AN OLD man’s boozer has been transformed into a quirky but comfortable foodie pub.

The Better Half, formerly The Red Lion, in 1 Hove Place, has had a major makeover with a “modern English Victorian” style.

Former City worker Simon Stern took over in January after wanting a change in career.

The Better Half is the latest traditional pub to in Hove to be given a high-end revamp, following The Urchin, The Foragers and The Connaught.

Simon said: “When I saw The Red Lion I thought it was the wrong pub in the right location.

“It was more of an on old man’s boozer with pool tables and fruit machines, and it didn’t really attract enough women.

“Now the pub is a bit quirky. I wanted it to be comfortable, relaxed and a little bit luxurious.

“I wanted to create somewhere for locals as well as a destination pub. The strapline is it’s ‘our little secret’.

“There are enough chimney pots around here to make it a success.”

The decor is full of pop-art style paintings and was designed by Richard Brett of Brighton design agency We Like Today.

A traditionally glazed tile bar with a copper top meets Edison light bulbs and contemporary, clean designs.

The pub has a no TV policy except on very special occasions, and a golden retriever Leo to welcome customers.

The bar is stocked with popular ales such as Harveys and Dark Star as well as Brighton’s own craft beer Bison See Side Apa and plenty of wines and cocktails.

Meanwhile, chef Andy Keir will serve reasonably-priced pub classics such as rib eye steak, burgers and generous Sunday roasts.

Food suppliers include Handcross Butchers, Brighton and Newhaven Fish Sales and Coffee@33.

A soft launch last week was a major success with up to 200 people turning up and spilling out onto the street.

Simon added: “It was absolutely manic. We opened 15 minutes before the builders finished and it was rammed. We ended up flooding the basement with cider.”

There are also plans to host live music events at the pub.

Bookings are now being taken on 01273 737869.