64 Degrees is disliked by certain people whose opinion on food I respect. One of whom reckons the food just isn't up to much, which I profoundly disagree with. Others say it's somewhat pretentious, and as your post indicates, it is a bit stark and lacking in comfort.
Female plebeian Machiavelli -- that's the Mrs -- and I very much enjoyed sitting at the bar, and watching what the chefs were up to, and conversing with them when appropriate. It brings a bit of theatre or, probably better, an appreciation of levels of technique, preparation, etc to the experience. So if you're interested in such things, go for it, but if you want intimacy try elsewhere. Strangely enough, none of the three places to eat out in Brighton I like best -- Chilli Pickle, The Cuthbert and 64 Degrees -- are terribly comfortable. I don't know The Gingerman group that well, so they might be best on that front, or Hotel du Vin.
I love the Gingerman group but it's become a default hence wanting to try something else. Thanks for the feedback on 64 degrees, much appreciated.