Prohibition-themed cocktail and wine bar opens in Brighton

Translating as “artist’s studio of wine”, L’Atelier Du Vin is accessible via a hidden door that transports visitors to a 1920s-style bootlegger bar, featuring mismatched furniture, exposed brickwork and rafters and, the venue’s centrepiece, a hand-built bar made from vintage drawers and covered with two pence pieces.

The venue, which has been two years in the making, boasts an extensive drinks menu, features more than 500 wines and around 300 spirits alongside a simple food pairing menu, offering steak from local Trenchmore Farm and a selection of charcuterie and cheeses.

The concept is the brainchild of former winner of Theme​ magazine’s UK Best Bartender award and co-founder of In Vino Veritas, Steve Pineau, as well as master sommelier Dimitri Mesnard, who previously worked at Raymond Blanc’s two-Michelin-starred Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons.

Co-owner Pineau explained: “We wanted to create a space that we could have fun with, where people can discover great wines and rare vintages, stepping back into the Prohibition era where real cocktails were created.

“We’ve put it together with our own hands and want people to come and enjoy the space, feeling at home.”