Set above the shops on Western Road, it's unlikely location belies the fact that it's one of Brighton's best and most stylish cocktail bars.

The Venue
There's nothing to suggest from the doorway on Western Road that Koba is one of the best cocktail bars in Brighton, but the fact that you have to look hard to find it only adds to its appeal. Once through the door, you have to navigate dark narrow corridors and stairs to reach the inner sanctum. And then you have to negotiate more corridors and stairs until you arrive at the private members’ area.

Koba opened in 2001 and has since been voted one of the top ten bars in the UK by a national newspaper. It's a plush space with deep purple walls, dark wooden floors and brown leather sofas to sink into as the hours slide by. Skilled bar staff can mix over 130 cocktails, and any others that aren't on the list too. Give it your best shot at trying to catch them out but be prepared to be disappointed - these guys know their stuff.

The People
The bar attracts a crowd that's as good looking and stylish as it is. You won't find anyone loud and brash here though. The gentle hum of conversation hangs over the sofas but you get the impression that conversations centre around art, politics, literature, music and at a stretch, fashion as opposed to who was 'aving it large last night.

The Food and Drink
There are bar snacks available for the peckish, including bruschettas, spring rolls and club sandwiches but nothing so substantial that it'll distract you from the serious cocktail drinking there is to be done. On the list there's a choice of a mere 130 cocktails, created from premium spirits and fresh fruit by the bar team. They include Bellinis, Mojitos and Martinis as well as house specials such as Kodamba (Plymouth gin, lemon juice, gomme syrup and damson gin). There are also more than ten Champagnes including Heidsiek and Cristal, as well as a comprehensive wine list.

The Last Word
It's well worth negotiating your way around the labyrinthine building that houses Koba to sit in the sultry surroundings sipping cocktails, just don't be surprised if you find it even harder to make your way out again.