It was so good I’ve already been back. It might be hidden away a little, but The Fiddler's Elbow is definitely one worth seeking out.

I first happened upon Boyce’s Street many months ago, but it wasn’t until recently I found myself outside the Elbow again.

It’s a great Irish pub dominated, in the traditional way, by a large central bar surrounded by stools occupied by proper drinkers.

During my first real visit there was a great deal of furniture moving going on and I thought I might have arrived too late – fortunately no-one was moving out, it was just to make room for the band which was due to set up in half an hour.

I was served by a brunette barmaid and I couldn’t decide whether the dungaree look she was sporting was simply thrown together or very carefully planned – I finally decided it had been thought through. She was lovely and provided me with a great pint of Guinness in a very timely fashion. Costing a mere £3.80 I wondered if everything was as cheap here.

There were a couple of screens on showing the footie but it wasn’t allowed to dominate and the hearty voices of the many punters held centre stage.

Now, they do say you learn something new every day – although how I’ve got to my age without knowing this is a mystery.

Did you know the pint glass in the corner of the screen is used by Sky to demonstrate whether the establishment in question has a legitimate business licence to show games? I didn’t.

What I found even more interesting was some devious barmen started putting a sticker of a pint on the screen to make it look like they hold the licence. Sky craftily overcame this ‘cheat’ by showing the pint glass with different levels – sometime full, sometimes half full etc. Well, you live and learn.

Actually on the subject of sport there were several framed rugby shirts on the walls so I’m sure they show games with the oval ball too if you’re interested.

The Argus: The Fiddler's Elbow pub in Brighton

Anyway, back to business, alongside me at the bar were a couple of friendly fellows who looked like they’d stepped straight out of an ageing US rock band – right down to the bandana and tattoos. They didn’t look as if they’d be interested in the three-day blues/jazz festival the pub was proudly hosting, but you never can tell.

By now the band, well two guys, had set up and were knocking out a very fair version of A Horse With No Name. I’ve never seen so many leads and pedals for just two musicians and couldn’t really hear the benefit but they sounded okay.

The whole atmosphere in the place was lively - edging upon boisterous and friendly - edging towards someone putting their arm round your shoulder – I loved it.

There’s a sign saying there’s live music every Thursday from 8pm but they clearly have live music more regularly than this. Tuesday evening is Quizness night with entry costing just £1. I’m the last person to stereotype but suffice it to say visitors would have to be in with a chance of winning.

Then, on Sunday at 8.30pm it is open mic night with Sham Rock – so something for everyone.

You really do feel this is a proper Irish bar where anything goes, though I did see the barman politely ask a couple of guys if they could turn down the level of the stuff they were vaping.

There’s a great sense of camaraderie between the punters and bar staff, but most importantly it’s achieved without making newcomers feel unwelcome. The place was raucous but in a very polite way. No darts, no pool, no jukebox and even the quiz machine looked like it had been turned off forever.

One small word of warning, trust me, the stairs up to the gents really are only wide enough for one person – unless you’re very careful about who you choose to squeeze past. And, it’s got fir on the door of the gents, if it wasn’t for the picture I might have thought it was the ladies.

During my second visit more recently, and earlier in the evening, the back bar had been turned over to a mix of bar staff and punters all playing a mass game of girls versus boys beer pong. They had even been allowed to bring in their own cans to keep down the cost of filling the cups.

I declined the offer to play and stuck to my pint of Hop House 13, though it was a full £1.10 more than the Guinness I enjoyed previously.

This pub might not be easy to find but is definitely worth seeking out. If you don’t like the Fiddler's Elbow then sadly you may be tired of life, or even worse, tired of pubs.

Fiddler's Elbow – 11-12 Boyce’s Street, Brighton BN1 1AN

Decor: *** Rough and ready with plenty of wood and old stuff, just right for an Irish bar.

Drink: **** A very serviceable pint of Guinness and plenty of other choice.

Price: *** The black stuff was a bargain, the Hop House 13 slightly less so.

Atmosphere: ***** A perfect blend of boisterous charm without anything over the top.

Staff: **** Friendly and fun – just right for this back street bar.

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