Throw a dart at a map of the Lanes, and the bullseye would be hitting the Mesmerist. A lounge bar with a reputation for tasty cocktails and quality food, this venue is a must-visit for any visitor to the jewel of the south that is Brighton. Of course, if you live in the city, this bar is sizeable enough to offer space for you and your friends to enjoy a memorable night sipping cocktails or gorging on burgers.
The food menu isn’t expansive, with only a handful of options for a main meal, some sharing options, starters, and dessert. What it does offer is a variety in size, allowing you to match how much you want to eat to what’s on offer; your friend can order a six-ounce beef burger, with pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes with cheesy fries, while you can opt for jackfruit ‘wings’ and a side salad. Those two examples should give some indication that most of the food on offer is inspired by cuisines from the Americas, with a heavy US and Mexican influence throughout, perfect for a boozy night.
On the topic of booze, one thing about the Mesmerist that shouldn’t (cannot) be ignored, is the option for boozy brunch. The offer here is competitive to say the least: unlimited Mimosas or Bloody Marys, from eleven in the morning to two in the afternoon (that’s three hours! More than most competitors allow) for a price that is not to be ignored. This comes with a brunch option of either: full English, full vegan, smashed avocado, or huevos hash.
Nestled inside the venue, the Mesmerist contains a specially 70s themed cocktail lounge called the Flipside; retro and stylish, this lounge is perfect for Instagram photos and offers a unique cocktail menu to the main bar. Where the main menu offers classics like Salted Caramel Espresso Martini and a Cosmopolitan, the Flipside menu offers unique variations like ‘Luke Ryewalker’ or ‘Chockwork Orange’. This is a cocktail lounge that really promises a good time, a memorable time, and a quality time.