Thursday, 12 January 2012

Koba, Western Road, near Waitrose, Brighton

Not my usual kind of place, being more of a ladybar. This used to be the site of the legendary Mars Bar, of 1980s yore. However, now it does a bit of food and there's an emphasis on cocktails. I've had a few here and they are consistently well-made and - especially during happy hour, at £4.20, very good value. They also do beer in bottles (Dark Star Sunbust - yum) and wine by the bottle or glass. Good relaxed vibe (man) and helpful staff.
4/5

The Florist, Upper North Street, Brighton

This used to be the Princess Victoria or PV. Its been tarted down and stripped floors and tables abound. When I visited there were 2 real ales on tap - Doom Bar (yawn) and Harvest Gold - Champion Beer of Britain in 2010. It was well kept and pretty lush. And not bad value at £3.20 a pint. 4/5

Tuesday, 3 January 2012

The Park View, Preston Drove, Brighton

Every time I visit my local, I'm pleasantly surprised with the selection of real ales on offer. The last time I was there there was Harvey's Best, St Austell Tribute, Sharp's Doom Bar (can't win em all), Box Steam Tunnel Vision ( a lovely 4.2% Bitter) and another one I can't remember. The staff give tasters, are knowledgable and enthusiastic about beer and will be continuing to offer some obscure ales as well as old favourites.

Bricklayers Arms, Putney

This is my regular pre-service destination when I go to worship at the oldest church in London - Craven Cottage. It's just off the riverside Lower Richmond Road ohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifn the ya-ya Putney side of the river. It regularly has around 8 real ales on tap, all well-kept. Before last night's epic victory against the Gunners I had a couple of pints of London Stone, a 4ish % bitter ale with a hoppy finish.
Its a great pub which also does a bit of food and has a great little suntrap of a garden round the side. A friendly crowd of Cottagers and oppo fans.