Brighton’s wine bars scene is creative, walkable, authentic — and the wine 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. Mabel Corner — 375 Rowan Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-12am Vibe: Industrial-chic, conversation-friendly Drinks: $16-28/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Mabel Corner gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The cocktail menu rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The courtyard is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: Their signature negroni ($16-28/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. High Corner — 244 Brunswick Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. High Corner doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The wine list is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Saturday arvo in the beer garden.
3. Felix’s — 17 Rowan Lane
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Outdoor courtyard, heat lamps in winter Drinks: $16-28/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The spirits selection includes hard-to-find local gins. The space is tighter than Mabel Corner — 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 natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($16-28/glass). Pro tip: The back corner booth is the best seat.
4. Ava’s — 132 Cecil Place
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $16-28/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — local pale ales and lagers that pair with the menu. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Share plates for two plus a bottle of wine, under $90. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. Mia’s — 351 Rowan Lane
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $16-28/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement 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 short but curated — they do six cocktails and all of them are solid. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: First dates, anniversary drinks, or impressing out-of-town visitors.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mabel Corner | Overall best | $16-28/glass | Yes | No |
| High Corner | Quiet drink | $16-28/glass | Yes | No |
| Felix’s | New & trendy | $16-28/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Ava’s | Food + drinks | $16-28/glass | Full menu | No |
| Mia’s | Atmosphere | $16-28/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Mabel Corner 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. Mia’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 Wine Bars
- Brighton Restaurants — eat before or after
- Brighton Things to Do
- All Brighton Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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