The party town of Brighton is certainly not short of a place or two to drink. Saying that, the majority of bars cater for the influx of stag and hen parties and mainstream clubbers that want their drinks cheap and cheerful. But if you prefer your poison refined and a little more exclusive then these bars are worth noting for your black book.

Plateau
Don’t let the fact that Plateau is primarily a small plate French restaurant put you off. In the evening, the vibe is stylish yet relaxed and the small bar to one side of the venue is definitely worth propping up. Although notorious for their carefully sourced organic, biodynamic and natural wine from small-scale producers, the cocktail menu is just as considered. Some of the drinks have a prohibition-era feel to them and others are 40s recipes from the cocktail masters.

Try the Satan’s Whiskers (gin, orange curacao, dry and sweet vermouth, fresh orange juice and orange bitters) or the “odd-ball” Pan American Clipper (le lieu calvados, fresh lime, grenadine and absinthe). And if you get hungry there is far more on offer than a packet of ready salted to satisfy cravings. Bonus.

Cocktail Shack
The newest and possibly the best boutique hotel bar in the city, you’ll find the Cocktail Shack nestled away in The Artist Residence on Regency Square. Grown up yet creative and convivial, this is the sort of place to sip your drinks if you want to avoid the mainstream mojito masses. This place perfectly reflects Brighton vibe, heck, part of it is even made with wood reclaimed from the West Pier.

Although the Shack’s tipple of choice is their sizable rum list, the cocktail menu covers some cherry picked classics and their own more adventurous house originals. Kick back and relax with a Tequila Negroni or for something a little adventurous for the taste buds, go for a Truth Be Told (gin, pineapple, coriander, jalapeno water and egg white).

Plotting Parlour
Ok, I clutched my bag extra tight under my armon the way here the first time, but no fear! This is a real gem down a dingy Kemptown backstreet. Intimate and beautifully decorated, there's something of a modern speakeasy about it. Expect classics alongside their own creations like The Hemingway Daiquiri (Ron Abuelo rum, Maraschino cherry liqueur, grapefruit, lime and grenadine) or The Busby Sling (Beefeater, grapefruit, cherry liqueur, grenadine, lemon and soda).

It's one of the newer bars but already up there with the best.

Brighton Rocks
I love the relaxed vibe of Brighton Rocks, a cocktail bar you can go to in your flip flops without anyone batting an eyelid. Away from the very centre of the city in Kemptown, it's worth the short distance to get to. They also champion a few of our local spirits like the Sussex Martini using my favourite Blackdown Gin.

The New Club
With views of the sea and the remains of the West Pier, The New Club should be a must for every visitor to Brighton. As well as serving gourmet American fast food, the bar is just as visit worthy. With a very cool NYC eatery style, they are now gaining national recognition for the effort they are putting into their food and drink. The cocktail menu is divided into three sections. Start the evening with their fresher, pre-dinner drinks like the Tre Bellini (crème de peche, peach puree, peach bitters and Prosecco) or one of their whiskey flight selections. The Club Classics list includes twists like Cherry Cola Bottle (Amaretto, Cherry Heering, cola syrup and lemon juice).

And finally, top the night off with the dessert cocktails, which along with the usual sweet options list drinks like the Rock & Rye (Rye Whiskey infused for a few days with Rock Candy, Orange, Lemon and Maraschino Cherries, served with an Aperol rinse).