Grand Central, Brighton

Pubs near stations are rarely fantastic, something to do with a constantly rotating clientele of commuters in and out. The Grand Central takes that a step further.

The good - inside it's large, relatively tidy, almost pleasant.

The bad - one staff member (who admittedly was very nice and efficient) on a summer's evening...during the World Cup meant 15min wait for a drink! Ridiculous.

Claims of a roof terrace. In reality it's a shabby slightly raised deck at the back below the level of any surrounding roofs. The wooden tables are in a shocking state - wobbly planks, rotten wood, splinters and exposed screws and nails. I was going to say 'Ladies, beware snagging your tights' but in truth you're more likely to receive a more serious aggravation. It could be quite nice but no energy, enthusiasm or care has gone into it.

Expensive - £4 for a pint of standard bitter (that tasted OK) that in any other pub in central Brighton would be £3.40-£3.60. It's just an additional 60p because of the location near the station. Two other people at the bar when I was ordering widened their eyes at the cost of their rounds.

If you're looking for a long wait to pay a lot of money for drinks then sit on a shabby deck and rip your trousers or get a rogue nail in your derriere, this is YOUR place!

Otherwise - avoid.

27 Jun 2014 08:25

The Thomas Kemp, Brighton

It's OK. Always found it a bit characterless. It's fairly large, has a lot of tables, beer is OK, food OK but there's nothing to get me back in there. Always busy for Sunday lunch but I think that maybe because it's kid friendly at that time (judging by the number of prams around the place).

Bland is how I would describe it, but maybe bland is what some people are looking for.

22 Sep 2011 14:37

The Winchester Club, Brighton

Now a building management firm. Don't think it's the best place for a night out.

22 Sep 2011 14:32