Operation Brighton
Brighton – vibrant, colourful and creative. Britain’s premier coastal town is alive with all the vigour of a capital city and the energy of a seaside resort. A musical destination that has influenced a legion of artists, from The Who to The Kooks, and where numerous landmark moments in the industry have taken place, including the last concert of the legendary Bing Crosby and Abba winning the Eurovision Song Contest. And to top it all off, it is home to award winning DJ and musician Fatboy Slim, so no wonder thousands flock to the coolest clubs on the South Coast!
Why not start your night at Brighton Pier? Where you’ll find three bars that are perfect for the compulsory pre-drink or a quiet night out (I’m looking at you weekend workers!). The largest being Horatio’s, a 350 capacity venue offering everything from sport to live music, as well as a beautiful panoramic beer garden overlooking the beach (always good for a nosey). Take the night into your own hands at the Glitter Ball Bar – with sufficient Karaoke to keep them vocal cords in a job, and a variety of residential DJ’s playing all the latest tunes, talk about music on tap! Alternatively, you can relax in the cosiness of Victoria’s and take in some fantastic views of the regency sea front whilst enjoying some freshly cooked food, cold beers and an afternoon tea full of clotted cream scones (If that’s your kind of thing). Why not hit all three and to see what Brighton Pier really does have to offer?
For those looking to carry the party on into the early morning, there are a multitude of drinkeries that can be found right on the sea front, just a 10-minute walk away from the pier! Such as VIP super-club Shoosh and Britain’s best loved venue Coalition – two bars that are so close to the sea they can almost be mistaken for boats! Having previously hosted the likes of Carl Cox, Annie Mac and resident Fatboy Slim, The Arch is steeped in history, after decades of top quality events, making it one of the South’s major dance music destinations – not to mention its location under the historic Victorian Arches (have you put two and two together yet?) – whilst you don’t get much more modern than sports bar Bedrock, with eighteen HD screens available to catch all the action (including the biggest in Brighton!), and Karaoke and DJ club nights besides. On top of this there are a myriad of live music bars, including The Haunt, Casablanca and Sticky Mikes Frog Bar, as well as the ever-popular Walkabout and Tiki bar Lola Lo (two that seem to be getting about these days!). And if you’re a gambler (or just fancy staying out when the clubs close), get to the Marina and check out the Rendezvous Casino.
Moving further inland, you’ll get more Karaoke at Lucky Voice – where visitors will sing and drink cocktails until 2am – and you can hit up retro-pub The Mesmerist, with its gin palace-inspired décor, regular live music (yes more) and DJ’s (original!). Take a trip to Bohemia if you like your jazz – or if you’re looking for a laugh, Komedia is the place to be. And you’ll also find everyone’s favourite Vodka Bar Revolution and, a little further on, Merkaba, with an array of creative cocktails on show (though it shuts at midnight so get there early!). For something a little different, get to the shop and purchase your favourite alcohol before taking it to B.Y.O.B and just leave it to their mixologists!
By Calum Dewsbury.