The Malmaison at Brighton Marina is a standout destination if you love food, drinks and sea views. The Chez Mal Bar sits above the restaurants below with a beautiful south-facing balcony terrace overlooking the boats and marina. Here you can enjoy signature cocktails, wines, and bar-food alongside stunning waterfront vistas. Chez Mal restaurant offers modern British dishes with steaks, burgers, weekend brunch, afternoon teas and a Sunday roast. Whether you’re here for a drink on the terrace at sunset or a full dinner, the setting, views, and menu make it special.
Restaurant Brighton's guide to
Rooftop Bars in Brighton
Our top picks
Sky-High Sips | The Best Rooftop Bars Brighton Has to Offer
Discover the best rooftop bars in Brighton, where sky-high views meet the city’s buzzing food and drink culture. From sea-facing terraces with cocktails at sunset to hidden rooftops overlooking the iconic Lanes, Brighton rooftop bars bring a new dimension to a night out. Whether you’re planning drinks before a Brighton club night, searching for a laid-back Brighton pub vibe in the open air, or looking for a stylish terrace to host a celebration, these alfresco gems promise atmosphere, views, and unforgettable moments.
Brighton Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
While technically not a roof terrace, Bar Valentino in Brighton does have a quaint balcony overlooking New Road. It’s a hot-spot of activity all year round and during colder months the Royal Pavilion is visible through the leaf-dropped trees. Bar Valentino is a Deco inspired bar, rich velvets and seductive reds make up most of the interiors. You can expect lovingly crafted and beautifully presented cocktails. Many are bespoke, which highlights the creativity of the award-winning bartenders.
Trading Post is known around town for its prime locations, unbeatable baking and hands down delicious, home-roasted coffee. Their Kensington Garden’s venue also offers a banning selection of all-day brunches and other tasty dishes. In addition to roadside dining, they can elevate their guest to lofty heights with their rooftop terrace. Spacious, with ample seating and offers panoramic views of Brighton North Laines. Fancy sipping on chardonnay, tucking into an Eggs benedict, whilst you snoop down at the hustle and bustle below? Thought so!
For that summer society garden party feel, head up stairs to the terrace at Bohemia. Open in the day for breakfast, afternoon tea, and lunch, through into the night for drinking and shmoozing. The Veuve Cliquot glass walls and giant sun umbrellas will shield you from the elements, and the paparazzi, should you be feeling a bit celebutante.
Technically The Setting Sun doesn’t have a roof terrace, but its position raised high on the bank of Hanover gives it a spectacular skyline view. The west-facing vista gives it arguably the best views over the rooftops of Brighton sweeping down to the sea, perfect for poetic contemplation in the dying embers of the day.
For a vibrant atmosphere without the club scene, look no further than Dishoom Permit Room in The Lanes. Their roof top seating has a retractable roof, blankets and heaters for when it gets chilly. Ideal for a casual drink, the venue offers food until 10.30pm. Enjoy crafted cocktails, an organic wine list and exciting beer collaborations with local breweries. Teetotal options are equally delicious. Experience the perfect Thursday evening with a live DJ setting the soundtrack.
We’re allowing the Tasting Room at Albourne Estate into the rooftop bar category although technically it’s a mezzanine. Situated at the rear of the winery with south-facing views over the vineyard and Southdowns, this is a glorious all-day spot to enjoy some of their single estate and award-winning wines. Albourne Estate is only 8 miles out of Brighton and easily accessible by public transport. It’s open from April to October over the weekends and there’s no need to book. Children and dogs are welcome, as is exploring the vineyards.
The Mesmerist in the Lanes has drawn many into its captivating spell, a thrall that is compelled by its weirdly wonderful roof bar. The colourful clientele and staff that populate this artsy music venue create an eccentric oasis amidst the astroturf and pot plants raised up high in the Lanes.
The Flint House, from the Gingerman Restaurant Group, sits tucked away in a beautifully restored red-brick and flint-stone building in Brighton’s Hanningtons Lane. It offers modern small-plates sharing food, refined wines by the glass, and a glamorous cocktail bar. Upstairs, its rooftop terrace overlooks the Lanes and provides a perfect escape for afternoon drinks, nibbles or sunset spritzes. By evening, the candlelit interiors under rustic beams make it an atmospheric destination for dinner and long conversations with friends.
Perched above Brighton’s city centre at 2 Boyce’s Street, The Oculist rooftop bar is a must-visit for anyone craving sun-soaked vibes, cocktails and live music. The two-tier terrace catches rays all day and comes alive at night with DJs spinning UK garage, house, disco, and techno. Whether you’re sipping a sunset cocktail or dancing late under string lights, this space balances relaxed outdoor lounging with vibrant nightlife energy. Great for friends, parties, or simply enjoying Brighton from above.
