Brighton’s a city that’s no stranger to cocktail bars, yet it never feels too overcrowded by them. Each bar has its own identity, offering something just different enough to the next that you can always find just what you’re looking for. I recently headed down to Clementine & Co, a cosy little spot tucked away at 16 Duke Street. It’s a cold winter’s evening, the type when the rain doesn’t feel heavy but gets you soaking wet and going out feels like a real effort – so you want it to be worth it. As soon as I see the warm orange glow from Clementine & Co’s interiors puddling out onto the pavement, it feels like a beacon enticing me in, and it’s no difficulty wanting to stay.
What to expect at Clementine & Co
Clementine & Co is warm and welcoming, with an effortlessly relaxed yet stylish vibe. It’s somewhere you can come for an after-work debrief with a friend, a celebration, or get dressed up for a date night. Mellow lighting gives a tranquil feel, while wood and timber elements add an industrial edge that’s both quirky and cosy at the same time. There’s foliage on the ceiling and the bar is decorated with Clementine trees and a colourful array of drinks bottles. I perch at a high table with a soft leather back seat and settle myself in for the evening.
The Cocktails at Clementine & Co
The heart of Clementine & Co is (unsurprisingly) the cocktails. The bar offers an imaginative menu of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks: from citrus-led classics to creative house specials and elevated zero-percent cocktails made with hand-picked non-alcoholic spirits. And the best bit? They’re not eye-wateringly expensive, even though they feel they should be. I watch as ingredients are freshly prepared, clementines squeezed, lemon zest grated, chocolate sprinkled, ice shaken. The bar provides the perfect spot to watch the action, or you can just sit back and listen to the music that sets the tone of the venue.
Happy Hour
Happy Hour runs from 12 until Midnight on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 12-7pm on Fridays (there’s no happy hour on Saturdays.) During these times you can get every drink for £8.95 or enjoy their £5 cocktail of the week. Every cocktail is perfectly presented and packs a punch with flavour. You can expect all your classics, from an Espresso Martini and Cosmopolitan, to a range of more unique cocktails such as a Strawberry Aperol Spritz and a Bakewell Sour. There’s also a range of wines, beers and soft drinks on offer.
The Food
Beyond drinks, Clementine & Co serves a curated selection of small plates and sharing boards, featuring locally sourced produce including Sussex cheeses and seasonal ingredients.
The Verdict
My time in Clementine & Co passes quickly, and I find both the Cosmopolitan and Salted Caramel Espresso Martini go down a treat. It’s busy for a Thursday night and there’s a real mix of people here. Some are popping in for a pre-dinner drink, others settled in for the foreseeable. Staff are friendly without being imposing, and it’s clear they know just what they’re talking about.
If you’re looking for a cocktail bar in Brighton that strikes the balance between quality mixology and laid-back comfort, Clementine & Co is an effortless choice. It’s not pretentious and the prices aren’t unnecessarily high, instead it offers great cocktails and an atmosphere to match. It’s the kind of place where one drink can easily turn into three, and where you’ll firmly add to your favourites list. We certainly have.
Clementine & Co
16 Duke St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1AH
FAQ’s
Clementine & Co offers a wide cocktail menu, including classic cocktails and inventive house creations as well as a curated range of elevated non-alcoholic cocktails using 0% spirits for those avoiding alcohol.
Yes! Happy Hour runs from 12 until Midnight on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 12-7pm on Fridays (there’s no happy hour on Saturdays.)
Yes, they serve food. There’s a menu of substantial small plates and sharing boards (charcuterie, small bites, locally-sourced ingredients, Sussex cheeses, seasonal options) designed to pair with the drinks.
Walk-ins are welcome — but bookings are recommended, especially after 6pm and on weekends.
