The Heart and Hand, Brighton

What a difference a day makes, or in this case a change of management (see my previous review dated 10th Feb 2009). Last Saturday morning I walked in anonymously (ie didn't let on I was Mr Boozy) and was immediately greeted with a tangible sense of welcome, a fine self-respecting pint of chilled Guinness, and Buddy Holly singing "Brown Eyed Handsome Man" on the (free) jukebox.
Two ladies were serving, one dark & sultry, the other blonde & bubbly ~ both were bright & cheerful ~ the clientelle boho & friendly ~ making our stay at the new "Heart and Hand" a relaxed & convivial experience, before heading off in the general direction of the Brighton Farm Market just up the road. And yes they've fixed the malfunctioning Johnny Cash single too...

23 Jan 2011 10:50

The Walmer Castle, Kemptown

I was in here early last night - first customer in fact. It was great, clean, friendly yet inobtrusive staff, good music etc. The dark Guinness was on top form, and I left a happier man... Will deffo call in again when wandering homewards

13 Jun 2009 12:28

The Heart and Hand, Brighton

Yes, this handy little pub in the North Laines has all the potential of a 5-star review: good location nr Saturday morning street market, great beers, vintage working jukebox with excellent range of desirable & obscure 45s - but all spoilt by a particularly surly & intractable landlady (" i don't do families" "Crisp flavours? Look on the wall") who seemed to have more chips on her shoulder than she did on the menu...

Shame 'cos it could be so good otherwise. And someone needs to replace that Johnny Cash single on the jukebox: the one that skips & jumps like it's been a veteran of half-a-dozen barroom brawls...

10 Feb 2009 21:29