please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Excellent little pub located in Kemp Town - ended up here after a 12 mile coastal walk. This pub has a bohemian feel, it was a red hot day and I was parched, the Shaka pale ale was ice cold and good substitute for a cold lager. Brewed in house I believe. There was a good selection of Ales and beers and the decor of the pub and ambience was something to experience. The lounge was full and had the feel of being in someone’s living room. Staff and regulars seemed friendly enough. Thumbs up from me
scarr - 11 Jun 2023 11:58 |
Our final stop of the day turned out to be my favourite. Somewhat sozzled by now and finding myself in the ladies' toilets at one point, I still appreciated this cosy, but small pub with a hip feel to it. Ales were all from the Hand Brew Co. - Tickler, A-OK, Low Five & High Five. In addition, there were two real ciders from Ascension - Love Letter & Changing Dusk. The bar staff wanted to change the Love Letter, as it was very cloudy and clearly the end of the cask. But it tasted fine and stuck with it. Two new ciders for me to finish the day on. I will definitely be back here to try it when sober.
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Back brewing again, the Irish Red Ale was OK (not my fav type of beer) and the stout excellent.
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Years ago a visit to Brighton was incomplete without a visit to the Kemptown Brewery (yes, here) but the tubby Goth woman and her girlfriend were at awful pains to fill a glass,the beer was reasonably good. The pub looked like a steam clean is several years overdue.
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Lovely corner pub in Kemptown if very bijou - seats were at a premium of an afternoon so Lord knows what it's like of an evening. Outstandingly kept ales and the Kemptown Brewery is on site. Newspaper cuttings dating back to the Watergate affair provide extra colour.
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Excellent little pub and my greyhound really like the big bonio biscuits. Good beer and great atmosphere.
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Reinvented tradition in a little corner pub now a bright colour so it is visible from space. Locally brewed beer and a convivial atmosphere.
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popped in a few days ago with some of the Marzipan Haters,all agreed that the maple porter is astounding.Still a great little boozer.
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Popped in on Saturday afternoon and saw that the Brighton Bier Co's Maple Porter was on.What a beer 5.5% of dark magic in a glass.Must be the beer of the year,congratulations to all for producing this masterpiece.Beware though it has some sort of magnetic qualities as I was drawn back on Saturday night,and on Sunday lunchtime, Quality pub,Quality beer and Quality music,well done everybody.
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What a lovely quaint pub!!! Easily one of the best in Brighton
Very friendly locals. I soon was made to feel like a local myself.
Good honest prices too. Cosy. Couldn't fault it. Well done!
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Spend a fascinating evening observing the curious mix of locals.
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Love this pub. A really eccentric tiny boozer that brews its own beer on site (Kemptown Brewery). The standard best is OK I think but their bitter called China (as in porcelain rather than the country) is lovely. Usually at least three real ales that change regularly, often more. A large selection of Belgian bottles beers too.
Food comes in the form of warm pies. Great music including fantastic jazz on Sundays. The odd quirky event - e.g. Christmas decoration making afternoon and the annual pickled egg competition.
Decor eclectic - tired old benches, old newspaper clippings, snipped off neck-ties dangling from the beams, and yes, the ceiling Victoriana 'porn' as previously mentioned (more some old risque b&w images so don't be offended). There's even a 10p one-armed bandit to keep you amused. Almost a cross between a pub and an old curiosity shop.
Drinkers are characterful - arty students, colourful locals, ale fans and those that just appreciate the unique (and usually a couple of dogs).
This is the sort of pub that we need to keep! A gem.
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Must be 20 years since I was here and it's still good. One beer brewed on the premises and 3 others, I think, from micros. Only one block back from the sea front to the east of the pier.
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We really enjoyed our visit. There always needs to be pubs like this in addition to the more standard ones.
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Like the pub, the beer selection changes regularly and you never know what's going to appear. Ilkley Black on last visit - excellent
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"Quirky" is an appropriate description for this pub. Although I wasn't too impressed with the choice of beer on this occasion, I have been here a few times and know they do an impressive choice of beer generally. I love this place and it is probably as near in character to a Belgian pub as you can get in this area. It's quite small but I was still surprised to find it described as the smallest pub in Brighton as I've always managed to get a seat?
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Very busy when I visited this week. Tried the beer brewed on the premises, quite bland really. It would be nice if these pubs brewed beer with a bit of character not just an ale like anyone elses. Quirky decoration gives you something to look at if stuck for something to do although I didn't notice the ceiling porn!!!
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superb place. visited last sunday evening, when there was some light jazz on offer. well lit, warm, cosy, excellent home-brewed beer (didn't try food). small, but if you get a table, you're set for a very comfortable evening. far superior to the evening star. a real treat and a find.
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Still one of the best pubs in Brighton. Used to drink here 190 years ago when living around the corner, went back last week, superb. Stopped making their own beer, but I believe about to restart.
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Excellent quirky little pub with good beer from Dark Star etc.Their own beers(Kempton) are, in my experience, unreliable and best avoided. For atmosphere it's unbeatable and it's got Victorian porn.
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Visited the Hand in Hand last Saturday. I enjoyed one of their homebrewed Kemptown beers, despite previous reviewers' comments about availability and quality, and enjoyed a Dark Star beer too. The pub was indeed quirky but in a good state - great music with barwoman also tending the hifi, a collection of ties, funky posters for event, and indeed Victorian porn on the ceiling!
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Visited here last weekend and really liked this small pub. For some reason they were not selling their own beers but had a good selection of real ales none the less. Lots to see on the walls and a few surprises on the ceiling! When next in Brighton I'll certainly pop in again.
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Look out for the interesting display of Victorian porn on the ceiling.
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Excellent selection of german, belgian and local beers. Great atmosphere wehn a few people are in and friendly staff. Come here for the beer and the people, not sky sports and carling.
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Dropped in today for an afternoon session. Yes, I can see that this place would not be to everyone's taste. No big telly, no pool table, small bar 5 real ales, unusual Euro beers on tap and bottled. Me, I loved it. The 4 other clients when I visited were all very chatty and friendly as was Matt the Landlord. He brews his own beers upstairs and the China bitter I had was spot on but just to make sure, I had 2 pints before heading home. Hepworths Old Ale + 2 Everards on tap too. Mrs Persist_Artist is gonna love the draught cherry beer I reckon.
Unlike others, I think I'll be back and soon.
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Excellent, idiosyncratic boozer. Much improved since their own unreliable beers have taken a back seat to be largely replaced by beers from Dark Star, Arundel etc. Unique and excellent.
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Despite the recent reviews I thought I'd visit this pub, as it was recomended by a friend who had visited it in the past. I value his judgement but he admitted it was a while since he'd been there.
I walked to the Hand in Hand from Brighton station, I am new to the area, and didn't realise quite what a walk it would be. Having finally reached and walked up a long stretch of St James Street, I almost gave up, thinking I'd missed it.
Thinking back, now, I wish I had given up as I was extremely disappointed in what greeted me inside this pub.
As per a previous review, this pub definitely is 'quirky' or at least it might have been in the 80's. All I saw was a dimly lit pub with broken fixtures and fittings and very old decor.
The girl behind the bar was totally inattentative, seeming more occupied with a customer than anyone that wanted a drink. I had to repeat my order twice before she understood. I had picked on Dark Star Old Chestnut, a drink I'd enjoyed elsewhere, but was very disappointed this time. Just about drinkable, but only 'just'
I spent around 20 minutes in the pub, and I really do wish I had turned back before getting to it.
A total disappointment, and in need of some refurbishment to say the least.
The few customers that were in the pub didn't do much to make it friendly or inviting, quite the reverse in fact. I don't like being personal, but when a customer insists on making sure everyone in the pub is listening to him, then it's time for him (or me) leave. As I saw no reason to stay it was me, this time....
I have always tried to visit somewhere on a few occassions before passing comment, in this case I won't be going back, and therefore feel I have to call it like it is.
A bit of a dump with nothing to recommend it in my humble opinion.
Outside the pub it boasts the 'City's Oldest Brewery"
Hoprfully the brewery has long since been shut down if the cleanliness of the pub is anything to go by?
There are far better pubs in Brighton to visit without having to walk past them to get to this place.......
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The best word to describe the interior of this pub is 'quirky'. It's a small, one room affair, the walls are covered with newspapers while a central beam is covered with dozens of ties. On our visit there were only two ales available - I plumped for pints of Dark Star Oktoberfest which were well kept. They were also serving Hacker-Pschorr wheat beer and Kriek on tap.
Well worth a visit.
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Oh dear, thought we�d try this for old times sake and although we�d had a few by the time we got here the three real ale drinkers among us had different ales and whilst the pints looked clear they were appalling. Such a shame for an individual and different pub, but serving pints of such poor quality is what puts people of cask ales. 2/10
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This a lovely intimate pub. A must visit if you are visiting Brighton. But because it's small you might not get a seat.
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Paid a timely call at this hostelry yesterday. Decor unchanged since last time but subtle adjustments to the lighting now afford a warm and intimate atmosphere.
I had just the one pint on this visit. Kemptown "Kemp Town", 4.0% full of flavour. Not as extreme as on previous sessions, and more "rounded" with nuttiness in a finish that shortens with time. Kemptown "Old Trout" was also available alongside "Welton's Red Cross" and Dark Star "Hophead"
I hope the lovely lady behind the bar didn't get too frustrated with the spaced-out chap who took forever and a day to pay for his round!
Still a wonderful pub.
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Nice old pub with plenty of character and very friendly. I always gravitate t this place when in Brighton which sadly is not often enough these days.
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Fntastic range of beer from near and far the Dark Star Victorian Ruby Mild was a belter.
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Lovely little pub. All the kemptown beers I tasted were delicious, especially the old trout! Oh well, you can't please everyone.
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Friendly and welcoming with decent beer as well (even the Kemp Town ones in my view!)
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Excellent little pub, full of character. However, the pubs own beers are pretty terrible - the Olde Trout tasted like vinegar. Thankfully the guest beers from Dark Star were wonderful.
Please fit the leak in the toilet ceiling, as I had a very damp crap.
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visited to taste their local beer. had kemp town ale and old trout, both tasted the same, totally bloody awful!!! nice corner pub. nice decor inside too.
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Brilliant little boozer - feels a bit like being in someone's front room - about forty years ago! Roast potatos, cheese, pickles and crackers on the bar on Sundays, a pub dog and fab ale - what more could you want?!! There a great mix of old queens, hilarious pensioners, 'cool' students and everythiingin between but as far as I've seen NEVER any trouble.
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Pleasant visit on Saturday; Kemptown ale on fine form. Was saddened to hear of the impending sale of this establishment, but heartened to learn that an appropriate successor is being sought. Long may the brewing continue at the Hand in Hand, and long may its character and atmosphere remain.
PS I believe the encumbent team will remain until around Christmas so there's plenty of time for more trips to the pub!
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The chavy bar maid was the girlfriend of the ex-barlord who has now moved on to bigger and better things, well, plastering. One of my favourite pubs in Brighton, a dead horse in the road can only add to the character.
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Visited this pub a few weeks back with my friends frank and roger and ordered a few pints of snakebite, well all was going well untill i peered out the window and saw a dead horse in the road!! im never going back again.
anonymous - 21 Jun 2007 21:28 |
Visited this for Derby day a few weeks back and had a nice fruit beer (�4.50 a pint) chilled out, laid back atmosphere in the sun but the only thing that lets this down was a chavy barmaid who must of went by the name of sapphire, who was always on her phone and was very loud but dont let this put you off as she was quite good looking!
All in all nice pub with excellent beers!
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Visited early in day on Saturday. Pub/beer(sunshine ale) appears much improved as have been really disappointed on last few visits by beer and atmosphere.
Hate to say it but the barmaid was lovely looking and brightened up my day
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This pub was recommended before I came to the coast, and I was not disappointed by the service or the beer. I tried 4 of the Kemptown beers on offer, and they were served in good condition. It looked a lively friendly pub.
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This used to be a great pub ,sorry to hear the place has gone downhill,Ill check it out this yearand post after.
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A sad instance of a once friendly pub serving good beer going to the dogs. Beer not cared for and neither are the customers.
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This place has really gone downhill since the departure of the previous manager (Chris ?). Went in last saturday and they had a Vicky Pollard yoof type behind the bar, and her chavvy mates were in too. Beer was tepid and will not be rushing back.
anonymous - 13 May 2007 11:26 |
Usually a great place to spend an hour or two but my last visit was not good. Loud music in a small space made conversation impossible unless you shouted, which of course everyone else was and (most importantly!) the Kemptown beer - usually good - was awful. I couldn't finish my pint and moved on. The issues that damage real ale most are inconsistency compounded by bar staff that don't seem to notice that they are serving a beer that's past it's best. Sorry guys, shall not be rushing back.
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A lot quieter than when I was here a year ago. No problem finding seats on a Friday or Saturday night (but then we were the only people in the Bombay Mix Indian restaurant down the road on the Saturday night as well - has something happened recently in Kemptown to keep people away?). The Old Trout could have been a bit fresher, but that didn't stop us drinking 5 pints.
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I have been visiting this pub 2 or 3 times a year for several years, always enjoying the range of Kemp Town brews, Belgian beers and the occasional J�germeister.
Following the death of Bev Robbins and the change of ownership I didn't know what to expect. I regret to say that the visit did not go well.
We were served 3 bad pints, which were changed to something else as soon as we pointed this out. In the past, the bar staff had always spotted if something was off and would not serve it.
It looks like the pub is being done up - but the "dodgy" victorian photos are still there on the ceiling (hooray)!
I am hoping things will improve in the future.
anonymous - 5 Nov 2006 18:42 |
This is a lovely little pub and the beer has improved considerably since my last visit. It claims to be the smallest pub in Brighton (which it may well be) and the best. Good though it is, it's not the best. For me the Lord Nelson wins that prize by a mile.
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I have a confession to make, I dont get on with real ale, or rather it doesnt get on with me. So I must admit to being a lager drinker. But, this doesnt stop my praising this pub because it's just a lovely place to spend your evening.
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what a great pub the bar man very accomadatng and happy to talk to us,it was like being in our front room, the home brew wasnt on but the guest ales were just as good, i will be going back
anonymous - 12 May 2006 16:18 |
Lovely pub, though none of the house beers were available on Sat 6th May : it seems that Chris /the dog Tasha are gone, shame, nice bloke and good host.
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On behalf of all contributors who enjoy the Kemptown beers:
Wishing Bev, the brewer a speedy recovery and long may his excellent beers continue.
NOTE: The pub is under new management, but the brewing has been maintained.
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I've made several visits over the years (I used to live just down the road in the early 90's) and have found the beer quality
to be rather variable, although I would say it is always worth a try.
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I tend to stick to the Olde Trout here. I've found that all of the Kemptown beers have a very strong flavour - Fine if you start on them, but if you come here after drinking something a little less robust it can take a few pints to get used to them. The Hand in Hand is small and always seems full whenever I've visited, but I've never failed to get a seat. An essential stop when I go to Brighton.
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Visited the Hand in Hand last night, 07/11/05, and enjoyed a refreshing pint of Kemptown, and followed that with two halves of Ye Olde Trout. I stayed longer than intended due to friendly conversations with locals at the bar; Chris behind the bar is friendly.
The Olde Trout was certainly not flat, nor was it watery, but the Kemptown has been "toned down", not being quite so dry and hoppy as it was last time. Different hop variety or ratio perhaps??
The pub still retains all its good attributes from last time I visited, and visitors below who failed to have a good time here must have come on a bad day or, perhaps been at another pub altogether.
8/10
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I've had variable pints in here too. When they're good they're very very good, but when they are bad you'll be in trouble the next day.
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I'm glad to confirm that any lapses were strictly temporary. My pint of Kemptown (4%) was totally fine, and there's also Old Trout (4.5%), Dragons Blood (5.2%) and the infamous SID (Staggering In The Dark), also 5.2%. AND there are 2 guest beers, currently Valiant and Bombardier. Why this pub has been dropped from the Good Beer Guide is a complete mystery to me.
The service is excellent and the seating is arranged well in the small amount of space available.
anonymous - 18 Oct 2005 08:29 |
Well, I like it. Fine pint.
anonymous - 21 Sep 2005 15:17 |
Sorry to read the last comment, I lived around the corner from this pub and it was always great beer and stuff. The Kemptown beer is superb, as is the SID! Good pub!
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The beer quality has gone down since the beginning of the year. Ladnewton's posting is out of date, because the brewer has either changed or the recipe has been changed for the kemptown bitter. After all the recommendations from mates and on this site I popped in over the bank holiday weekend to find that the beer was flat and watery, nothing like it should be.
Even though everyone in the pub's friendly and accommodating, I hadn't the staying power to stop for another. Hopefully I was just there on a bad day because everyone else's experiences seem better than mine!
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The beer in this pub is excellent, and skipping it from this year's Camra Good Beer Guide pubs section was a gross error. I could not get enough of the strongly-flavoured "KEMPTOWN BITTER" during my last vivit on 30/5/05, and it was only when I produced a copy of the GBG to decide on my next pub that I learned of its omission. Just so everyone knows it has not changed in any way since last year, and a visit is essential when in Brighton.
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Great, tiny and hospitable pub. One man and his dog in the corner, good selection of ales from their own brewery too. Abit of trek from the the town centre but definitely worth a visit if Ale is your thing and decent surroundings comes high on the agenda too. Will go back when next in Brighton.
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An all but too brief visit recently. Marvellous, welcoming and tasteful old-time porn. I shall return one day.
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Favourite pub in Brighton. Totally unique with it's collection of old school ties and Victorian pornography adorning the ceiling. The beer is outstanding.
James Allen - 13 Nov 2004 16:35 |
Excellent, just about the best and most relaxed place I found in Brighton. Try the Kemptown beers, they are all good. Sexy staff, sexy customers, without the place being in any way intrusive. As for the food... Constant supply of hard boiled eggs to soak up the beer. Marvellous...
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I was on a 3 week beer-etc holiday from NZ. This pub was the highlight of my trip. The chat, the sexy barstaff, the country CD, it was a bloody cracker afternoon. Oh, and Dragon's Blood, a strong tasty house beer.... mmmmm!!! I wanted to stay all afternoon (and night).
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its a tiny pub..... but its nice and cosy.
dooby - 8 Mar 2004 21:58 |
Quite simply the best pub in Brighton. I have been going there for 33 years and have witnessed many changes. I still remember when the pub was divided into two bars. The beer is excellent especially the exclusive Kemptown beers first created by the wonderful Bev. I wonder what has happened to him and his lovely wife Brenda?
Steve Tollgate - 12 Dec 2003 13:38 |
was good at one time but now a bit neglected
Adrian - 31 Oct 2003 08:23 |
Went there yesterday, 26/05/2003, and found the ties removed from the ceiling - spoke to "Chris" - said they all disintegrated in the washing machine!! The beer was SPOT ON! If you are going soon try the BLACK MOGGY MILD. It is exquisite. Indeed, a strong hop flavour is the backbone of all the home-brewed beer in this friendly local!
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This pub is a gem, and is easily amongst the best in Brighton. Home brewed Kemptown beers are on tap here, and the bitter is SPOT ON, although some may find the flavour extreme! Three or four of their beers appear at any time alongside guests such as Badger Best Bitter. Soft, pleasant jazz/light background music allows easy comfortable conversation under a ceiling of ties collected from customers and fairy lights. Subdued lighting at wall level affords a cosy convivial atmosphere whilst the bar is highlighted by a striplight. The pub is slightly off the beaten track in Brighton, but the 7A bus gets you there or its a 20 min (or less) walk from the station, 10 mins from the pier. No food. This pub proudly deserves its place in the Good Beer Guide (Camra), and I would personally recommend it.
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