Tiny reviews of Brighton food and drink
Interesting pub split in two. We had a drink in the smaller bar, which is perfectly serviceable, but the larger part is more restaurant-y. Food looked good. Generally, just fine – bit lacking on the character side.
Verdict: Ok
Location: 90 Portland Road
Greene King pub and largely as you’d expect. Had nice gammon egg and chips, and a Mexican veggie burger. Loses points for being basic even for a Greene King.
Verdict: Ok
Location: 70-71 Cromwell Road
I’m normally the first to defend a Wetherspoons – cheap but cheerful and normally quite good. Not this one, it’s huge and has all the decorating panache of a 1970s comprehensive. No charm to offset the loudly drunk people – go to the other Wetherspoons!
Verdict: Don’t go
Location: 20-22A West Street
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/east-sussex/the-bright-helm-brighton
Cracking Victorian pub, with loads of space, varying areas (big tables vs small but highly cushioned) and tasty food (had great burgers, enjoyable pork belly baguette special – and AMAZING brownie). Rock solid.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 15 Black Lion Street
Cool old-school tiled facade to this pub; walk in and the first impression wasn’t great (figured one of those stripped down boozers). But that was wrong – grab your beer and go behind the bar and there’s a really nice seating area with maps on the wall. Didn’t try, but the menu is full of pub classics and looks great.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 6 Duke Street
Looking at the web results for this, there was a heroic effort to save this pub from developers for the community (ed: see comment below). Power to them, but as a result I guess it feels like walking into someone else’s house. Could be funky and cool, instead you feel like you’re intruding. I feel bad for saying so but the staff can’t be bothered either; best go to a real pub.
Edit: See comment below, I’ve removed the website. Apologies to the community effort, sorry it didn’t work out!
Verdict: Don’t go
Location: 70-71 Rose Hill Terrace
Perfectly serviceable but unremarkable Taylor Walker/Greene King pub; not pots of atmosphere (despite the atmospheric-looking exterior), just a standard well-lit chain pub.
Verdict: Ok
Location: 9 Brighton Place
http://www.taylor-walker.co.uk/pub/druids-head-brighton/c1336
Small and cosy little pub with stained glass windows, lots of tables, and home-made vodka shots. Resident cat too although I didn’t see it!
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 75 North Road
Random little place with school-like chairs, a bath, random stuff all over the place – but good selection in the booze department, and an awesome vegan kitchen. Loved loaded fries with chilli non carne, mac ‘n cheese and tofu hot dogs.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 11 Queens Road
To fit the name the outside is all Masonic symbols, but inside it’s an awesome pub. Lots of space, big tables with benches, couches, all great stuff. Major points there. Only had a drink in there but the menu, including roasts, looks extremely excellent.
Verdict: Awesome
Location: 39 Western Road