at the front for walk-ins or those just after a coffee. As you’d expect from somewhere that has perfectly nailed those Wes-Anderson-meets-Parisian-cafe vibes, their drinks look as good as they taste. From killer Chocolate Orange Espresso Martinis to Raspberry Ripple Lattes, they’ve got all the bases covered here. They also dish up some of the best breakfasts and brunches in town (those frumpets!) if you need some food to soak up the cocktails. As they quite rightly almost say: ‘One [visit to] Oeuf is never enough’.
8 Third Avenue, Hove BN3 2PX
oeuf.cafe
Mash Tun
There’s always a fun time to be had at the Mash Tun and their outside benches are where the buzz is at. It’s a great spot for a good beer selection, loaded burgers and hotdogs, music – and, of course, some prime people-watching – from their popular spot in the North Laine area. They’ve seriously invested in weatherproofing their outside seats, so you can continue to enjoy the pub’s usual antics, even when things get a little chilly.
1 Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UE
mashtun.pub
L’Atelier Du Vin @ Seven Dials
Hidden away in Seven Dials, L’Atelier Du Vin’s wine and cocktail bar here has a secret – and surprisingly big – garden out the back that’s always worth a visit in our opinion. It’s filled with greenery, umbrellas for when the grey clouds start rolling in, and the usual laid-back vibes we’ve come to love at their venues. It’s a garden that cries out for a cold glass of rosé or something from their menu of classic cocktails: perfect for enjoying with a plate of delicious cheese or charcuterie as you channel your inner Frenchie.
87 – 93 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 3JE
latelierduvin.co.uk
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