Pubs

If one can say any pub was beautiful, it was definitely the Old Vic, formerly the Seven Stars, and now back to its original name after several changes.

Back in the 1600s the pub was called the Seven Hours Coaching Inn before going through many transformations.

In the 1970s the pub then known as the Seven Stars became notorious for its topless go-go dancers.

The Old Vic with its theatrical exterior and interior was a beautiful building in a good position.

With its flamboyant late Victorian architecture it truly was a pub with character.

In 1982 the landlord, a Mr Bob Falconer, turned it into a theatre fun pub with cabaret acts and dance troupes and a stage was built.

The pub had been derelict for three years and this was an opportunity to bring the West End to Brighton.

The interior housed theatrical props. There was also a rumour that Brighton football club was founded there in one of the meeting rooms. During the 1980s it was a music venue hosting such acts as The Smiths, Wendy James pre-Transvision Vamp, Curiosity killed the Cat and many more.

The interior consisted of red velvet curtains and red velvet seats everywhere oozed opulence bringing old time musical hall with modern trends.

The bar was in the centre of the pub in the shape of an island. Many a night I spent in this hostelry listening to bands.

I remember meeting a punk with a black and red mohair jumper, who invited me onto the beach after the gig. If that happened now I'd probably run to the hills – ah, the young and the brave.

In 1990 the owners sold the venue to Helsinki Ltd and closed it as a music venue preferring to open it as they called "a stylish bar in the 1930s style art deco, aiming for a mid 20s well educated clientèle"

Well it didn't work and in my opinion this is what killed it. I have never felt quite the same since the Old Vic closed. I say this is what we need bring back opulence and theatre to the pub.

Mine’s a pint.