Activity bars are the ideal choice for any occasion – whether you’re going on a first date with that guy from Hinge that all your flatmates have already matched with, are celebrating your birthday, or just fancy a night out that is a little more exciting than dancing in a sweaty club. Luckily for you, Brighton is unsurprisingly full of quirky and fun activity bars that can offer you a memorable night – no matter what your interests are. Here’s my favourite activity bars in Brighton to try.
1. Globalls
Hidden away in Brighton Marina, Globalls is the place to go if you want to play minigolf and get drunk (or maybe tipsy) whilst you’re doing it. With four course options at £10 each, it’s an affordable option for a good night out. There is a UV bar where they serve drinks and slush cocktails, so there is plenty of opportunity to drink and have fun, which might be a godsend if you’re there on a bad first date. There are three minigolf courses to choose from, or if that’s not your cup of tea, you can opt for the Carnival option. This includes ten traditional carnival games, from Hook-a-Duck to Test Your Strength challenges. And if you don’t want your date night to be interrupted by screaming children, the Zootopia course is adults-only from midday on Saturdays.
Address: 1-5 The Village, The Waterfront, Brighton Marina, BN2 5WA
2. Players Battle Bar
A new addition to Brighton Seafront, Players Battle Bar is a perfect choice for those competitive ones amongst us. They offer axe throwing, rage rooms, augmented reality darts (whatever that is), beer/Prosecco pong, shuffleboard, karaoke rooms, and UV table tennis. So there really is something for everyone. And if you’re a sore loser like me, there is a bar offering cocktails at £8 and £9 each where you can drown your sorrows and sulk. It is over 18s only after 9pm every day, so maybe opt for a late-night date if you’re wanting to avoid the younger crowds hanging at Brighton activity bars.
Address: 171-181, Kings Road Arches, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1NB
3. The World’s End
The World’s End on London Road is one of Brighton’s best kept secrets. Ideal for arcade lovers and gamers, this activity bar has got everything you need for a fun and different night out. There are retro arcade games and VR experiences as well as an impressive Scalextric track where ten people can race against each other whilst staff members give a live commentary (which could be quite humbling if you’re coming last). And if you’re still not impressed, there is an escape room situated upstairs, which is £20 per person. Their menu is admittedly limited with it being all burgers, but they have a wide range of beers and ales which makes up for it. And if you’re not a games lover, they also offer a weekly pub quiz on Monday, and other events throughout the week.
Address: 60-61 London Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4JE
4. The Painting Pottery Café
Whilst not technically an ‘activity bar’, Pottery painting is always a good shout, especially when you can bring your own booze – which is exactly what The Painting Pottery Café in Brighton offers. Prices range from £13 to £50 depending on which piece of pottery you choose to paint, and there’s a £5 fee on top of that. Each session lasts two hours, but there is the option to return another day for an additional £5 if you don’t manage to finish. Whilst the sessions are all held in the morning or afternoon, on selected Thursdays of each month they hold a late night painting session, which runs from 6pm to 9pm. Not only that, but they offer classes for people wanting to actually create their own pottery, which are on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: 31 North Rd, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1YB
5. The Bootlegger
The Bootlegger is a speakeasy-inspired hidden gem in Brighton with live music, DJ sets and authentic, vintage décor. For £30 per person, you can experience a cocktail masterclass with a professional mixologist. After your welcome beer or glass of Prosecco, you will make three cocktails of your choice from their extensive menu of over eighty cocktails. Booking in advance is recommended, as these classes are very popular and will fill up quickly, but you must be in a group of three or more.
6. Loading Bar
Located right next to Brighton Pier, Loading Bar is open from 11am on weekends (or 3pm on weekdays) ‘til late, serving both brunch and evening food. This quirky activity bar’s rules are simple: buy some drinks/food and get access to loads of games for free. They have over 80 board games, an Xbox and PS4, Nintendo Switch, and classic arcade games like Street Fighter Pinball. They also offer an extensive cocktail list, all of which are gamer-themed, and there is a beachfront seating area where you can enjoy them. So if this sounds like your type of night, Loading Bar might be the right place for you.
7. The Paint Club
If you’re less into gaming and more into artsy stuff, The Paint Club is probably a better fit for you. The general idea is simple – do some painting and drink whilst doing it. They provide all materials and equipment, so all you have to do is show up. Easy enough, right? Classes are led by a professional artist who will help you create a (hopefully) lovely piece of art, and the night will cost you £32 per person. This is a great choice for people who like embracing their creative side, and if you’re going alone, the classes can be a perfect place to meet some new people.
Address: The Victory, 6 Duke St, Brighton BN1 1AH
Still need ideas for a night out in Brighton? Check out our list of the top cocktail bars in Brighton or simply head to one of my favourite student bars in the city.
