This week PubSpy made a beeline for the new-look The Dyke Pub.

Growing weary of the city’s seemingly endless supply of pale ales, he went in search of a less lightly-coloured pint.

But he had to balance his desires with a hungry Mrs PubSpy’s requests for a large pub supper.

Find out how he got on...

RUMOUR has it if you murmur the words “renovated pub” three times into the bottom of an empty pint glass then Mrs PubSpy and I will turn up and, like thieves in the night, review that venue.

This rumour is true and, after receiving our signal we made the trek uphill to the freshly refurbished The Dyke Alehouse and Kitchen.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those responsible for this revival, for without it I would not have seen one of the most beautifully stereotypical “man walks into a pub” moments of all time.

Shortly after I entered the pub I witnessed a bloke wearing a black t-shirt with the words “big dog” emblazoned across the chest stride confidently up to the bar.

Plonking an elbow down on the pristine tabletop he quickly made his order with a nonchalant flick of the wrist.

The barman obliged and three golden lagers with healthy white heads quickly appeared before him, which the man gratefully swept up in his hands and ferried over to a nearby table.

He dumped them down with aplomb - but, amazingly, no spillages - and then made a regal sweeping gesture with his arms.

“Lads,” he announced himself to a rallying cry of “oi oiiii” from his friends before taking a seat and settling down to his brew.

Feeling suitably intimidated by this man’s expertise, I crept up to the bar but was immediately put at ease by the cheery barman.

With Brighton and Hove’s apparent adoration of pale ales, I decided to go for something a bit darker and was expertly directed to a bitter on tap.

He poured me a sizeable taster of No Man’s Land, brewed by Veteran Brewing, a company which I was informed was owned by the landlord.

The smooth, slightly rouged drink slipped down my gullet and, though it was tempting to abuse the generous tasters, I opted for a pint and was rewarded with a hearty flagon.

I then picked up a half of Birra Moretti for Mrs PubSpy and headed back to the table where I offered my drinking buddy a sip of my tipple.

Mrs PubSpy told me she was not normally a bitter woman - a statement I nodded silently in agreement with under pain of a good rollicking - but she was heartily impressed by the brew.

As we settled in for our drinks I took a glance at my surroundings.

White wood floors and wicker chairs gave the impression of an upmarket Cornish holiday home which, for me, is a highly commendable look.

Next we looked for food. Mrs PubSpy had come straight from work and I had promised her a slap-up pub dinner.

But, after a short exchange with the highly personable barman, I found that food would not be served here until October 21.

In a moment of panic, I bought what I thought was the next best thing for a particularly hungry Mrs Pubspy and plopped them down on the table in front of her as I told her the bad news.

But I fear my peace offering was not fully appreciated as I found myself on the receiving end of some piercing stares from over the top of an open bag of cheese and onion Tyrrells crisps.

We went on a weekday evening but, throughout our stay, the venue grew steadily more busy to the point where, by the end of our stay, there were few free tables.

Despite having only re-opened in late August, it has clearly been taken to the hearts and livers of its community who, it must be said, all appeared to be immaculately dressed.

My final destination, before satisfying Mrs PubSpy’s dwindling satiation, was the toilet.

As may be expected from a new pub, it was spotless. Only time will tell if it the crisp white furnishings will remain this way. What is clear is that it is a great rebirth for this boozer.

The Dyke Alehouse and Kitchen, Dyke Road, Brighton

Decor: five stars

Comfortable, cosy and welcoming.

Drink: four stars

An unexpected find which was a very pleasant surprise.

Price: four stars

A four pound pint and £2.60 for a half of lager, no complaints here.

Atmosphere: four stars

Bustling by the end of the evening.

Staff: four stars

Barman couldn’t do enough for us. Cheerful, smiling and well-informed.