Roast platters and unrivalled mixology in the heart of the Lanes
Our editor visited Bohemia and was blown away by the portion sizes, fell in love with the tiramisu, and marvelled at the wizardry and finesse of some of the finest cocktails in the city.
Tucked down the cobbled maze of the Lanes on Meeting House Lane in Brighton, Bohemia has long been known for its slick cocktails, stylish setting and effortlessly cool vibe. Their claim to be “Brighton’s best cocktail bar, restaurant and late lounge” is certainly bold, but after a recent visit, I’m convinced they’ve earned the right to say it.
I was invited to try their roast-sharing board, a Sunday special that’s been making waves among locals. I’ll admit, I was curious. A roast dinner, served in skillet form and designed to share? It could have gone either way, but the reality was far better than expected. The platter arrived sizzling on a cast-iron pan, the kind that makes heads turn. A glorious spread of garlic and thyme-roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables and homemade gravy surrounded a golden, herb-infused Yorkshire pudding.
The main event, though, was the meat: generous slices of East Sussex sirloin, perfectly pink and tender, alongside a juicy crown of roast chicken that had just the right balance of crisp skin and succulence. On the side came all the traditional heroes, pigs in blankets, rich cauliflower cheese (truffled, no less) and enough gravy to make anyone happy. It’s indulgent, generous and designed for serious eaters.
According to the Sunday menu, the individual roasts are £19 for the crown of chicken, £22 for the sirloin or £16 for a vegan option. But for two people, The Butcher’s Block (£65) combines both meats and all the trimmings, perfect for those who can’t (or won’t) choose between beef and chicken. By the time the plates were cleared, we were comfortably full, but when our server mentioned the “smoking tiramisu”, resistance was futile. It arrived in a tall glass vessel, releasing a swirl of aromatic vapour as it was unveiled, part dessert, part magic trick. Beneath the theatrics was a perfectly balanced tiramisu: rich mascarpone cream layered with coffee-soaked sponge and a whisper of cocoa bitterness. Stunning!
After dinner, we migrated downstairs to the main bar to watch the mixologists in action. Bohemia is renowned for its “molecular mixology”, a phrase that sounds futuristic but translates into pure magic. Think dry ice clouds, flaming garnishes and drinks that arrive looking like they’ve been conjured up in a dream.
I opted for a Coffee Negroni, a dark, velvety twist on the classic, while my dining partner went for an Espresso Martini spiked with Baileys Irish Cream. Both arrived with billowing clouds of vapour, swirling theatrically around the glasses like potion smoke. It’s impossible not to be impressed. But what’s even better is the drinks taste as good as they look – complex, balanced and beautifully made. It’s easy to see why Bohemia’s bartenders have picked up so many accolades, including wins at the Brighton Bar Awards. Every cocktail feels crafted, not just mixed. The whole bar team are performers who take pride in their craft.
Bohemia itself sprawls across three floors, each with its own distinct personality. The main bar buzzes with energy, all polished wood, warm lighting and soft leather, with a speakeasy feel. While the mezzanine offers a quieter, more intimate spot for cosy date nights or small groups. One of the venue’s real highlights is the Veuve Clicquot roof terrace: a glass-walled, heated space that somehow captures the essence of a summer garden party even in wintry weather. It’s worth noting that Bohemia is surprisingly family friendly during the day, with children welcome until 9pm and they even have a baby-changing facility on the ground floor.
But once the sun goes down, the vibe shifts. On Friday and Saturday nights, an over-25s policy and smart dress code come into play – a refreshing throwback to when a night out meant making a bit of an effort. Music is central to Bohemia’s identity.
Thursday evenings see live bands perform from 9pm, blending seamlessly with the dinner service, so you can enjoy a gig without leaving your seat. Upstairs, the Champagne Late Lounge offers a more exclusive experience with DJs, bottle service and plush booths, ideal for those who like their nights out with a touch of luxury.
If I had to sum up Bohemia Brighton, I’d say it’s far more than just a place to eat or drink. It’s an experience, with a little theatre, a little indulgence and a lot of fun. Whether you’re tucking into a hearty roast platter or watching a cocktail burst into clouds of mist at the bar, everything here feels elevated, intentional and, dare I say it, a bit magical.
In a city overflowing with dining options, Bohemia manages to stand out by doing both food and drink exceptionally well. It’s polished without being pretentious, lively without being chaotic, and offers something for everyone, whether that’s brunch on the terrace, dinner and drinks with friends, or a late-night dance under the chandeliers.
For anyone exploring Brighton’s best spots for roasts and cocktails, or simply looking for a reason to treat themselves, Bohemia should absolutely be on your list. Just make sure you come with an empty stomach – you’ll need your appetite.
www.bohemiabrighton.co.uk / 54–55 Meeting House Lane, Brighton BN1 1HB
