TOP TEN: My favourite pubs in Brighton and Hove (From The Argus)

TOP TEN: My favourite pubs in Brighton and Hove

7:11pm Wednesday 2nd September 2009 in Blogs By Alice Wright - Reluctant Housewife

I miss my local in London. It was a proper one-size-fits-all boozer, frequented by old regulars, kids from the estate, media-types, local celebs and families. We knew the owners, lived four doors down and cherished our hidden gem just two roads away from the mire of Camden market. It was the first pub we took Dog and Baby to when both just babes! We have carefully passed our knowledge on to friends new to the area - just as it was given to us - and since moving away we miss it dreadfully. So the search is on for our new Shangri-La… We’ve been researching pubs close to us (and some not so close) trying to replace that fabled place – Our Local, somewhere we can get to know and be known. So here is another Top Ten from me of some suitable places! Now I know your favourite pub probably won’t be on this list, but that’s not because it doesn’t deserve to be, it’s probably because I haven’t had the pleasure. This isn’t a definitive list, its my list. And remember I am a married mother with a dog now so what’s important to me in a pub is probably different to most! And predictably most of my faves are within pushchair distance of my house. But as always I would love to hear your comments and additions, I am always on the look out for a recommended boozer.

In no particular order: ONE: The Brunswick – Holland Road The first pub we officially visited as new residents, on our day of moving we found ourselves with a spare hour before we could pick up the keys to our new house. Standing forlornly outside The Brunswick on a freezing December day with Baby and Dog in tow, Husband and I didn’t think for a moment we would all be allowed in. Not only were we all allowed in but there were highchairs, a bowl of water for Dog and a friendly welcome. This set a precedent for us about pubs in Brighton and Hove – usually friendly and usually friendly to kids and dogs – as central Londonites we couldn’t believe there were so many such places. The Brunswick still remains a firm favourite and Dog is still a favourite with the staff.

TWO: The Florist - Upper North Street After trying to escape the frenetic Churchill Square end of Western Road we fled up a side street and found ourselves in this serene and beautiful pub. Cool and calm and with the kind of decor you’d like in your home, I couldn’t believe we were literally just behind Primark. Perfect for a date!

THREE: The Royal Sovereign – Preston Street We initially went to this pub because of its dog-friendly credentials, now we go regularly because of its dreamy interior, small sunny courtyard and Harveys real ale.

FOUR: The Robin Hood – Norfolk Place After stumbling across this large red edifice we discovered a happy band inside getting ready for their own birthday fete, baking cakes, putting up bunting and arranging some games! Even the pub dog was getting involved. We spent some time with the really friendly staff and became hooked. Its even a charity pub! How about that for making you feel better about having another one?

FIVE: The Foundry – Foundry Street What a little delight hidden away from the packed streets of North Laine! It feels like a real local – full of regulars. Perfect for enjoying some red wine in front of the roaring real fire on a rainy day.

SIX: The Farm Tavern – Farm Road This tiny, magical little space is hidden away behind Barneys on Western Road. It might be small but holds plenty of events and live music nights. Its incredibly charming, but also dangerous – this seductive little tavern acts rather like a time machine! Whole days could be lost…

SEVEN: The Wick Inn – Western Road What a gorgeous looking pub! A lovely free-standing bar, ceramic tiles and stained-glass windows. Lovely wines and staff.

EIGHT: Hove Place – First Avenue An impressive wood-panelled underground space between two gorgeous gardens. The fantastic ‘Italian’ garden all beautifully lit up at night is a joy to sit in with a glass of one of their lovely well chosen wines.

NINE: The Ginger Pig – Hove Street So close to the Hove seafront! Gorgeous clean looking pub attached to a restaurant. A real food lovers delight and the perfect place to drink and eat with a loved one or for a glam girly dinner (which is precisely what I did there!)

TEN: The Earth and Stars – Windsor Street I was introduced to this environmentally-friendly pub by someone from this very website so thank you! I have been back many times since with friends and really enjoy the laid back atmosphere, organic wines and ales and the superb artwork on the walls.

As you can probably tell I haven’t been out enough in Hanover or Kemp Town to talk about the pubs there, although I kind of remember a fun girly night in The Grays on the hideous hill that is Southover Street and I hear good things about The Thomas Kemp – apparently good crispy roast spuds? Also friends insist I have to visit both The Foragers and The Basketmakers Arms and I plan to do so as soon as I am able.

In the meantime tell me about your Local?