please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Small backstreet pub with good range of beersin good condition. Worth the walk to find it.
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This pub is in CAMRA''s Good Beer Guide. Well, I couldn''t fault the quality of the beer or the friendliness of the staff, but the pub? The best I can say is that it seems grubby. There were odd beer mats on the floor, our table had, among other things, the remains of a magazine/booklet stuck to it where it it had been put on a wet table and allowed to dry, the fabric of our seat had that crustiness which you get when many thousands of bottoms had sat there, mixed in with the odd spilt beer, crisps etc. The gents? Nasty, lots of deodorant blocks in the urinals, a liquid hand wash propped up on a waste pipe. (Although to be fair my wife reported that the women''s toilets were spotless.)
I didn''t care for some of the customers, either. One group of 6 plus 2 children managed to effectively push a woman off of her table by sitting near her then gradually encroaching on her space until they were practically sitting in her lap. She moved to another table eventually. They parked a push chair in the doorway, effectively blocking the way in. They seemed at home there so might have been regulars.
They do food here. It''s meant to be good but I didn''t want to risk it unless the table had been sprayed with a disinfectant spray first - something which seemed unlikely to happen very often, given the state of the table in the first place.
The whole place didn''t look like it had had a good clean since they brought in the smoking ban. They could do with taking all of the old tins off of the wall and giving the whole place a good pressure wash.
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Went in here for only the second time on the 12th of march. If this isn't the best pub in Brighton I want to know one better. The food was top notch(I had the fish and chips by the way) what a plateful my wife had a burger both were excellent.Great beer great food a friendly welcome and a varied happy crowd of people. Can't wait to come in here again.Also a quite amazing collection of nick-backs adorn the walls
Altogether brilliant a pub like pubs used to be
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This pub is made by the really attentive staff who know their business and offer a real service.
Small pub that has a charming friendly atmosphere. A busy bar that attracts all ages and they are a very decent crowd.
A good range of beers but I stuck to the Seafarers on my visit as it was served spot on. One of the best proper pubs I have been to for awhile.
Did not try the food but it looked good and popular.
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by 12.15 on a Saturday lunchtime, this pub was packed. Had the food - excellent. Love this pub even more now
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Excellent little pub, mainly Fullers beers. Great atmosphere.
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Proper pub - good mix of people (all ages), decent atmosphere & good beer. Didn't have the food, but looks very good. Low ceiling. Far half of the pub gets hot though!
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Busy Fullers pub in an area which has many pubs and as others have said this does slightly count against it, though it's not their fault. A decent range of Fullers and the former Gales beers (this used to be a Gales pub before Fullers took that brewery over).
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One of my favourite pubs in Brighton. Consistently very good beer, decent service, and a nice unpretentious crowd.
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Pub number 2 literally behind North Laine is the rather surprising Fullers tied Basketmakers.
From the moment I enter it hits me how loud the pub is, there is so much chatter going on among the packed crowd but not only chatter a lot of laughter...its only Wednesday afternoon!
8 pumps on the bar with most of them offerings from the Fullers family. I went for a pint of George Gales Spring Sprinter, perfectly served and kept.
Very good service from the barman who everyone seems to know, its like Cheers!
2 rooms but only 1 entrance with the bar stretching between both rooms.
The walls are plastered with signs, posters, beer mats, tins, bank notes, coins etc all of which are vintage.
I was not prepared for a pub like this on my short tour of Brighton pubs but I love it. What an absolute gem.
Visit now but only post if you like it.
10/10
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One of the classic city centre boozers in Brighton, but now perhaps falling slightly behind the pace given the entrance of some excellent new alternatives in recent times. Fullers-tied, so the beer is quite unimaginative and I imagine that people come here more for the history of the place and its buzz rather than the quality of tipple on offer.
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Visited with Billy boy on a crawl which took in the Lord Nelson, George, Battle of Trafalgar and the Craft. Sorry to say this was the worst of the bunch, probably a bad time to go (half term week) but the whole bench near the gents' was taken up by a family with kids with their toys spread over two of the tables. Had a quick, and not too good pint whilst standing outside and left, will give it another go but my last two visits have not been good. 6/10
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Very popular and busy in the Laines not far SE of Brighton Station. Beers mainly Fullers and Gales but well-kept. The menu is not particularly adventurous but both quantity and quality are good, and service fairly brisk considering how many people can be in the queue before you. All in all a good reliable town pub - maybe go to the Evening Star for the beers and here to eat?
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Visited on Friday 15th February. Excellent guest ale in the form of Longman of Sussex and a lovely way to break my 52 day abstinence from alcohol. Very pleasant and not absolutely rammed unlike Saturday and Sunday lunchtime. Good value food, though for the third time running I've received a smaller portion of chips compared with other customers, so I'm only giving 7/10
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I disagree with baxterfish. Fuller's ales are certainly not cheap as in Wetherspoon but nor are they 'expensive'. Fuller's do try to provide a good quality environment in their pubs and the Basketmaker's is a very good example. When me and my mates are in Brighton, we are happy to literally walk up to a mile to get there.
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Really nice pub with good, fairly priced food. Beer is from Fullers therefore expensive.
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I am so looking forward to my forthcoming trip to this pub. It is a rare treat as I do not live in Brighton, but this pub is ALWAYS on my shortlist (of 3) when I am in town. I have never been disappointed.
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One of the best pints of HSB i've had... pleasant street corner hostelry well worth a visit. One of the best pubs in the city by the sea in my humble opinion.
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Went on a warm Tuesday afternoon.
This place does have a good atmosphere about it, with a decent ale selection. There was many people sitting down to enjoy a lunchtime meal, and while I didnt indulge, it spelt good
First time id visited this place on my multiple visits to the city by the sea, and id happily return. Ideal for a 3 or so hour stop for food and beer, but on this occasion I enjoye a fine pint of Seafarers while perched outside nr a window
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Visited on Saturday 7 April with Mrs Monk, we both had the Fuller�s HSB which although not as good as the real HSB was damned fine, I also had a pint of Pride which I haven�t tasted for a while and this was pretty good too. We both had the cod and chips, one of many fine choices on their excellent food menu. For ambience, ale and food you really can�t do much better than the Basketmakers. 9/10
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This pub is handily located between the North Lanes and the railway station. They regularly provide good food, Fuller's ales, one or two guests and quite a range of malt whiskeys. Definitely my favourite when I'm in Brighton.
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cracking pub ,good ale,good food will come again
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Wow, they were busy this Saturday. However the staff were great being efficient and informative. Food was well above average fare for a pub. It was so nice and unusual to walk into a tied house and find a range of styles of beers from golden to black. The Black Cab Stout was too good to miss. Well done Fullers
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Popped in last Saturday, sampled two pints on the Fullers Black Cab Stout - in tiptop condition. Lovely pub with efficient staff
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I know of no other pub that can be both a fine drinking pub in its own right AND provide food comfortably alongside. Everything this pub does well. The staff are brilliant ~ attentive, cheerful and efficient. With so many pubs being made over so badly it is utterly refreshing to visit a pub as it should be; and busy to boot.
(Incidentally, my pub is one that features in the latest CamRA's Great British Pubs guide ~ but my pub is nothing against this wonderful institution)
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Very decent Fullers pub hidden away on a backstreet. Fine pints of Bengal Lancer, Seaforth and HSB.
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A great back street pub that thinks it's a gastropub. Don't be put off, they do perfectly respectable pub food at reasonable prices, the beers are wicked and there is a good atmosphere.
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In addition to my last post the landlord/manager/staff we spoke to here and the Royal Oak in St James street, both under the same ownership were both very helpful in surgesting good pubs to visit in the area and info on pubs we planned to visit.Very refreshing and much appreciated.
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A pretty good traditional pub,Fullers/Gales beers available plus guests,I had the York guzzler which was ok.I found the background music a bit tedious after a while simpley because jazz is not my cup of tea,that aside its a must visit pub when in Brighton.
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Called in last Saturday lunchtime just after opening time. Within quarter of an hour the place was busy and is deservedly so popular. Good range of ales which are very well kept - we tried 4 and they were all in fine condition. Food looked good although we did not eat (plenty of others were). I remember it previously as a very good Gales pub, and it is just as pleasant an experience today.
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Visited again with Mrs Monk, and have to say again how good it was, with Blue behind the bar it was just like the good old days. I was on the Castle Rock which was excellent and Mrs Monk had the HSB which is still her favourite ale. I had the Basketburger and chips which was very good, Mrs Monk had the cod & chips which were as excellent as when I came in a couple of days previously. 9/10
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came here mid afternoon on Saturday, the place was buzzing - all types & all ages, some drinking, some eating food. Can't fault the beer in any way. Food looked excellent, certainly very popular.
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Monkdawallydahonk,
You are right about the food - it is superb. This has to be the best back street local in Brighton.
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Visited recently on a jolly to Brighton. Has definitely got better in my eyes, the Butcombe Bitter was superb, my friend was drinking ESB which I had a sip of and was very good. Excellent food so can't fault it really.
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Excellent pub when I last visited, but have they fixed the external frontage yet?
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Excellent local pub with a good range of ales and helpful staff. Couldn't wait to go back and try the food - which lived up to the expectation "best crackling ever" and good value too. You may have trouble getting a seat so be there early. Liberation, Bengal Lancer.
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This is my favourite pub bar none. No pun intended. A pub is all about the drinks and the atmosphere and this place, in my opinion, cannot be faulted. Been here a few times now, not often enough as I dont live anywhere near Brighton, and as a bonus the food is also excellent.
Amazing range of malts that would be the envy of many Scottish and Irish pubs Ive been in. Staff who appear happy to be there, no aggro, what mores a man want?
Get there before early to guarantee a seat.
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Great little back-street pub with an old-fashioned homely feel to it. Recommended to me by a local mate and even though they called last orders as we walked in at 10.45 on a Sunday night, they held on for another 5 minutes to serve our slowcoach friends. Excellent service.
Good choice of 8 real ales - couple of Fullers, Butcombes, Gales etc - and the ones we tried were in decent nick. Also a bewlidering array of splendid single malts if you fancy a night-cap.
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Dear Bigglesworth, that is a bit technical: "they did not 'flush' a barrel! Presumably this is a brewing heresy ... which loads of pubs indulge in!
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Bit expensive, and whilst I was there, they changed three ale barrels, and did not even flush one of them.
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Absolutely terrific very friendly back street local. Good home made pub food and excellent Fullers and Gales ales and a couple of guests. Probably the best pub in Brighton.
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A great old style pub. Lovely atmosphere and nice staff, just wish it was a little bigger but then again being nice and cosy is also its charm.
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Cosy and popular pub - service prompt - beer good but not excellent. Interesting wall decorations consisting of numerous bits of smoking memorabilia.
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Popped in here on a weekday afternoon last week after visiting the Pavillion. Had noticed it in the Good Beer Guide so thought I'd seek it out.
It didn't disappoint - a proper pub off the beaten track. There were 8 ales on (6 Fullers/Gales and a couple of guests). There were enough people in to create a good atmosphere, I could imagine it'd be packed on weekends. Will pop back if I'm in the area again.
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Went into the pub in late May with my family after the funeral of my 100 year old great Aunt having not been in for about 5 years. It was busy but had a really good atmosphere and great range of beer which was of fantastic quality while the interior decor is quirky and interesting.
We were going to stay for a couple but ended up eating there, the food was upmarket pub grub style, very good. We ended up staying the rest of the evening.
Brighton's best pub? 9/10. Maybe even 10?
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Always a great pub, but I did wonder yesterday what on earth has happened to the end of the external wall. It seems to have been bashed with a hammer and chisel by a nocturnal vandal. Either that or a pocket of damp has seeped through. Very surprising as the outside was redecorated in the last few months.
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Too busy to really enjoy. A victim of its own success. There are far better places within 5 minutes walk.
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A classic Brighton pub which I always visit when I'm in town. 8/10 for me.
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always been a bit off with fullers since buying gales, and shutting them down, but after a visit to this pub and supping the ale, all has changed.
a crashingly superb brighton backstreet pub, all food home made which tastes superb as does ales from all 8 handpumps.
pay it a visit, it won't let you down.
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One of the best pubs in Brighton. Good range of real ales always to a high standard , lively atmosphere and friendly management. 10/10
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This is the best back street boozer in Brighton. Its a shame that Gales got taken over by Fullers cos I was weaned on Gales Ales when I grew up in Pompey. However, my palate is not refined enough to taste the diference between a pint of gales HSB and the Fullers version so I wont make a fuss about that.. The pub itself is always buzzing with an easy going mix of customers and friendly staff. The food is cheap, but well presented and filling.
I usually go in there on a Saturday lunchtime with my wife to puntuate mooching around the North Laine area and can highly recommend this pub. Dont miss it.
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Hadn�t been to the Basketmakers for a while, not because of anything particular against the pub or the people, just the beer (though did once have an issue with a very sub standard Basket burger). As it is now a Fullers pub the attraction of real Gales HSB is longer there, however, on a tour of the Nelson, Evening Star, Prestonville and Hand in Hand we took it in and can only report good things. Good ale, though I did drink the guest, some sort of golden ale and the food looked back to its best. A worthy 7/10.
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Spot on. Great boozer with a large of array of fine ales. Food simple but nice. Tuck in.
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Called in just before lunchtime. What a treat, a proper pub with some decent beers including the usual suspects from Fullers Brewery. The Gales HSB was excellent as was the Seafarer (?). Friendly attentive staff who serve topped up pints. Locals seemed friendly too. Plenty of folks eating so I guess the food was good. Looked like a comprehensive menu too. Will put this place (along with the Evening Star) on my my do list for the next time I go to Brighton.
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Called in just before lunchtime. What a treat, a proper pub with some decent beers including the usual suspects from Fullers Brewery. The Gales HSB was excellent as was the Seafarer (?). Friendly attentive staff who serve topped up pints. Locals seemed friendly too. Plenty of folks eating so I guess the food was good. Looked like a comprehensive menu too. Will put this place (along with the Evening Star) on my my do list for the next time I go to Brighton.
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This pub is a Brighton Classic! I had reservations when Fullers took over the Gales Brewery but they have sensibly left the pub alone, and it still retains all its character. A full Fullers range of beers is complimented by a Gales Beer and a guest, I didn't eat here on this occasion but have done in the past and its that rare thing these days, good quality proper pub grub, not brake Brothers microwaved pap.
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Seems to have some history to it, if even just for the myriad of bric-a-brac nailed to the walls. Did seem to be a bit of a tourist attraction though on my visit which I suppose is not surprising given it's location. Service was friendly and efficient. Just Butcome Bitter on offer outside of the Fullers stable.
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On Saturday 23rd I paid my first visit since Fullers took control of this pub.
Apart from beer range this pub was exactly how I left it over 5 years ago. Every little matchbox, tin can and cigarette card remains intact and in place, and I was served a superb pint of Elgoods "Cambridge" (3.8%) by a friendly guy behind the bar. As it was decent weather outside the pub people weren't just stepping out for a smoke, most of them had pints [of ale] in hand and were engaged in conversation. At this stage of my crawl I was on my own but was soon in conversation with fellow drinkers at the bar.
A really excellent pub.
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really enjoyed myself: had a vegetarian burger with chips and 2 pints of Gales' Seafarers Ale. Smashing pub in a nice part of Brighton.
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wonderful quirky pub, with good food too!
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Brilliant!
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every now and then you come across a pub that, for whatever reason, is a joy to drink in. the Wellington arms in Bedford is one... and the Basketmakers, Brighton is another. Admitedly, we all have our favorite beer or brewer and neither of mine are available here... however the ales that are available are superbly kept and the pub has the turnover to ensure that you never get a bad pint. The food is excellent and complements the atmosphere perfectly. At risk of sounding dry this is a proper pub for proper people. Quite refreshing in a town...sorry City! of �ber cool restaurants and bars!
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I love this pub. Can't wait till the next conference when I get to go down to Brighton...
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Mostly Fullers beer, but a couple of guests at well (including a decent Butcombe Bitter). Staff efficient (but too busy to be friendly). Overall, justifiably popular.
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done out in a lovely manner! good beers and staff, but maybe needs some time putting in to get the food up to par... much better than the god-awful eagle over the road!
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Still an excellent pub for good quality beer - agree about the over-crowding and prices but it's the price of fame I guess. Fuller's is fine, but I still miss Gales BBB.
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I know it�s tantamount to sacrilege in these parts, but I�ve long felt that the Basketmakers is rather over-rated, especially if you just want a drink. The choice is primarily the Fullers range, although they did have a Batemans guest last night in good shape, but its excessive popularity is off-putting � it was rammed last night & I ended up supping outside, shivering, to escape the claustrophobic bar. I�ve reviewed before, and the lunchtime food specials do look very good value and, yes, the staff are friendly & efficient, but I live in London, and this is a Fullers pub �
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Absolutely packed on my visit, even in mid-week, but given the excellent food and beer, that's not surprising!
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Very decent pub, shame they have to charge central London prices, just because they are Fullers. �3.20+ for ale and some lagers are �4+ per pint.
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Saturday afternoon - very busy, managed to find a position to squeeze three of us into. Decent range of Fullers ales, the Seafarers was an Ok beer for quaffing on a warm day. Nice pub but avoid Saturday afternoon.
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Excellent pub, very good beer quality, a proper drinkers establishment. Correct but friendly staff and some of the best cod and chips I've had in a long while. Just the sort of place you'd want to have as your local. Shame it's not mine.
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THE BEST PUB IN BRIGHTON BY MILES!!!!! My family and i are always welcomed and if we can find room to sit have a lovely time!!!!
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Street corner Fullers/Gales house on the edge of the North Laines area. A very relaxed ambience with a definite bohemian feel, wooden floos and bar, traditional seating; the walls are adorned with tin signs and old tin boxes of the Oxo or tobacco type while beermats and cigarette cards decorate the area around the bar. A real mix of clientelle from trendy 20somethings and student types up to OAPs with yours truly somewhere in the middle I suppose! An eclectic mix of non mainstream music plays at a subdued volume so not preventing conversation. An efficient friendly hands on guv presides, and makes sure everyone entering is greeted and thanked on leaving.
The food looked good and the menu suggests an emphasis on locally sourced and organic produce. Daily specials are listed on the chalkboard over the bar.
Beers were ESB, Pride, Discovery, HSB, Butser and Jennings Cumberland.
Very pleasant and enjoyable, worthy of inclusion in any crawl of the area.
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Called in for a quick beer just before last orders and wished I'd found it earlier.
Gem of a pub, 6 ales on, The Gales Butser was in very good form. Loved the interior with the tobacco/cigar tins on the walls. Liked the idea of the Malt of the month as well.
Will call back next time I'm in town.
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Fabulous pub, one of the best in Brighton along with the legendary Evening Star. Not too many conference delegates in here. Fullers ales are pretty good and they do Gales Butser and a guest ale.
Decor inside is pleasant traditional but the outside could now do with a coat of paint!
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The Basketmakers is a gem... hidden away just behind the Gloucester Nightclub/ Barfly and on the edge of North Laine it is only one of a handful of pubs in the Brighton town centre that isn't aiming itself at a pre-club clientele. The beers are always well kept and at a nice drinking temperature. I think the turnaround on a barrel is probably so quick that the beer doesn't have time to go bad! Not eaten here for a while but it was ok. Homemade burger with a crisp fresh salad and chips....for about �7 i think. They used to be well known for a 'Fish and chip Friday' but i'm not sure if that is still happening?
Very reliable and friendly, a good whisky selection, a lot of things to look at including a great Hank Williams poster ( and lots of tins filled with secret love letters to the bar staff.)
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Always pop in here for a drink and some food when I'm in Brighton as both are always good. I often end up drinking more HSB than I sensibly should but it is so delicious.
Like many Fullers pubs the prices are on the high side but it is worth it to spend some time in this friendly, well-run pub.
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Lovely little pub, but prices have certainly increased since Fullers took over Gales.
Beer is well kept, but at these prices I should think so.
In saying that, I know many a Fuller's pub where the prices have increased drastically, yet the beer is not well kept.
Perry - 19 May 2008 13:47 |
very interesting pub! cosy and friendly, plus those tins with the notes inside, a nice idea :) yet to try the food, but will on my next visit.
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It must be 30 years since I last visited this pub, when it was a Gales outpost and the landlord had a large poodle, which I seem to remember nearly knocking me over! As then, its still a real pub serving well-kept ales and tasty homemade food. Was pretty crowded lunchtime on a cold, wet Bank Holiday. Well worth seeking out if you fancy getting away from the seafront area. Poodles gone, thank God!
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This pub appears to be always busy and lively - which is not surprising as it's very good. My mate reckons it's one of his top 5 pubs in the country.
Staff are friendly and efficient. The Fullers/Gales beers (and guest beers too) all seem to be in fine condition, and the food is good too.
It's always sad when you have to leave a good pub - but there are some good ones to choose from in Brighton.
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Good food and a lovely pint of HSB. Mmmmmm,
AaaaitchhEsssssBeeeee....
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This is my favourite Brighton pub. Honest, down to earth, genuine boozer with a relaxed vibe. Only don't tell too many people - they'll all want to get in.
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This pub is magic. You can tell straight away when you enter: friendly, clean with fullers and gales ales - and food. What more can you ask for?
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Lively street corner pub just bear the North Laines area. Fullers ales (since the Gales takeover) which are well kept and good food. Busy but friendly with plenty of atmosphere. One worth seeking out.
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Lively street corner pub just bear the North Laines area. Fullers ales (since the Gales takeover) which are well kept and good food. Busy but friendly with plenty of atmosphere. One worth seeking out.
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i miss this pub so much.
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Worth a visit if only for the chilli and garlic bread! Top pub.
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just been there and the food was average. I was after a great Sunday roast after seeing the "good food" stickers on their windows, but sadly, the roast meal was very average. The pub is full of characters with it's low ceiling and very traditional deco. good ranges of beer and staff was very friendly and chatty.
My partner and I ordered beef and lamb roast respectively, both our meats were very dry and actually tasted like the meal you'd get in those frozen packaged roast meal. the gravy was very thin and quite tasteless. However, if you are a vegetarian, then you could actually getting a very nice treat. The vegetables that comes with the roast meal was absolutely fantastic, you can actually taste the freshness and it's very well-cooked. What's more, all the roast meal comes with 2 Yorkshire puddings! all in all, average food it may be, the pub is still worth visiting coz I really like the deco and the ales there.
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Welcome return visit on Saturday afternoon. The pub has a good feel and is lively and friendly. The HSB was lovely but we also missed blessed Festival Mild too. It seems unbelieveable that they only carry a prize-winning much-loved beer twice a year, but perhaps that's the brewery's fault not the pub's.
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Absolutely Fabulous - Great Atmosphere and delicious Food. I highly recommend a visit. Not been there for a couple of years as moved away, WOW still brilliant - Always great service and PUUUURFECT BEER. Still top of my list.
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Fabulous pub - great atmosphere, first class ales; one of Brighton's finest. Smoking ban will improve it even more. If they did wholesome food rather than superficial pub fare, this would be a practically perfect pub. I've got great memories of this pub, and love taking friends here from foreign parts - they love it.
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Truly one of Brightons finest pubs. Never short of conversation in this hostlery. I love the decor with all the original tobaco tins, good fun reading whats inside them! Before Fullers took over the Gales beers were supreme - going to miss Crowning Glory seasonal ale and have not seen Festival in here for some time. Only gripes here would be the smell of chip fat during food sevice, some knackered scratched-up glasswear and the smoke from snouts. Grumbles really, I should shut up..
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Enjoyed my visit looking for real ale in Brighton, and visited this pub a few times while on holiday. Enjoyed Gales beers and the guests.
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This is a delightful (albeit small pub). I disagree with the view previously expressed that Fullers will not maintain this pub as well as Gales did. In my view Fullers look after their estate and I am sure they regard this pub as one of their "jewels".
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This is the first place I make for when I visit Brighton. It used to be my local many years ago when I lived there. Its the only pub that I don't really mind about the the food being served, if you know what I mean. Top Pub, Brighton's best, bar none. If Fullers don't want it, I'll have it like a shot.
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If Fullers were to sell, I'm sure that a reputable brewery such as Harvey's or Dark Star would snap it up and leave it just as it is!
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Good pub. It's to be pitied though that it has fallen into the hands of Fullers whose stewardship of the old Gales estate is thus far pretty poor. We can be grateful that Fullers haven't closed the Basket Makers' down or sold it - yet, it doesn't fit into their model of pub ownership.
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Top pub,top beer,top staff,nuff said
anonymous - 13 May 2007 10:08 |
Great pub and a sighting of Chapmans the Saviour.
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Good range of beers, including Jennings Cumberland today, and the daily food specials read very well indeed, eg Fillet of Black Bream with new pots & roasted pepper sauce for just �5.95, but I can't help thinking that the drinkers are slightly marginalised at lunchtime when the whole pub smells like the kitchen. That, however, is admittedly something of a devil's advocate standpoint and I think this is a terrific pub run by people who evidently care about their food & drink and are always welcoming & polite.
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My friend and I had a great evening here on Saturday night and I would definitely visit again when next in Brighton.
The pub has a great atmosphere - friendly and relaxed, but also lively too if that's not a paradox.
The pub was crowded so we never got a seat but that didn't matter to us fortunately. The Gales (Fullers) beers all tasted excellent including my favourite Festival Mild - it's ages since I'd had a pint.
I would struggle to think of anything that could be improved about this pub - it wasn't even that smokey despite being very busy. So I'm also happy to give it a 10.
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Like most locals in Brighton I reckon this is one of its best pubs
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One of the best pubs I've been to, anywhere, ever!
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Utterly superb - excellent range & quality of beers, friendly & helpful staff in abundance, loads of character (and characters), and what looked like very good food. I've never given any pub a "10" in my life before, but I really can't pick any fault with this one.
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This is one of the great brighton boosers.
Only problem - too small.
anonymous - 21 Nov 2006 11:23 |
A wonderful pub. Great beer and food. Very good bar staff who make you feel welcome.
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I've just read in a new book called "Brighton's Best Pubs" that a 'jury' of honest and discerning drinkers rates this Brighton's Number One. I'll drink to that.
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Definitely worthy of inclusion on any serious beer or food lover's Brighton pub crawl. Contrary to some people's view I find the Basketmakers a friendly enough place; plenty of character(s) but a mixed clientele. The ale is always well-kept, although puritans amongst us can't forget that it was once a Gale's pub and the Fuller's interpretations of their old portfolio just can't quite match up. Still, so far it appears to have lost no charm for being part of the Fuller stable. I agree this isn't quite in the same league as the E Star or the Nelson, but it's streets ahead of many Brightonian boozers, especially some of those ghastly touristy places in the Lanes etc.
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The only problem with this place is that it's just too popular. On the busy weekend evenings it's full anyway, then you get the freshers and the pub crawls that all want to try it and it just gets so bloody busy, you cant enjoy it.
Try it during the day, a summers day, and try the food, then you will see why we like the pub so much.
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Great pub with good beer and good food. Worth a visit.
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I have mixed feelings about this pub. It's been too busy every time I've been there - a good sign I know but frustrating if you want to eat and a table isn't available. The food is very good and the portions generous - for example, you get a block of cheddar on the ploughman's which is about the same size as a prepackaged supermarket portion! I find the mixture of Gales and Fullers beers uninspiring but they are well kept. The clientele - which has attracted a number of comments below - I still haven't quite worked out despite numerous visits. Nice enough but not friendly like The Lord Nelson or Evening Star just up the road. I'd go to those instead if you're going for beer and conversation.
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Quality beer, really good value food. Can get too busy and it's hard to find a seat. Good for lunch.
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Was rather quiet when we called (there being a world cup final on elsewhere). Friendly atmosphere offering a choice of 3 Fullers beers and under threat ales from Gales x2 and Jennings. Was obviously a Gales house before the takeover - mostly wooden interior with lots of old signs and metal boxes covering the walls. The Gales HSB was excellent.
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I think this is the best pub I have been to anywhere, any time, ever, in the world, in space!
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Another good pub colonised by the "jovial and trendy Brighton middle class" as darloexile so eloquently puts it. This basically means you get stared at by the "locals" (who've all just moved down from London and who seem to view Brightonians as some kind of exotica), and aren't exactly made to feel welcome by the staff. Perhaps it was just "one of theose nights".
The beer's still excellent though, and it was recently declared to be the best pub in Brighton - albeit in a top ten that didn't include the Evening Star!?!?
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Lovely old fashioned type pub with a good atmosphere, every thing an English pub should be. Can get far to busy some evenings but always worth a visit during the day. One complaint, we live in an era of 24 hour opening and they just close to early!
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One of the best pubs in Brighton. Atmosphere crackles somewhere between student-esque and a Camra destination, jovial and trendy Brighton middle class, staff always with smile and food some of the best bar snacks around (try the rabbit pie, when on). I really hope Fullers dont ruin it, already they had ESP and London Porter on, as long as the Festival Mild and HSB remains, I for one will remain happy.
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Great little pub with excellent atmosphere if a little smokey. Good beers (I could drink Gales Festival all night). Haven't eaten here but have nosed in on other people's plates and the food looks very tasty. Hopefully this pub will stay as it is with the takeover.
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One of the best in Brighton.. just hope they keep their nerve with the Gales Brewery sell out to Fullers
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Easily the best pub in Brighton. No question. Simple as that!
anonymous - 30 Jan 2006 20:21 |
The only possible criticism is it is too popular and you can't always get a seat. Beats shopping in the North Laines anyway. The only veggie burger better is at it's sister pub The Prestonville. Gales beers never tasted better.
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Just seen a copy of what's brewing. Bad news is that gales has been taken over by fullers and might stop brewing the beer for this pub (and all other gales's pubs). Make the most of it!
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Like virtually all the really good pubs in Brighton, this pub is too small for the number of people it attracts. That said, it is well worth visiting. It has a nice atmosphere and the beer is kept well.
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This pub has been placed at number 12 in the "Morning Advertiser's" Top 20 pubs in the UK. Thoroughly deserved recognition, IMHO
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Having recently moved into offices around the corner, I have given both the Basket Maker's and the Eagle (opposite side of the street) a try.
Basket Maker's wins hands down. Friendly staff, cosy atmosphere, good ales, excellent food at very reasonable prices. We are even going to have a staff member's farewell drinks her tomorrow night.
Top notch
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This is quite possibly the finest pub in Britain (sorry Brighton!). Great Staff, great beer, great atmosphere - a must visit!
anonymous - 6 Sep 2005 16:46 |
Lovely little pub. Nice atmosphere, good selection of beers. Good for cooling off after visiting the Eagle opposite. the pub with the worst service in the South of England.
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In a word Superb, one of the best pubs in Brighton for me, great atmosphere, varied ale selction with regular guests and good food (if alittle pricey) a very cosy pub (always busy)
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I was there last with my mates noisy little girl, she had a wonderful time, winding up old CAMRA queens. If these people are to be aloud in pubs - please let them loosen up... Did you know, there are 'hidden' messages in most of the tins that are nailed to the walls. Well there were before someone read this an took them all away.. maybe it was that sinister CAMRA chap. GREAT PUB.
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Festival Mild & their house burger - does life get any sweeter? Still, it's difficult to decide between this and the Star. Just make sure you stop at both sometime on your next dirty weekend.
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Great pub, providing you like Gales beer. Food is good too.
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A good pub with a mix of clientele.
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I have been going to this Pub on and off now for over twenty five years, in the days when your shoes used to stick to the beer soaked carpet. It was a great pub then and still is, I always visit when I'm in Brighton. Nice to see they scraped up the carpet and cleaned the floor boards.
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Totally the best boozer in brighton - great ales, atnmosphere, food and still thinks of itself as a pub (not a wine bar, gastro-pub or anything else fatuous). If you don't like that, then stay away and leave more room for those who do.
Henri - 22 Oct 2004 15:13 |
Great pub. Nothing better on a cold winter day.
Tim - 16 Sep 2004 12:29 |
Used to live in Brighton, and still visit it every chance I can. Best burgers for the price. Is a real proper pub.
John - 28 Jul 2004 18:14 |
It's not perfect, but this is easily one of the best pubs in Brighton. Excellent ales, very well managed, good barstaff and an interesting range of customers! Well worth a visit.
anonymous - 5 Jul 2004 21:32 |
Paddy, that's probably because you don't like pubs.
It's a proper pub for proper people. Lovely, lovely place.
Darryl - 17 May 2004 00:02 |
The MOST overrated pub in Brighton. Too cramped, nasty decor, uncomfy seats, average food, its in the dark ages regarding shorts (vodka etc, not what you wear!), no music or tv (I know thats an incentive to some) and unfeasibly popular (often packed). Plus sides are a good male/female ratio, no lads, friendly bar staff, everyone loves it except me!
Paddy - 4 Feb 2004 04:00 |
They do a great Sunday roast - but get there early for a seat. Friendly staff, nice atmosphere.
jane - 27 Jan 2004 12:32 |
Cosy little local where you can meet the most interesting people
Cornelius - 24 Jan 2004 19:48 |
Great little back street boozer. Good selection of beers, friendly staff, incredible home-made burgers.
Dave G - 22 Jan 2004 14:59 |
Seriously one of the best pubs around.
Amazing food, good prices and really freindly staff.
JUST GO NOW!!!
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cool pub. go there. nuff said.
martin - 29 Oct 2003 16:45 |
Great pub, excellent Festival Mild. Does good food. Bit of a hippy crowd at times.
Adrian - 28 Oct 2003 10:47 |
Great place this - I've been going there since they did it up the late 1980s. Staff are superb, and the food is good. Downsides: I do wish they'd change the menu sometime - it's getting stale. Also, the gents' toilet is a very cramped.
Ian - 8 Oct 2003 22:19 |
Fantastic pub, if a little cramped sometimes. The legendary Sunday Lunches there are, well, legendary. Enough to feed me, and I like my food! Also the best-kept ales I've found in Brighton. Top notch
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A stunning little boozer. The food, beer, decor, atmosphere, staff and clientelle all conspire to produce the pinacle of pub experiences Without fail a good place for a pint.
However, the recent revival of the eagle across the road means that should it get to full, there is a decent alternative, and indeed the chances of it being too full are reduced.
Ant - 24 Sep 2003 18:06 |
I visited this pub at approximately 6pm yesterday and enjoyed quite the best pint of Gales' Butser Bitter I have ever tasted. Despite the low gravity it was clean, refreshing, yet full of flavour! The staff are very friendly with a good sense of humour, and the locals - at least those with whom I had the pleasure to speak - are equally friendly and laid-back. Amongst Brighton's best pubs for food, articles on the BM Arms appear in many pub guides. Sadly, 't was a bank holiday so the food had stopped half an hour before my train had arrived in Brighton! A MUST!
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Lovely little local with great staff and fine beer. A really great place in which to escape the Brighton crowds. Regulars have a habit of putting messages and jokes in the old sweet and tobacco boxes which are pinned to the walls.
Darryl - 27 Apr 2003 23:03 |
