Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Brighton, United Kingdom

Koba - Very disappointing night... by BCallanan

BCallanan — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:44:13 +0000

Review by BCallanan

Rating: 1.00

Went to a friends birthday party last night at the KOBA. I have been in a few times before, never had anything negative to say about the place.
Last night we were greeted at the front entrance politely and directed to the Ruby Room. There were two parties booked at the same time in the RR, my friend and other people were already there. A woman who was in charge of the RR came over before we had the chance to sit down and explained that we needed to be away from the seated area by a certain time for the other party. Although my friend had booked for 30 people we were given twelve seats.
We carried on with our evening, but as it got nearer to the time for the other party entering, the woman in charge kept on coming over and harassing myself and the rest of the people (her communication skills were appalling), ushering people in a rude manner. We were not left in piece for one moment, although the room was half empty we were still ushered standing in one corner of the room like cattle. The bar man was sarcastic to my friend, we were told that we could not take our drinks into the garden, for those people who wanted to enjoy their drinks with a cigarette.
Several of us complained about the woman in charge of the RR, but i doubt very much anything will be done about it.
Very disappointing indeed.
Went to a friends birthday party last night at the KOBA. I have been in a few times before, never had anything negative to say about the place.
Last night we were greeted at the front entrance politely and directed to the Ruby Room. There were two parties booked at the same time in the RR, my friend and other people were already there. A woman who was in charge of the RR came over before we had the chance to sit down and explained that we needed to be away from the seated area by a certain time for the other party. Although my friend had booked for 30 people we were given twelve seats.
We carried on with our evening, but as it got nearer to the time for the other party entering, the woman in charge kept on coming over and harassing myself and the rest of the people (her communication skills were appalling), ushering people in a rude manner. We were not left in piece for one moment, although the room was half empty we were still ushered standing in one corner of the room like cattle. The bar man was sarcastic to my friend, we were told that we could not take our drinks into the garden, for those people who wanted to enjoy their drinks with a cigarette.
Several of us complained about the woman in charge of the RR, but i doubt very much anything will be done about it.
Very disappointing indeed.

Hanbury Arms - Exotic and historic - heritage and drink and dance by Angella

Angella — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:08:51 +0000

Review by Angella

Rating: 4.00

Tags: free wifi

Amusing location. Mausoleum built for the affluent and cultured Sassoons - 'the Rothschilds of the East', as exotic burial place for founder of the British branch of the dynasty, Sir Albert (1818-1892). He was buried here and so was his son Sir Edward who died in 1912. But Albert's grandson Philip sold the place in the thirties, when they were reinterred in London (Willesden).

Now you can see the onion dome on the corner of the road near the hospital (which you spot at the end of the turning uphill from the seafront).

Inside it's bigger than it looks from the outside. A large round room with windows at the top of the dome. Now done up with a bar at the back, seating down the sides and an area for the band at the front near the entry door.

On the opposite wall is the stair to the cosy upstairs bar, originally the adjacent Hanbury pub.

This venue is now used for music events. I don't know how big the kitchen is, but you can hold a wedding reception here. (Anyway, in my experience caterers bring in their own pre-cooked food on vans and light up heated trays over tea lights.)

If Wetherspoons pubs took over they would have the place filled with the history of the building and the area and local characters.

But the people who run the place are friendly and cheerful. I met Daniel Watts Assistant Manager. They can tell you about the history. It is hoped that some of a grant allocated to local heritage will be used to enhance the venue and help make it more of a tourist attraction.

The drinks menu includes wines by the glass Â£4-Â£5.50, cocktails at Â£7 and Â£7.50 such as Singapore Sling, Florence Nightingale, sparkling wines by the glass such as Prosecco at Â£6, prosecco sergio rose at Â£6.50, from raboso grape, and more.
The drinks menu quotes Ernest Hemingway, 'An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools.'

There's plenty to say about the Sassoons. (I used to talk about the Rothschilds and Sassoons on the radio and in my travel articles.) Sir Albert escaped from Bagdad, built the Sassoon docks in Bombay, which displays the name Sassoon in huge letters, funded a hospital where later Gandhi was treated, and a library, a museum, part of what is now the university, a horseback statue of the King of England and the Empire outside the museum.

Sassoon dysnasty Influence on the UK? Descendants and relatives included Sassoon, the first world war poet, the hairdressers, and they intermarried with lots of other famous people. Yes, it was a great thrill to see any building connected with Sir Albert - above all his burial place - such an exotic monument!Amusing location. Mausoleum built for the affluent and cultured Sassoons - 'the Rothschilds of the East', as exotic burial place for founder of the British branch of the dynasty, Sir Albert (1818-1892). He was buried here and so was his son Sir Edward who died in 1912. But Albert's grandson Philip sold the place in the thirties, when they were reinterred in London (Willesden).

Now you can see the onion dome on the corner of the road near the hospital (which you spot at the end of the turning uphill from the seafront).

Inside it's bigger than it looks from the outside. A large round room with windows at the top of the dome. Now done up with a bar at the back, seating down the sides and an area for the band at the front near the entry door.

On the opposite wall is the stair to the cosy upstairs bar, originally the adjacent Hanbury pub.

This venue is now used for music events. I don't know how big the kitchen is, but you can hold a wedding reception here. (Anyway, in my experience caterers bring in their own pre-cooked food on vans and light up heated trays over tea lights.)

If Wetherspoons pubs took over they would have the place filled with the history of the building and the area and local characters.

But the people who run the place are friendly and cheerful. I met Daniel Watts Assistant Manager. They can tell you about the history. It is hoped that some of a grant allocated to local heritage will be used to enhance the venue and help make it more of a tourist attraction.

The drinks menu includes wines by the glass Â£4-Â£5.50, cocktails at Â£7 and Â£7.50 such as Singapore Sling, Florence Nightingale, sparkling wines by the glass such as Prosecco at Â£6, prosecco sergio rose at Â£6.50, from raboso grape, and more.
The drinks menu quotes Ernest Hemingway, 'An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with his fools.'

There's plenty to say about the Sassoons. (I used to talk about the Rothschilds and Sassoons on the radio and in my travel articles.) Sir Albert escaped from Bagdad, built the Sassoon docks in Bombay, which displays the name Sassoon in huge letters, funded a hospital where later Gandhi was treated, and a library, a museum, part of what is now the university, a horseback statue of the King of England and the Empire outside the museum.

Sassoon dysnasty Influence on the UK? Descendants and relatives included Sassoon, the first world war poet, the hairdressers, and they intermarried with lots of other famous people. Yes, it was a great thrill to see any building connected with Sir Albert - above all his burial place - such an exotic monument!

The Black Lion - Filthy by PGC

PGC — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 17:35:24 +0000

Review by PGC

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 01273 711884

Tags: pub, young and fun, beer garden

Having just been in for a drink and food I needed to visit the toilet - DISGUSTING is the only word to describe the state of the gents toilet
I asked to cancel my food order - if the toilets are indicative of the hygiene standards in this pub I decided I didn't want to risk the foodHaving just been in for a drink and food I needed to visit the toilet - DISGUSTING is the only word to describe the state of the gents toilet
I asked to cancel my food order - if the toilets are indicative of the hygiene standards in this pub I decided I didn't want to risk the food

Mrs Fitzherberts - Cheap and friendly in the center of town by MutinyP

MutinyP — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:13:07 +0000

Review by MutinyP

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01273 682401

Tags: friendly, beer garden, standard pub food

I have to say I enjoyed this little traditional boozer, right in the centre near the Theatre the outside tables are perfect for watching the day go by. My friend also tells of a good Irish session they host in the week.I have to say I enjoyed this little traditional boozer, right in the centre near the Theatre the outside tables are perfect for watching the day go by. My friend also tells of a good Irish session they host in the week.

The Open House - Great Food by Jeff78

Jeff78 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:29:40 +0000

Review by Jeff78

Rating: 4.00

Tags: relaxed, friendly, beer garden

Since moving to Brighton from Lewes 6 months ago I have been searching high and low for a good pint of Harveys and I can honestly say the Open House more than satisfies.

I was slightly suprised to see negative reviews of the food, as my experiences have always been nothing but positive! The burger is a real stand out.Since moving to Brighton from Lewes 6 months ago I have been searching high and low for a good pint of Harveys and I can honestly say the Open House more than satisfies.

I was slightly suprised to see negative reviews of the food, as my experiences have always been nothing but positive! The burger is a real stand out.

The Lectern - Brilliant .... by linguine

linguine — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:03:58 +0000

Review by linguine

Rating: 5.00

Tags: relaxed, friendly, rock

Just been completely redocrated - it looks really cool, and pretty stylish now.
Tasty, good value food and friendly staff.Fab wine list.
Had a couple of cracking nights out there already, aprently the garden will open in June with bbq'sJust been completely redocrated - it looks really cool, and pretty stylish now.
Tasty, good value food and friendly staff.Fab wine list.
Had a couple of cracking nights out there already, aprently the garden will open in June with bbq's

The Gladstone - lovely sunday roast by missynm

missynm — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:11:12 +0000

Review by missynm

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01273 620888

Tags: relaxed, friendly, beer garden

The Gladstone is a big yellow friendly pub on lewes road. Its got a reasonably sized bar, with a larger back room. Weather permitting, you can sit out on the noisy street, but the small stone slabbed garden at the back actually gets some good sun in the afternoon. What I like it most for is its sunday roasts. For 7 quid you get a lovely, hot, huge plate of nicely cooked grub. So don't bother with breakfast, this will fill you up all day. Definately good value.The Gladstone is a big yellow friendly pub on lewes road. Its got a reasonably sized bar, with a larger back room. Weather permitting, you can sit out on the noisy street, but the small stone slabbed garden at the back actually gets some good sun in the afternoon. What I like it most for is its sunday roasts. For 7 quid you get a lovely, hot, huge plate of nicely cooked grub. So don't bother with breakfast, this will fill you up all day. Definately good value.

The Evening Star - Bar Starred or Starred Bar? by teddybear

teddybear — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:46:11 +0000

Review by teddybear

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01273 328931

Tags: live music, good food, pub

Great choice of pub if you're into real ales and bottled beers from around the world.

The only downside is its popularity and it's usually heaving. The atmosphere though is friendly. Handily located close the the main railway station.Great choice of pub if you're into real ales and bottled beers from around the world.

The only downside is its popularity and it's usually heaving. The atmosphere though is friendly. Handily located close the the main railway station.

The George - by MissKate

MissKate — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 23:16:55 +0000

Review by MissKate

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01273 681055

Website: http://www.georgebrighton.com/

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

Found this place by chance and loved it - will be going back soon!Found this place by chance and loved it - will be going back soon!

Riki Tiks - Safe bet for good cocktails on the way into town by missynm

missynm — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:06:51 +0000

Review by missynm

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01273 683844

Tags: relaxed, friendly, trendy

Rikitiks, set in the north laines is only small really with a very long bar in the front and a larger area in the back. Not the most amazing of bars decor wise its getting a bit scruffy but its cocktail pitchers are pretty strong for 8 to 9 pounds a go, they do a good pitcher of long island iced tea. What keeps us coming back is likely to be the nice crowd it generally attracts and the generally great music and atmosphere.

One big fault (obviously i cant speak for the mens!) is the toilets. absolutely grim at times. Painted black, badly lit, you'd be lucky if the locks were still working as they regularly seem to break or get ripped off, sinks are pretty minute and rank, with the lamest, usually not working hand dryer ive ever seen. Oh and to top it off, staff dont check them all night it seems, so ona friday theres usually one toilet blocked and chokka with loo roll, leaving one with a lame flush for a queue of women. LOVELY.Rikitiks, set in the north laines is only small really with a very long bar in the front and a larger area in the back. Not the most amazing of bars decor wise its getting a bit scruffy but its cocktail pitchers are pretty strong for 8 to 9 pounds a go, they do a good pitcher of long island iced tea. What keeps us coming back is likely to be the nice crowd it generally attracts and the generally great music and atmosphere.

One big fault (obviously i cant speak for the mens!) is the toilets. absolutely grim at times. Painted black, badly lit, you'd be lucky if the locks were still working as they regularly seem to break or get ripped off, sinks are pretty minute and rank, with the lamest, usually not working hand dryer ive ever seen. Oh and to top it off, staff dont check them all night it seems, so ona friday theres usually one toilet blocked and chokka with loo roll, leaving one with a lame flush for a queue of women. LOVELY.

The Globe - good food by craftycarrie

craftycarrie — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:15:32 +0000

Review by craftycarrie

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01273 770685

Tags: relaxed, friendly, cool

I'm loathe to reccomend this place just because it might mean they run out of Sunday dinners before I get there!!
The absolutely best sunday roast in town and I've tried most of them.
The service can be a bit ropey at times, the staff are lovely but when it's busy you can wait a while.

The atmosphere is always good and the downstairs bit is great on a cold sunday where you can just sit in a comfy chair and play trivial with your mates.

If you're a smoker it's standing only outside and Middle street can be mighty windy!I'm loathe to reccomend this place just because it might mean they run out of Sunday dinners before I get there!!
The absolutely best sunday roast in town and I've tried most of them.
The service can be a bit ropey at times, the staff are lovely but when it's busy you can wait a while.

The atmosphere is always good and the downstairs bit is great on a cold sunday where you can just sit in a comfy chair and play trivial with your mates.

If you're a smoker it's standing only outside and Middle street can be mighty windy!

The Basketmakers Arms - cosy, welcoming by craftycarrie

craftycarrie — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:06:46 +0000

Review by craftycarrie

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01273 689006

Tags: excellent pub food, independent pub, traditional pub

My absolute favourite pub in Brighton and there are a lot of them (pubs that is)!
Off the beaten track so you can get away from the hen and stag nights, this pub is an absolute gem. The atmosphere is warm and friendly with a complete mix of age groups. It has a vast selection of whisky and the pub grub is the cheapest and best in town, all home made (none of your microwaved dinners here)and the burgers are to die for!My absolute favourite pub in Brighton and there are a lot of them (pubs that is)!
Off the beaten track so you can get away from the hen and stag nights, this pub is an absolute gem. The atmosphere is warm and friendly with a complete mix of age groups. It has a vast selection of whisky and the pub grub is the cheapest and best in town, all home made (none of your microwaved dinners here)and the burgers are to die for!

Ranelagh Arms - Never fails! by StarvinMarvin

StarvinMarvin — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 19:20:19 +0000

Review by StarvinMarvin

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01273 681634

Tags: live music, relaxed, friendly

The Ranelagh is a proper, traditional pub with great Blues nights.

The atmosphere is always lively, the bar staff are the friendliest in town. The crowd is a mixture of locals, students, musos and freaks and it's oh so lovely.

They also serve some nice ales. There is often great live Blues music.

If you're looking for a good place to drink away the evening, this place never disappoints.

Roaring fires in the winter months, and a beer garden for the summer months (or for the hardened smoker).
The Ranelagh is a proper, traditional pub with great Blues nights.

The atmosphere is always lively, the bar staff are the friendliest in town. The crowd is a mixture of locals, students, musos and freaks and it's oh so lovely.

They also serve some nice ales. There is often great live Blues music.

If you're looking for a good place to drink away the evening, this place never disappoints.

Roaring fires in the winter months, and a beer garden for the summer months (or for the hardened smoker).

The Hop Poles - Smoker's paradise and wonderful food by StarvinMarvin

StarvinMarvin — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:50:21 +0000

Review by StarvinMarvin

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 01273 749465

Tags: relaxed, friendly, young and fun

This is a great bar serving delicious food too. The roasts on a Sunday are possibly the best in town. The food is consistently good and cooked to order. This does mean a longer wait but also means home cooked, fresh food.

On a weekend this place is pretty packed, so expect to stand and do the table hovering shuffle whilst waiting for a place to sit.

If you're a smoker, this place is one of the best - it has a small outside, covered area with outdoor heating. It's just small enough that the heating does actually keep you warm in the winter!

The music here is always consistently great, an eclectic mix.This is a great bar serving delicious food too. The roasts on a Sunday are possibly the best in town. The food is consistently good and cooked to order. This does mean a longer wait but also means home cooked, fresh food.

On a weekend this place is pretty packed, so expect to stand and do the table hovering shuffle whilst waiting for a place to sit.

If you're a smoker, this place is one of the best - it has a small outside, covered area with outdoor heating. It's just small enough that the heating does actually keep you warm in the winter!

The music here is always consistently great, an eclectic mix.

The Hanover - Top place, top mash by missynm

missynm — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:45:14 +0000

Review by missynm

Rating: 4.00

Tags: friendly, excellent pub food, relaxing

Based on its location you would expect the Hanover to be a run of the mill pub lunch kind of place. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find my spring onion mash had lots of spring in it! The menu offers a small selection of classic dishes, at reasonable prices (Â£8 average) but the standard is definitely above average. Service was friendly and efficient, although if you don't like your veggie sausages with meat in them, make sure you make this clear! Perfect for a relaxing evening in an ambient candle lit setting.Based on its location you would expect the Hanover to be a run of the mill pub lunch kind of place. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find my spring onion mash had lots of spring in it! The menu offers a small selection of classic dishes, at reasonable prices (Â£8 average) but the standard is definitely above average. Service was friendly and efficient, although if you don't like your veggie sausages with meat in them, make sure you make this clear! Perfect for a relaxing evening in an ambient candle lit setting.

Three Jolly Butchers - Frank, Pat and Riiiiiiiicky - not by teddybear

teddybear — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:12:55 +0000

Review by teddybear

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01273 608571

Tags: good food, pub, sunday roast

Overly compact pub and sandwich bar in the North Laines.

Good range of bottled beers. Food looked good too.

Too popular for its own good and getting to the bar can be a nightmare at busy times.

Nice arty-farty pictures and furniture.Overly compact pub and sandwich bar in the North Laines.

Good range of bottled beers. Food looked good too.

Too popular for its own good and getting to the bar can be a nightmare at busy times.

Nice arty-farty pictures and furniture.

Earth & Stars - good organic pub by Kathhere

Kathhere — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:48:06 +0000

Review by Kathhere

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 01273 722879

Tags: relaxed, friendly, trendy

earth and stars is one of those pubs that's good for get togethers and leaving do's - there's a big room upstairs which can be hired out (although they need to clean the lentil display in the fireplace as it was crawling with creepy crawlies last time I looked, urgh)

that aside, its a great town centre pub, a good option to go to when you want to avoid west street pubs! They do offers with a pint and a burger for about Â£6 I think, which looks good (if you drink pints)

very easy going - lots of organic and local beers and wine, so the hangover's not too bad the next day!earth and stars is one of those pubs that's good for get togethers and leaving do's - there's a big room upstairs which can be hired out (although they need to clean the lentil display in the fireplace as it was crawling with creepy crawlies last time I looked, urgh)

that aside, its a great town centre pub, a good option to go to when you want to avoid west street pubs! They do offers with a pint and a burger for about Â£6 I think, which looks good (if you drink pints)

very easy going - lots of organic and local beers and wine, so the hangover's not too bad the next day!

The Pond - Thai at the Pond by Kathhere

Kathhere — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:42:30 +0000

Review by Kathhere

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01273 621400

Tags: friendly, thai, cheap eat

as other people have said, the pub downstairs in the Pond is nothing special, just a usual back street boozer and there are a lot nicer places to drink in the neighbourhood

But -the Thai food is great, a tucked away little restaurant with all the usual thai favourites, we always end up having the set menu with a plate of mixed starters including thai fish cakes and spring rolls, then for the mains a few choices of curry with different veg options, good friendly service, plus you can pop downstairs for drinks whenever you like

maybe not the most romantic of places but good for a group of friends, I'd sayas other people have said, the pub downstairs in the Pond is nothing special, just a usual back street boozer and there are a lot nicer places to drink in the neighbourhood

But -the Thai food is great, a tucked away little restaurant with all the usual thai favourites, we always end up having the set menu with a plate of mixed starters including thai fish cakes and spring rolls, then for the mains a few choices of curry with different veg options, good friendly service, plus you can pop downstairs for drinks whenever you like

maybe not the most romantic of places but good for a group of friends, I'd say

Prince Albert - Great name! by foodexplorer

foodexplorer — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:47:43 +0000

Review by foodexplorer

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 01273 730499

Tags: cool, relaxed, food

Ok, so i'm childish. The name always makes me snigger! Also had to think twice about going there but i'm glad i did. My friends also like it and its now become a bit of a regular drinking haunt for us. Talking of which, apparently there is a ghost there, although the only spirits i see are the ones in my glass! Drinks are a little cheaper than the busier pubs in the main town so that makes it even better. In addition you don't get the usual drunk out of their heads students so thats a bonus too! Staff are really friendly and the ambiance is one of fun and enjoyment!Ok, so i'm childish. The name always makes me snigger! Also had to think twice about going there but i'm glad i did. My friends also like it and its now become a bit of a regular drinking haunt for us. Talking of which, apparently there is a ghost there, although the only spirits i see are the ones in my glass! Drinks are a little cheaper than the busier pubs in the main town so that makes it even better. In addition you don't get the usual drunk out of their heads students so thats a bonus too! Staff are really friendly and the ambiance is one of fun and enjoyment!