Bit of a dive. Worn decor, dusty in places, dirty windows…read more Terrible - TERRIBLE - pint of Guinness. Bubbles in the head, served in a greasy glass, and the lines needed to be cleaned. You can't screw up a pint of IPA, but a full-to-the-top pint glass would have been nice. Bathrooms... well, the wet on the floor smelled like disinfectant at least, and there was toilet paper.

Come for the pub quiz rather than the food. I once raved…read moreabout the BBQ chicken burger that I would invariably eat before a Tuesday night pub quiz, but alas those days are over. Apparently the pub was beset with misfortune when the chef decided to leave one dark and stormy night and take all the crockery with him, he even took the salt and pepper shakers! Vicious rumours aside, I can definitely say that since the change in kitchen management, the menu here has been sadly lacking... although 2-4-1 burgers on Tuesdays almost makes up for it. You might be asking yourself why I'd give such a high review for somewhere with such low food expectations, and simply put, it's the ambiance. There's such a friendly atmosphere here, the pub quiz is a hoot (especially on Ro's watch!) and only a quid to enter, so you won't care that the menu isn't as varied as you would like.

It's a monday night, you've got the monday blues and you want to escape the house. But what do you…read moredo? You don't want to get drunk because your too skint and a tuesday hangover is not what it's all about and the cinema is just not engaging enough. Irish Folk night at the Foundry, therefore, is just what you need. Buy yourself a nice pint of Guinness, sink back in your chair whilst basking in the warmth and cosyness of the Foundry and let your ears be taken away to a distant, forgotten land of leprechauns and travelling musicians. The performers are a little Troupe of Irish Folk enthusiasts from around Brighton who buy some Guinness (which you may have now realised is a requirement) and informally sit around in the lounge bar, humbly playing little ditties, silently. almost melancholically going from one song to the other. If you happen to play Irish Folk music, I was told by the bar lady that you can join in, and bring your own instrument. This is a really cool, relaxed and informal night, perfect for a monday, and is totally free (except of course the Guinness).

This has got to be one of my favourite pubs if not my favourite pub in Brighton. Excellent…read moreatmosphere when there is any matches on, the only pub in Brighton with a guaranteed decent live band. Staff are very friendly and so wonderfully Irish. Started good recently which is tasty and good value. Just a very happy atmosphere to be in. Mustn't be missed when in Brighton!

It's open late. Very…read morelate. Came here after a tumultuous day of reorganizing friends, priorities, and life goals. They have a good selection of whiskeys and beers here, although it is not cheap - it's moderately priced compared to other places I've drank in Hastings, but Brighton actually had things to do at night so it's a welcome tax. If you're feeling down, looking for answers to questions you never asked, and looking for another reason to leave America come to Molly's

If it's cool hair cuts, thick rimmed glasses, drinks that end in 'inha' or 'ito' and ironic…read moregaudiness that tickle your fancy; Brighton is undoubtedly the place for you. However, The Bugle Inn just off the Lewes Road may not be, for a number of reasons which I will now attempt to explain. Firstly the Bugle Inn or just simply the 'Bugle' is a proper old fashioned boozer in the best sense of the word, a bit dingy, full of loyal drinking borderline alcoholics, live folk music and a local ales. Walking into the pub, you are immediately struck by the lack of pretense in the decor in a city obsessed by such things. A dark, rich, beer sodden and (used to be) smoke infused character has penetrated seemingly every last fitting in the pub down to the old fashioned 60s style carpet and ornate wooden bar fittings. The walls are relatively bare, and art work has mostly been snubbed in favour of a few relatively modern guinness posters. Lets not be in doubt, this place is geared toward the simplistic art of drinking in a pub and the atmosphere is produced almost wholly by the punters and the owners (all people, not aesthetics), which I think is the special essence of the pub. The other crucial element to this place which demarcates it from the rest of Brighton, is that it is an Irish pub, but not in the European idea of an Irish Pub as some reductive theme park made of oversized Guinness hats and fake memorabilia. No. This is an Irish pub in a sense which I didn't realise was really possible in Brighton; its full of Irish people (including the owners). I used to live next to the pub with my window facing the street and I promise on a busy night when live music was on, the accents of the leaving crowds could sometimes make me question in a half sleep-induced haze, whether or not I had in fact transported myself to my own grandfathers fatherland in dream. I don't know where the rest of the time this Irish population is hiding in Brighton, but they do seem to come out of the woodwork, for this one special watering hole. If its possible to say, this strong Irish presence simply makes the place a bit more lively, open and laid back than most quite small, localised pubs in England which often can have their established pecking order on show for all to see and feel. The Bugle, is basically a great pub to get away from the more knowing Brighton scene, have a pint, a chat, and also maybe on an odd thursday night see some live Irish music. However after writing this review i now realise the irony which lays at its core. The 'ironic gaudiness' that i originally bemoaned of Brighton and held up The Bugle as it antidote to, is i suppose, in many ways what could be seen as the pubs attractions to many, and maybe even me? So my advice, which you should most likely not take is to not go there, and allow me to enjoy this little unspoilt gem on my own. Or just go, and have a good old fashioned knees up, and leave the thick rimmed glasses behind (unless you actually can't do without).

Very cool vibe with reasonably priced drinks. Recommend to stop for a drink…read more Not sure if serve food we just had drinks.

The environment and decor of restaurants are really underrated around here; I really appreciate all…read morethe little details that make a place feel a lot homier. This was one of the few pubs still serving Sunday Roast around 6pm, and even though there was a bit of a wait for the food, it was completely worth it. I'm officially a huge fan of Sunday Roast and I think it's one of my favorite traditional British foods. I got the chicken Sunday roast, and was surprised by the size and beauty of my plate. I have a huge appetite, but I wasn't even able to finish this! Really! I have a huge appetite, was hungry, and still couldn't shovel every last pea on the plate. I really loved everything, even the roasted onion to the amazingly crispy potatoes. Seriously, I wished there were more potatoes, but the vegetables were perfect too. Not to forget the Yorkie! It reminded me of a popover: so light and fluffy without an overwhelming taste. Come hungry, and leave happy! Or stay for the amazing music and atmosphere.

A little bit out of the way I think the is the only Irish pub I've found in Brighton, the Geese is…read moreknown as a Guinness and Irish Whiskey pub. As its in a residential area the clientele are largely local regulars, so it has quite a community vibe. The seasonal menu is quite swish as well as being organic and locally sourced where ever possible. They have regular Irish music nights on Sundays which attract Irish locals and Irish music fans from all over the city. They also have a popular jazz evening on Thursdays.

The Geese is a perfectly nice neighbourhood pub, located half way up Southover St in Hanover…read more Because of its location it doesn't draw clientele from far and wide and it is often quite quiet during the week. Having a few friends who live in the area, I have been here quite a bit and you do see the same faces every time, which is either lovely or a bit irritating, depending on your point of view! Although the staff are welcoming and attentive, I don't feel the pub is as inviting or charming as the Greys, across the street. However, if you fancy a lively but local party on New Year's Eve, I can recommend the Geese. I managed to squeeze in last year (it gets rammed and they have to operate a 'one in, one out' policy after a while) and the atmosphere was great. I mean arguably the atmosphere is great in most pubs on NYE, but I definitely had fun dancing the night away! A word of warning, if there's a football match on, the big screen will be showing it and the place drains of all atmosphere.

The ambiance and the wait staff were enjoyable and very accommodating. The food was disappointing…read more The eggs Benedict had under toasted and very dense bread, a 'hollandaise' sauce that was more like liquid sour cream and the eggs were hard boiled. I'm grateful that the server didn't charge me for my drink as a way to make up for the entree I sent back (the second time the eggs were less cooked but certainly not poached)

Wonderful food and attentive staff. Enjoyed a burger and salad with the family. Lovely atmosphere…read morewith a delicious menu. My son had the double chicken burger and was delighted with the dish.

This place seems to have gone through more transmogrifications than Dr Who. Formerly the Belle Vue,…read moreit has had several new owners, and as many new exterior paint schemes, in the course of a couple of years. The interior is still traditional with lots of wood, with the exception of a corner of leopard-skin-print banquettes (well, this is Brighton). A short-lived stint as a gastro-pub seems to have given way to a more traditional pub feel, with Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter and an occasional guest real ale, alongside the usual drinks and snacks. It also does food, with an Italian theme, Tues-Sats until 9pm, although we've not eaten here (yet). There's subtle piped music (80s electro-synth the other night) and a mixed crowd - during the evening it seemed to go through both quiet and busy patches. But not a bad place for a quiet pint, and for once you can have a conversation without having to shout.

A quiet little place that has been decorated to a decent standard, and is fitted with possibly the…read moremost excellent pub game I have ever had the pleasure to stumble across. Known as pub billiards, it involves shooting "up" a pool table, and landing the balls used in different holes, with different holes being worth different points. The real challenge comes into play with a trio of pegs, which block off the high scoring holes, and can reduce your score back down to zero if knocked over... intense stuff. I was chatting to my Dad about this, who informed me that its a game he and my Mum played back in the 70s, and was strangely addictive. The bar staff are more than friendly enough, and with a decent looking garden and the promise of food, it has everything you need from a pub. Don't be put off by the slight walk out of town, or the quiet nature of the place, as its really worth dropping by for a quick round of pub billiards, and the pleasant atmosphere.

Fitzherberts is one of the first pubs I went to when I moved to Brighton and it remains one of my…read moreregulars. The inside is so cosy that on a really busy night - when there's clusters of people standing - you usually end up with someone's elbow or handbag in your face. Luckily, the atmosphere is so friendly and laidback nobody seems to notice or care! There's a cluster of seats outside and a ramshackle assortment of wooden tables and chairs inside. Gig posters decorate the hallways and toilets and there's live jazz and acoustic bands most weeks. The rest of the time, the music depends on which bar staff are working. Most of the time they seem to rotate classic rock, indie and hip hop but I was once subjected to an hour of speed metal. I would have left but it was torrential rain outside. If they'd played The Supremes or Amy Winehouse instead, they'd probably have an extra star. :-)

Often overshadowed by the adjacent Mash Tun and Waggon and Horses, Fitzherberts is smaller and more…read moreatmospheric than either of these. Entering, there is a small bar, with a little bar seating for those who drink fast. The best feature though, is the strangely lit main seating area, a drinker's fairy cavern. A mass of blue fairy lights cover the stark white ceiling, and the effect this creates (especially after a few vodkas!) can be slightly disorienting, in a good way. Outside, like its neighbours, the place has some outside seating, which in summer is a great people watching spot. Its proximity to the Dome and to the Theatre Royal means that this is also a great choice for a pre-show drink.

If you're in the mood for a bit of americana, pull on your cowboy boots and head down to the Great…read moreEastern. A gem of a pub at the bottom of the North Laines, it seems to play a constant rotation of awesome counry and western singers. We're talking vintage Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris and Nashville Skyline era Bob Dylan. I once heard them play Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra too but again, I think all the records they made together have a strong hint of classic country. The music alone is enough to make it a great place to hang out but they also serve a fine selection of bourbons, whiskeys, spirits, beers and ales. I usually drink Maker's Mark with ginger ale and I never have to ask for the slice of lime. The bar staff are friendly and the atmosphere is cosy. If I was more of a drinker, I'd probably be in here every night!

The Great Eastern is one of my favourite pubs in the city. I love the mass of random books stacked…read moreup about the place. The seating is a mix of tables and benches and alcoves and everything has a cozy feel to it. The staff are exceedingly friendly and they have a well stocked bar with a good ale selection. The real gem however, is the crazy range of whiskey's they have available. They have a monthly tasting night and any lover of the noble spirit will be more than satisfied with the blends they have. They serve a decent range of pub food from the kitchen upstairs and the food is delivered by a dumb waiter. Nice touch! The food is standard pub fare, but more than an acceptable accompaniment to the drinks. There is a small outdoor area outback for smoking, but you can just as easily duck out down the side of the pub for a ciggy also. A great place to start a night out in Brighton at and close enough to the station for a pre travelling drink.