the best rooftop bars and outdoor spaces

We’re pretty spoilt with the beer garden that is the beach here in Brighton & Hove, but sometimes it’s nice to hide away and enjoy an al fresco drink elsewhere. So we’ve found Brighton & Hove’s best rooftop bars, hidden gardens and outdoor terraces and we’re sharing them with you now so you don’t miss out on enjoying any less well-known gems this summer.

Grand Central
If you’re heading out of the city or just visiting, pop into Grand Central as it’s just a stone’s throw from the station. Their roof garden is still undiscovered by many, so it’s the perfect oasis, away from the hustle and bustle of commuters. It’s a Fuller’s pub so you’ll find traditional pub grub and drinks, with a fab selection of gin for any G&T enthusiasts.

brighton-roof-garden
11.00 am – midnight Monday – Thursday, 10.00am – 1.00am Friday – Saturday, 10.00am – 11.00pm Sunday
29-30 Surrey St, Brighton BN1 3PA
grandcentralbrighton.co.uk

L’Atelier Du Vin
If there was ever something we wanted to keep to ourselves, this would be it. The second venue from Brighton’s prohibition-style cocktail and wine bar (the first one moved to 10 St George’s Place), L’Atelier Du Vin opened in Seven Dials a few weeks back, bringing a whole new level of elegance to the city sun-downer. Serving champagne and cocktails, as well as tasty bites, you can sit back and while away the hours on their spacious sun-trap terrace. By the way, they house the city’s largest collection of wines and spirits, bringing Brighton and Hove-ites over 800 wines, 350 spirits and 200 champagnes. You might be there a while then!

l'atelier-du-vin-brighton
Daily from midday to late
86-93 Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 3JE 

latelierduvin.co.uk

Hove Place
If you don’t live over Hove way, you can be forgiven for not knowing of the existence of Hove Place and its sexy Italian gardens. With its secluded tree-lined space with sunny and shady spots a-plenty, as well as a covered alcove with sofas, it’s like a spacious slice of the Riviera in the UK (spot the Snowdog!). They’ve got a great gin selection and a tasty food menu, too (served midday – 10.00pm), so you can happily while away the hours with a book, with friends or enjoying some of the major sporting events on their big outdoor screen. If you’re anti sport, don’t worry, it’s not there all the time! And for chillier evenings there are plenty of heaters dotted around to keep you toasty. Top tip: if you’re after a particular table, it’s worth booking to guarantee your spot as it can get very busy on sunny days.

Hove-Place-Brighton
11.00am – 11.00pm Monday –  Thursday, 11am – midnight Friday – Saturday and midday – 10.30pm Sunday

135-37 First Avenue, Hove, BN3 2FH
hoveplace.co.uk

Patterns
Patterns’ terrace has had another colourful redesign for the summer courtesy of artists Art+Believe.  Their trademark vibrant geometric shapes adorn the terrace, giving it a relaxed and cheerful vibe, so you’ll want to get there early to bag your spot. A hipster haven just over the road from the pier, you could easily end up staying late into the night, as they roll out their stirling line-up of DJs every Saturday from 2.00pm – 8.00pm. Why not kick off Saturday with their al fresco bottomless art brunch (midday – 2.00pm) for £31.90 (most Saturdays until the end of summer)? With adult colouring sheets, tasty dishes from Lucky Beach, not to mention the unlimited glasses of Prosecco, bloody Mary and mimosa, it’s a great way to spend the day.
patterns-brighton
7.00pm – 3.00am Tuesday, 11.00pm – 3.00am Thursday, 6.00pm – 4.00am Friday, midday (for ticketed brunch, otherwise 2.00pm) – late Saturday
10 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TL
patternsbrighton.com

The Mesmerist
In the heart of the Lanes you’ll find an addictive buzz coming from The Mesmerist – you just never know what you’re going to find inside the retro-inspired hangout. From lindy hop to live music, we love its diversity. And now you can head up to their Luna roof garden to enjoy a drink in the fresh air.
brighton-roof-garden
Midday – midnight Monday – Thursday, midday – 2.00am Friday – Sunday
1-3 Prince Albert St, Brighton BN1 1HE
www.mesmerist.pub

The Walrus
A great find on Ship Street, you can easily get lost in their maze of stairs, rooms and hidden cosy corners. Perfect for date night, all-day hanging out and everything in between, make sure you find your way to their two-storey roof garden. A great spot to enjoy a side of fresh air with your drink and they have a fab food menu,too. From sandwiches to hand-stretched pizzas, there’s something to fit any pairing.

Brighton-roof-garden
Midday – 1.00pm Sunday – Tuesday, midday – 2.30am Thursday, midday – 2.30am Friday – Saturday
10 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AD
thewalrusbrighton.com

Hotel Du Vin
A few doors down and you’ve got a completely different vibe at the roof terrace tucked away above the Hotel Du Vin courtyard. The perfect spot for their new afternoon tea menu in the Summer sunshine, the terrace is also open to non-residents for drinks, making it the perfect sunkissed spot for a post-work drink or pre-dinner cocktail. We’d recommend their champagne afternoon tea, served with their tasty twist on some classic sandwiches, warm scones and a selection of cakes that will take you a while to work through. Their bar menu includes a carefully curated list of wines from around the world, with a cocktail list made from good quality spirits, as well as some ‘local heroes’ such as Brighton Gin.
brighton-terrace

Open daily, weather dependent.
2 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AD
Bohemia
This urban Verve Clicquot roof garden is the perfect spot to get away from the busy Lanes and quite the sun trap, too. There’s even astro turf and parasols to add to the summer garden party vibe, so you can soak up the sun over breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or just a drink or three. Make sure you reserve your spot, though, as it’s a popular hideaway and you’ll want to get comfy for your cocktails. Stick around in the evening when the heaters kick in and music fills the open air in this sheltered spot. See you there.

brighton-roof-garden
9.00am – 1.ooam Sunday – Thursday, 9.00am – 3.00am Friday – Saturday
54-55 Meeting House Lane, Brighton BN1 1HB
bohemiabrighton.co.uk

Bison Beach Bar at Sea Lanes
If you haven’t been along to the Sea Lanes site yet, there are plenty of reasons why you should. From yoga, zumba and swim gym classes to the Beach Box Sauna, massage sessions, and stroke technique lessons in the endless pool, there’s a lot going on. But for a more chilled hangout right by the beach with beers quite literally on tap, we’re loving the continental vibes of the Bison Beach Bar on a sunny day. In situ for the summer, it also plays host to a wide variety of food pop-ups, from bao to burgers. Bring it on!

Bison-Beach-Bar-Brighton
midday – 11.00pm daily (depending on weather)
299 Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1EN
bisonbeer.co.uk

The Setting Sun
Finally, if you’re looking for possibly the best place to watch the sun set over Brighton’s rooftops (the view of the sea is only slightly marred by all the building work going on), you need to head to the perfectly named Setting Sun on the edge of Hanover. Lovingly revamped by its new owners, the terrace has been restyled with wooden benches and gorgeous sunflowers and there’s a great food menu with plenty of veggie and vegan options, too. On a sunny day, make sure you get there early if you want to nab a spot outside to take in the gorgeous colours as the sun goes to bed.

Setting-Sun-Brighton
Midday – 11.00pm Monday – Wednesday, midday – midnight Thursday – Saturday, midday – 11.00pm Sunday
1 Windmill Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 0GN
thesettingsunpub.co.uk

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As night falls, the vibe of the city changes. Adding some gorgeous lights can really alter a space and  attract people‘s attention. If you’re lucky enough to have a bar or an outdoor terrace and fancy changing things up a bit, then adding some neon signs could be just what you need. You can customise the signs to suit your style and preferences to achieve the effect you’re after. Have a look: even decorating a small corner of your home, roof or garden with lights can inject some more vitality into your after-dark experience.