Brighton’s cocktail bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — and the cocktail bars reflect it. Whether you want a quiet midweek drink or a full Friday night, there are options that don’t require leaving the suburb.
Standard prices: pint $12-14, cocktail $19-25. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Cellar — 73 Cecil Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $19-25
The cocktail bar the suburb rallies around. Cellar gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The wine list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($19-25). When to go: Friday after 7pm for live music.
2. Oliver Local — 143 Cecil Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-11pm Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Oliver Local doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Wednesday trivia (free entry).
3. New Corner — 47 King Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-late Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $19-25
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than Cellar — maybe 50 people before it feels packed — but that’s part of the appeal.
What makes it work is the attention to detail. The glassware is considered, the ice is proper, and the bartenders actually taste what they make before serving. The tap list rotates every two weeks with a Victorian-only policy. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: The house old fashioned ($19-25). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Lena — 72 Cecil Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Neighbourhood corner pub, proper and unpretentious Drinks: $19-25
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 9:30pm and the pizza are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
The drinks list complements the food — an approachable wine list that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: The cheese board with a glass of the house red, $35 total. When to come: Thursday for the midweek special.
5. River’s — 86 Cecil Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $19-25
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the rooftop view creates an atmosphere the others can’t match. It’s the place to bring someone you’re trying to impress, or to photograph, or both.
The drinks list is heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Sunset drinks on warmer evenings — arrive by 6pm for the golden hour.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellar | Overall best | $19-25 | Yes | Weekends |
| Oliver Local | Quiet drink | $19-25 | Yes | Sun sessions |
| New Corner | New & trendy | $19-25 | Snacks only | No |
| Lena | Food + drinks | $19-25 | Full menu | Fri |
| River’s | Atmosphere | $19-25 | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Cellar does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Brighton. Don’t drive on Friday/Saturday nights — parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: None of these are bottle-service-and-bouncers. Clean casual everywhere. River’s skews slightly smarter but won’t turn away anyone in jeans.
Age check: All venues are 18+. Bring ID if you look under 25 — they will ask.
Nearby
- Brighton East Cocktail Bars
- Brighton Restaurants — eat before or after
- Brighton Things to Do
- All Brighton Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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