new l’atelier du vin bar opens in seven dials

As you know (and if you don’t, where have you been?), we love a good cocktail bar. Give it a speakeasy vibe with top-notch wines and you’ll struggle to get rid of us. What are we talking about? The new outpost of Prohibition-style bar L’Atelier Du Vin, of course.

The original bar moved to its new, even-more-secret location at 10 St George’s Place earlier this year and now Seven Diallers can get a piece of the chilled action, too, as its big brother (45 covers versus St George’s Place’s 25) opens its doors on Dyke Road. While the first bar is inspired by France’s Loire Valley, the second destination adds an Italian twist (hello, limoncello!) thanks to Italian general manager and master sommelier Stefano Angeloni.

We had a sneak preview ahead of the launch night and we’re pleased to report that not only are the wine, champagne and cocktails as excellent as you’d expect, but the decor ticks all of the boxes, too. 1920s here we come! From the dramatic be-curtained entrance, the soft-focus lighting and the tinkling jazz to the team’s famous hand-crafted penny bar, the luxe leather armchairs, a library wall paying homage to the late hotelier and master sommelier Gerard Basset and the spacious sun-trap terrace at the back, it’s got it all. And we do mean all: it houses the city’s largest collection of wines and spirits, bringing Brighton and Hove-ites over 800 wines, 350 spirits and 200 champagnes. Phew, that’s got us covered for a while then.

l'atelier-du-vin-brighton

The guys have also launched a members-only Bootlegger Club for a time-limited introductory price of £250 a year, giving you access to a 10-cover underground bar (opening in a couple of weeks, we’ll keep you posted!). Joining the club also bags you a 10% discount all year round, access to exclusive events, a bottle of champers on your birthday and help building a wine investment portfolio if you’ve always fancied building your own cellar.

And don’t just take our word for it either: co-owners and wine experts Steve Pineau and Dimitri Mesnard (pictured right and left, respectively) have just scooped the award for best newcomer in the UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars! See you on the terrace…

L’Atelier Du Vin Seven Dials
86-93 Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 3JE; open daily from midday to late

latelierduvin.co.uk

Photo credit: Nick Harvey