I hate being cold. So, in the winter I’m always looking for cosy venues to hang out, have some food and enjoy a good glass of wine, mulled drinks or a cocktail. Below I have listed bars in Brighton and Hove that are perfect for the season, whether you are looking for a wine bar, cocktails or super-comfy pubs with fireplaces.
Brighton
Coppa Club
Coppa Club is bringing you the best winter fun. Enjoy a meal and drinks at one of their igloos in Brighton Square, where they have an all-day menu. All private igloos have a cosy winter wonderland décor with blankets and candles. Can’t book an igloo? Not to worry, the venue has very comfortable and pretty seating areas indoors.
Coppa Club, 12-16 Brighton Square, Brighton
Regency Tavern
Regency Tavern is one of the two pubs in Brighton that applied for the original Beer Shop Licence in 1830. The décor is very warm with some olden-day glitz and glamour. They offer a wide selection of ales and lager as well as decent wines. To emphasise the showbiz atmosphere, every Saturday is a Cabaret night and there’s a pianist on every Sunday. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for a pub with plenty of history – this is a traditional pub with extra oomph.
Regency Tavern, 32-34 Russell Square, Brighton
The Prince George
Situated in North Lanes, the Prince George is a perfect winter pub, with fireplaces and heated back garden. If you’re a vegetarian, this pub offers a wide selection of veggie pub food. They have a good range of drinks, especially ales and craft beers. When I lived in Brighton this was one of my after-work hang-outs.
The Prince George, 5 Trafalgar Street, Brighton
Hand in Hand
You might see at pattern here… I’m quite into these local gems as they tend to have a better atmosphere and that cosy feeling you enjoy in the winter months. Hand in Hand is a tiny pub with on-site micro-brewery. They serve local ales and an excellent selection of spirits. Live Jazz is on every Sunday. Everyone is super-friendly here.
Hand in Hand, 33 Upper St James’s St, Brighton
Plotting Parlour
Plotting Parlour is a small cocktail bar hidden in one of the side streets in Kemptown. They do excellent cocktails. In fact, they have won several awards for their cocktails. At weekends groups over four are advised to book in advance to guarantee a table.
Plotting Parlour, 6 Steine Street, Brighton
Hotel du Vin
I often stay at Hotel du Vin when visiting Brighton, so I tend to enjoy a cocktail or two at the hotel bar. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, although people tend to be better dressed here, which is a nice change from all the casual pubs. You could easily stay here all night eating bar snacks and drinking a tasty bottle of wine. They also host monthly wine tastings for only £25.
Hotel du Vin, 2 Ship Street, Brighton
Plateau
This French restaurant never fails! Every time I’m in Brighton I try to pay a visit to Plateau. Their menu changes often, the wine list is endless and they serve classic cocktails with a twist. A must-visit.
Plateau, 1 Bartholomews, Brighton
Hove
Hixon Green
Set over two floors, this venue is light and spacious with modern décor. It’s a perfect place to enjoy wine and cocktails whilst catching up with friends. They serve food all day and their cakes are supposed to be delicious.
Hixon Green, 124 Church Road, Hove
Third Avenue
This place offers brunch, lunch and dinner and a wide selection of drinks, including a range of whisky flights, not forgetting their Late Lounge every Friday and Saturday. Sip cocktails or get a bottle of fizz and enjoy the music.
Third Avenue, 70-72 Church Road, Hove
The Garden Bar
If you’re looking for a cosy pub to hang out during those cold evening, this venue is a gem and definitely worth the bus journey to West Hove. They have two fireplaces on daily, the food is delicious, and their drink selection is decent, even the cocktails. The pub is clean and beautifully decorated and will leave you wanting to come back time and time again. Don’t forget to check out their HUGE back garden.
The Garden Bar, 324 Portland Road, Hove
Robin Hood
The Robin Hood is a warm and inviting local pub, whose profits goes to charity (after paying off the staff and bills, of course). It used to be one of my favourite places to go for a pint and a catch-up with friends during the winter months. It’s a great place for a good old pint of ale and a snack. They offer simple yet tasty food, such as a range of pizzas and sausage rolls (including veggie options). This is a pub where random singalongs happen.
Robin Hood, 1-3 Norfolk Place, Hove
Old Albion
An old-style neighbourhood pub with a wide range of gins, including their own Old Hove Gin, and a selection of craft beers. They even have a DJ on weekends. Very cosy atmosphere.
Old Albion, 110 Church Road, Hove
Have I missed your favourite winter venue? Please share your gems in the comment section.
