YOU cannot beat a proper pub.

The local. The boozer. A nice crisp pint, the sun streaming through the windows on a nice summer’s day, enjoying a refreshing drink after a busy day at work.

There was a time when the Great British pub had a lot to answer for.

Husbands out all evening, missing time with their loved ones. Saturdays and Sundays too. And when they got home they sat in front of the television for the football and they were soon having a sleep.

But pubs are different these days, on the whole. More often now they serve great food and you get a better mix of people.

It is fair to say there are less of the same people propping up the bars day after day.

And here in Sussex we know our pubs.

Brighton and Hove has an almost embarrassing abundance of them. Fantastic boozers full of joy and with a great atmosphere.

The live music is amazing too

Go along the coast to Bournemouth, for example, and if you wander through the centre you will not find a proper pub.

Go through The Lanes, the North Laine, and around the rest of Brighton and Hove and you will see some amazing places to enjoy a drink.

If they are not perfect then they are certainly colourful and still full of characters. Just read the Popular Pub Spy column on these pages every Friday and you’ll find out about some very interesting places.

So well done to Ye Olde Black Horse in Rottingdean for being crowned the best pub in our pub of the year competition. We raise a glass to you.

Cheers!