In my experience Greene King follows a tried and tested path – it takes the traditional pub experience, adds in as many offers as possible and then makes sure each local hosts its own events.
The Palmeira is a perfect example of this winning formula.
It’s a big, open place with plenty of standing room for busy nights – most surfaces have been tiled, in a wide variety of different patterns.
When I visited there were four separate TV screens all showing a variety of different sporting programmes, ranging from live cricket to a documentary about Steve Redgrave.
The sound is turned down on all screens and there’s music playing at a decent level in the background.
But, the volume must increase when “Live at your Local”, which is prominently advertised, kicks into action.
I found time to fit in a southern fried chicken sandwich on brown bread which, at £5.29, came with sensible, no-messing chips and salad with a fairly powerful peppery dressing.
As I’d opted for a light bite I felt justified selecting a slightly heavier liquid option.
The friendly, helpful barmaid kindly offered me the chance to sample several beers before making my selection.
The first option was Amplified Pale Ale Radio X – a mash up. It was just four per cent and 20p from every pint sold goes to charity, but it tasted even worse than its names sounds.
Sadly I wasn’t feeling anywhere near charitable enough to drink this awful concoction.
I chose instead Buffalo Buffalo, a 5.1 per American ale for £4.
It is a dark amber beer with a foamy tan head and while all profit goes directly to the pub, rather than any good cause, at least it’s drinkable. In fact, it’s a very palatable pint.
The barmaid certainly works hard. As well as serving everyone, collecting and dishing out the food, whenever she had a spare moment she found time to clean the place and had everything behind the bar sparkling.
Turning back to my sarnie I noticed a completely separate menu which I hadn’t spotted previously containing three burgers with a difference.
A pity as I’d have been happy to try a chicken and calamari burger for £8.99.
The documentary had changed to Torvill and Dean so I opted to gaze out of the window instead.
I noticed the floodlights from Sussex Cricket Club, which I hadn’t realised was so close by – I made a mental note to see if I could try its bar in the future.
The pub was filled with a variety of different people, but in between songs I noticed it was almost totally silent.
One guy in a cap was doing a crossword and a lady had brought her dog in a basket on wheels. It sat on her lap through lunch before being wheeled back out again – it’s a dog’s life.
There are some nice touches, fresh flowers in an Absolut Vodka bottle. It’s comfy and well decorated and there’s a pleasant outside seating area at the back.
There’s one fruit machine, no pool, no darts and no jukebox.
Like so many other local pubs, I noticed there is a small area behind the bar set aside for an homage to the recent success of The Seagulls.
There was also a sign saying a new music quiz will take place every Wednesday at 8.30pm.
It was time for me to head for home, which was a shame, as I spotted yet another deal, £2.99 for coffee and cheesecake – maybe next time.
- Before I go, I must be fair and mention the County Oak. My review of this one has become infamous but credit where it’s due. The pub has undergone a change of hands and the approach from the new man in charge already seems to be making a difference. I popped back for another look and congratulations must go to Simon Parsons for taking some big strides forward.
Well done and I’ll ask the editor if he’ll send you a nice new frame for my review which you’ve got on show by the door.
THE PALMEIRA, CROMWELL ROAD, HOVE
Decor: ★★★★☆
A bit trendy maybe, but generally tasteful
Drink: ★★★☆☆
There is a wide range, with several decent ales to choose from
Price: ★★★☆☆
The sandwich was reasonable and pint not too bad at £4
Atmosphere: ★★☆☆☆
Almost silent, when the music stopped
Staff: ★★★★☆
One of the hardest-working barmaids I’ve come across
Food: ★★★☆☆
A decent sarnie, but I’d be more experimental next time
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here