please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Have been back to the Poet's a few times in the last year or so. while I have been a bit disappointed with the lack of enthusiasm from the landlord and the fact that twice in the space of a couple of months the Harveys Old had run out by 7.30pm (come on this is a Harveys pub!) it is actually the best pub in Hove apart from the Neptune, although drinks are more expensive here. A little more variety in beers on the pumps (some seasonal Harveys would be great) and a smile from staff from time to time would improve this place no end.
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Can't agree with Northernstereotype as this is the only pub I've been to in the last 10 years that knew my name and use it.
The staff are friendly, courteous and helpful. The beer is excellent. Their Harvey's Old is brilliant and worth a visit.
It is the sort of pub you can easily sit in on your own. This goes for men and women. Some people pop in to read or do their work there. It is also lovely place for a chat with friends although sometimes the music is a bit country and western. In winter the pub has a lovely open fire.
It also has the odd football match and live music from time to time when the pub gets a bit full. This pub also hosts a range of nights such as comedians, folk club, poker, poets and writers and local groups often pop in. Often these are upstairs out of the way. However, being a friendly pub people often chat to you. I've spoken to a range of people of all ages and interests.
Along with the Neptune this is easily the best pub in Hove.
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Agree totally with the comments by Spoonography. I live just around the corner from this pub and used to drink in this pub all the time especially around last Christmas 2010 when we had all the snowy weather and I more or less lived in the place ! You were guaranteed a warm welcome by Lee and his girlfriend and the rest of the staff in there. It was owned by the same guy who had the Lord Nelson in Brighton - another Harveys pub. They were the people who did all the refurb and changed the name to the PC from the eclipse. It changed hands in early 2011 and the Irish guy who has got it now is possibly the most unsuitable landlord I have ever seen. If you can't smile, and be hospitable to your customers, then don't be in the pub game frankly. This pub was, and has, the potential to be an excellent and real cosy friendly little local. The landlords obsession with blues music means that the only entertainment appearing at the pub are performers of this ilk.
On its plus side, it does decent enough variation of Harveys ales. My vote now goes to the Ancient Mariner in Rutland Road. Much friendlier pub, even if it is a little bit veering towards being a 'bar' as against a pub. I long for the day this pub moves to better ownership and I can start drinking in it again !
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Had never been into this pub when it was called The Eclipse but we thought we'd give it a go when we moved back into the area in September 2010. We were really impressed with the atmosphere, the music, the selection of ales and the service. The landlord at the time I believe was a young lad named Lee who always seemed to have a smile on his face. we even popped in for a couple on new year's eve and enjoyed some live music.
Then a few months ago we stopped in again and things were/are very different. Lee has gone and has been replaced by an Irish landlord who I've yet to see crack a smile. Surely you shouldn't feel like you're putting someone out by asking them to serve you? Gone was the good music, replaced with MOR country and western turned down so quietly that you have to whisper in order to keep your conversation to yourself!
This is still a pleasant enough pub but it has the potential to be so much better. Shame.
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I've only been once to this pub since the refurb, however I was very impressed. Unusually for a refurbed put it has retained the essential qualities of good local pub - warm, cosy, good range of ales, friendly service, makes an effort in terms of entertainment etc. There was a comedy night on when I was there which was a bit intrusive as I went to meet a couple of old friends but people seemed to be enjoying it. All in all I liked it and will be going back. There's also no music which makes it a good alternative to the nearby Ancient Mariner - which I like but which (in the evening anyway) seems to crank the music up.
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great refurb - the outer signage will 'age', assuming the pub lasts (fingers crossed). The pub is the sister to the lanes' Lord Nelson i think, same management anyway. A two-room pub, plus entertainments/hire rooms upstairs, plenty of comfy chairs, wood burning stove, really great ale selection (could do with some slightly stronger oens mind). Can get busy weekend nights, but lots going on here - including great food.
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Yes the new name is a bit 'trendy wine bar' but the refurb is pretty good and hasn't destroyed the original feel of the place. The array of Harveys beers is certainly impressive and I too hope that will continue. The folk club is back in residence and is a brilliant evening if you ignore the naff new chandalier in the function room!
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Now The Poets' Corner. Slightly w@nky name which will no doubt rub some people up the wrong way before stepping in, the OTT signage all over the building is also doing them no favours. Inside the pub has been tastefully refurbed and was very impressed to see no less than 8 different Harvey's ales on tap- more than I saw in any pub on a recent trip to Lewes! Prices seems to range from about �2.80 to �3.40- I can't beleive they will continue to stock so many- there can't be enough customers to justify it.
The pub quiz (Wednesday I think) was decent. Has a wood burning stove in one bar. Outdor space limited to two tables at the front, and a pretty grotty rear yard.
Much improved.
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Harvey's Brown Ale? Do you mean Old? Or was the extremely rare Lewes Castle Brown Ale on? If so, it's worth every penny. I was in there on Monday and the Mild at �2.80 was in very good condition. You could easily pay a lot more for far inferior beer in many other pubs in the area.
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Popped in Saturday 6/3/10 - now reopened as the Poets Corner - pool table gone in public bar, tastefully refurbished but ouch �3.40 for a pint of Harveys Brown Ale - no thanks
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This pub will open as "The Poets Corner" on 5th March.
Harveys have given it a complete refit (which it needed) and a new kitchen. I'm sure this pub will go from strength to strength under new landlord Graham, who runs the superb Lord Nelson in Brighton.
Folk club is open on that night we have Reg Meuross a fine singer songwriter.
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Latest news is that it has closed for refurbishment. I'm told it will reopen in the new year with a new manager and a new name. It was pretty good before so I'm hoping for the best.
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After living in the area for 28 years finally gave this one a try as they were having a folk night. Wish I'de gone there years ago. Excellent pub. Harveys Sussex, Old and Armada on the pumps. Didn't eat but I gather the food is pretty good. Decent crowd and friendly staff. There was football on in the main bar but it didn't impinge on either the other bar or us oldies upstairs listening to Peter Sarstedt. Who knows - I may even try the Westbourne next!!!
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Visited for the Champions League semi final (ManU Milan), split into two bars; one showing the football, one not. The footballing side was absolutely packed, almost standing room only with a good atmosphere. Staff were doing their best to cope, and managed to keep polite and friendly (a real challenge!). Had a few very nice pints of 'Olympia' and Harveys was also on tap. Full of local characters/geezers. Overall, a good place to watch football if you fancy somewhere busy and lively, I would have to visit again to be able to recommend it for anything else. There are a few outdoor tables next to a relatively quiet road.
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Service slow, prices far too high and attracting loud mouthed loutish individuals and a type of person I felt to be rather dubious
anonymous - 6 Apr 2007 16:55 |
A fornight ago I lunched at the Eclipse and had some excellent Harvey's summmer brew 'Tom Paine' and a more than adequate sandwich. Today the 'Tom Paine' was not very good (it's at the end of this year's run anyway) and a substitute beer was offered instead. I ordered lemon sole and chips and got plaice and chips cooked in fat that tasted as if it hadn't been changed for weeks.
anonymous - 2 Aug 2006 20:49 |
Good Sunday roasts and nice friendly atmosphere. Has a public bar and a lounge section. Prices are at the high end of the scale (a lager and guinness cost �6.20!) and the bar could do with a refurbishment. That said I do really like this pub.
anonymous - 11 Apr 2006 10:39 |
Not tried the lunches, but I have been known to have a stab at their Sunday Night Quiz. Good laugh, good crowd, good beers.
Made to feel very welcome every time I go.
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Harveys tied house. Popular with local football fans. Good lunches.
Adrian - 30 Oct 2003 13:59 |
