Brighton is just over an hour from London so it makes for the perfect sunshine seaside filled escape from the smog of our capital. With it’s graffitied eclectic lanes, packed with independent shops resembling Camden as does it’s rooftops – bars, roof terraces and restaurants. And with it being the LGBTQ capital of the UK, attracting stag and hen parties, rooftop bars are an essential place to enjoy a drink. Disappointingly the seafront is not awash with rooftop bars, in fact most are only a level up and with no view however, when the sun is shining, these terraces become a welcome retreat.
Rockwater
Best for: 🍤🐠🍹🍸
Location: On the seafront in Hove – about a 15 mins cab or 40 min stroll from Brighton (map)
View: The sea
Vibe: Boujee in Brighton
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? No
Children allowed? Yes until 8pm
Last visited /photos taken: 2021 (Info last updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? No. The restaurant has retractable slats and roof and doors that open fully so it can be a fully fledged rooftop or half way if windy or closed if raining. The sofas all dry in seconds after a downpour so they have truly made this as weather responsive as possible
Rooftop review roundup: Opened in 2021 a much needed addition to the Brighton scene. Whilst technically just outside in Hove this rooftop bring the glamour of London this city was missing. The whole ethos is to create a community with different levels and experiences. Obviously it had to be the rooftop for me! The whole vibe was chilled but with that fabulous feeling. The food was delicious – fully recommend the scallops (I went in twice!) and the weather even played ball. A must visit.
Website: Click here
Bohemia – Veuve Clicquot Champagne Roof Garden
Best for: 🍸🥂🍻🍷🍽
Location: Just a few minutes up from the sea. (map)
View: Nothing – champagne boards and fun fake skyline
Vibe: Chill by day, party by night
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes
Booking available? No (can inside)
Smoking allowed? Yes
Children allowed? Yes by day. On Friday and Saturday nights it’s over 25
Last visited /photos taken: 2019 (Info last updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? Yes so means opening is sporadic depending on weather
Rooftop review roundup: What a treat of a place, inside full of fun quotes, a glamourous bar and lots of nooks and crannies to explore as you climb to the rooftop. This is one of those rare time i may actually prefer the inside – though never on a sunny day! It is a small rooftop with champagne boards up so blocks any view though is a fun back drop for pics. Perfect for summer chilling to tunes.
Website: Click here
Donatello
Best for: 🍕
Location: In the lanes (map)
View: Literally rooftops of houses.
Vibe: Friends, families, couples catch ups
Prosecco price: 🍾
Food available? Yes it’s an Italian restaurant!
Booking available? Yes but not for the rooftop.
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2019 (Info last updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? No
Rooftop review roundup:
Donatello has been a beloved fixture in Brighton since the 1980s, offering authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant spans two floors and boasts a charming small rooftop terrace. Super friendly and accommodating and cheap prosecco! The only thing that could make this little gem better is if Mary Poppins would fly in! The rooftop really looked like a scene from the film!
Website: Click here
Grand Central
Best for: 🍷🍻
Location: Right by Brighton station (map)
View: Buildings
Vibe: Super chilled.
Prosecco price:🍾
Food available: Yes
Booking available? Not for the rooftop
Smoking allowed: Yes
Visited / Photos taken: 2021 (Info last updated 2024)
Warm / dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: A classic Fuller Pub set right by the station to tempt you to just one more champagne before the train home. (Or beer that just didn’t rhyme with train.) A thriving after work venue for those spilling back from London on a summers day, it offers an affordable and laid-back atmosphere—ideal for casual meet-ups.
Website: Click here
Hotel Du Vin
Best for: 🍷🍾🍽😴
Location: Almost on the sea front! (map)
View: Surrounding houses
Vibe: Cosy couples & fun friends
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes there’s a restaurant
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2019 (Info last updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? Yes
Rooftop review roundup: A gorgeous hotel, bar and restaurant and little rooftop to boot! Beautifully decorated with wicker chairs and fairy lights, it’s like stepping into a fairy tale with cute houses and hotel rooms surrounding it. It’s not very high, typical for Brighton also typical is no view of the sea or city but still a firm favourite.
Website: Click here
Mesmerist
Best for: 🍷🥂
Location: South lanes (map)
View: Nothing
Vibe: Fun
Prosecco price: 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – pub food
Booking available? Yes
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2019 (Info last updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? Heated and covered in winter (hence the pics)
Rooftop review roundup: A pub with 4 bars, 3 floors and a little escape to the sky (with encouraging messages as you climb the stairs) it’s rude not to go. The rooftop is small but vibrant and full of coloured winter lights to make for cosy nights.
Website: Click here
Ridgeview Roof Terrace
Best for: 🍷🧀🥓🍲
Location: On top of Flint House Restaurant. In the lanes. (map)
View: Nothing
Vibe: Catch ups
Prosecco price: Cava only 🍾🍾
Food available? Yes – small plates all day bar (down stairs indoor for lunch and dinner – Gluten free & vegan menus)
Booking available? No
Smoking allowed? Yes
Last visited /photos taken: 2019 (Info last updated 2024)
Warm/dry weather only? Tbc call if they opening it but the bar featured here is open if not.
Rooftop review roundup: Cute little buzzy busy place – perfect for small plates, wine and a natter. Rooftop is small and quite plain but still on a hot summers day would be very welcomed.
Website: Click here
