Lord Nelson, Brighton

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user reviews of the Lord Nelson, Brighton

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Classic pub - nice pint of Harveys - friendly staff - Mini Cheddars - what else could anyone want?
WandsworthBill - 19 Nov 2008 11:14
Classic boozer with a good range of Harvey's ales - the Mild was so-so but the 'Hadlow' was top notch. Food came within 10 minutes but then my order was at 12. Good wholesome stuff - Brue, Bacon & Avocado baguette - useful for slowing down the absorption of alcohol, and it worked.
Booze_Allen - 21 Sep 2008 12:36
Remains a consistently great pub, with a large range of Harveys beers (including the new Hadlow) and excellent food. I visited yesterday lunchtime with a group and enjoyed quick service and a very excellent spiced pork meal for £6.95. I no longer live in Brighton, but agree with those who say that making changes at this stage could actually be a backwards step.
timkholman - 17 Sep 2008 09:53
Certainly agree with that. Splendid pub, visited on 23/08/08, swift half of excellently-kept Harveys' Hadlow; unchanged since last review. Yes, leave the pub as it is!
lad_newton - 26 Aug 2008 19:10
Please DON'T replace the furnishings. We love the place just as it is, thanks!
southdown12jack - 22 Jul 2008 12:57
Great beer, friendly laid-back atmosphere. Great for a good night down the pub drinking and talking- no tvs or music to distract. Furnishings could do with replacing, and the 'conservatory' out the back has an odd, cold atmosphere compared to the rest of the pub and would be better as a beer garden.
steve_on_tour - 4 Jul 2008 13:39

Traditional old Harveys house with a carpetted lounge and a public bar with wooden floors. Bigger than it first appears, the lounge opens up to a quieter room behind this in turn leading on to a large conservatory type space. A garden area lies beyond.
Music and theatre posters decorate the walls, the etched window to the bar proclaims "Smoking Room". How times have changed.
Harveys Sussex Best, Hadlow, XX Mild, Olympia Golden and a wheat beer, Copperwheat I think on handpump. Two proper ciders too, Addlestone's and Westons Organic.

Maldenman - 21 Jun 2008 12:18
Decent pint of Harveys Armada when I called in. Seemed a bit quiet on a monday evening but would call in again when passing.
hairy_hippo - 16 Jun 2008 16:42
I can never decide on my favourite pub in Brighton. Is it the Lord Nelson, or the Evening Star? I guess I'll just have to carry on visiting both to find out. But what if I never do find out - will I have to keep drinking in both? Oh yes please.

The Lord Nelson is a pub that looks small from the outside but is actually quite spacious inside, and with an inviting gallery room right at the back. The Harveys beers are always superb and most of the usual varieties are here - if not the entire range.

Not living in Brighton I can't discern who the regulars are but the atmosphere is friendly and inviting - I've never experienced that icy stare reserved for outsiders that you get in some pubs.

I have nothing but fulsome praise for this pub - that's all you need to know. I'll stop now before I get boring.
GrahamA - 22 May 2008 10:36
PERFECT PUB WITH PERFECT BEER
baxterfish - 29 Apr 2008 15:37
Nice Guinness, my fellow traveller commented on good Armada, friendly service, high quality hostelry conveniently located 7 minute sprint from the station.

Or 12 minute hacking cough interspersed jog.


terenced - 21 Apr 2008 09:10
Nice friendly pub. Popular quiz night on Tuesday. Good selection of real ales
doncaosdelanada - 6 Apr 2008 21:17
This is a proper old fashioned pub where you can relax back and just enjoy being somewhere that's not manufactured and formulaic. One of the best pubs in brighton for good beers and a genuine atmosphere. Lovely!
Jess_W - 31 Mar 2008 23:23
A great place to relax and read the paper, or go for a chat with good friends. The Harveys beers are usually on top form. Some people may focus on the tatty decor but I think it's homely. I don't think they do food in the evenings, but I may be wrong on that.
GrahamA - 21 Feb 2008 13:04
A good old fashioned town centre pub, refreshingly free of spivs, chavs and builders. It does the basics well: looks after the real ales and serves hearty (if unadventurous)food. If only more places would stick to this formula rather than going down the gastropub route, with overpriced wines and poncey, new age menus.

There is occasional live music with an especially good monthly folk session, so I'm told.
zimmerman - 16 Feb 2008 14:24
This pub is a bit spit and sawdust, with smelly toilets and a tiny bar. The staff find it difficult to keep abreast of everyone as the bar is kind of in-the-round and was three or four deep last time I was there on a Friday night. Great burgers though!
Angelica_Demon - 11 Feb 2008 11:56
Agree with everything Bard says. If you go to Brighton don't miss it. Or on second thoughts, don't miss it, go to Brighton !
MillHouse - 31 Jan 2008 21:05
If I had time for just one pint in Brighton, the Lord Nelson is the pub I would drink in. Good old fashion no nonsense local where nothing seems to have changed for years. Wonderful staff and regulars, a good pint of Harvey's and a good humoured atmosphere very rarely experienced nowadays. Go there!
Bard - 30 Jan 2008 18:48
Traditional fairly basic city centre pub near the station serving excellent Harvey's ales. Most of the time there is a good atmosphere although I have occasionally been in there when some of the other customers have been distictly the worse for wear and generally a bit too lively. Not the best pub in Brighton but certainly in the top group.
Brewshed - 21 Jan 2008 15:55
Renewed my acquaintance with this pub today after a gap of several years. Nothing seemed to have changed - good unspoilt pub, excellent pint of Harveys and a barman who seemed genuinely pleased to see me. Mustn't leave it so long before going back!
TrevorT - 31 Dec 2007 23:24
One of the many good pubs that proliferate around the station. This one is right up there with the best. Nice old bar, wooden floorboards, and great greatpint of Harveys.
Pub cricket team.
For Albion fans, an interesting display of football players from early last century. I wish it was my local.
flagship - 18 Dec 2007 19:28
Still one of the truly proper pubs in Brighton that has not been messed about. Harveys is always 'spot on' and the food is tasty. Great lunchtime and early evening atmosphere.
beersniffer - 27 Nov 2007 16:18
Still one of the truly proper pubs in Brighton that has not been messed about. Harveys is always 'spot on' and the food is tasty. Great lunchtime and early evening atmosphere.
beersniffer - 27 Nov 2007 16:18
Still one of the truly proper pubs in Brighton that has not been messed about. Harveys is always 'spot on' and the food is tasty. Great lunchtime and early evening atmosphere.
beersniffer - 27 Nov 2007 16:18
A great find, a pub that looks small on entry but has alot of room to it by the looks of it
Studenty feel, would return myself, if your in the mood for this kind of atmosphere
the_original_rawnsleys - 14 Nov 2007 09:47
Quality pub with good atmosphere.

Warm handshake and promise of a return.
terenced - 12 Nov 2007 08:54
Lovely pub, especially when Graham and Ros are on duty! One of the last proper pubs left in the area - love it!
moonshine - 16 Oct 2007 18:26
Enjoyed 4 Harveys beers and a meal in the lovely gallery area. Intersting layout.
gillhalfpint - 5 Jun 2007 09:51
Good pub, nice beer, good food
quafalestar - 20 May 2007 19:50
The best quality Harvey's to be found in Sussex.
CJG - 14 May 2007 14:45
There's a GORGEOUS barman who works here most afternoons. Dark hair, and wears his trousers low on his hips so that his boxers show. Darling, you're wonderful!
The pubs's not bad either.
DD
dulldolly - 9 May 2007 22:37
Crappy tables and seating but otherwise a nice oldschool pub, not too loud, lot's of beers and an 'interesting' layout - give it a go :) 7/10
Tetsugaku - 24 Apr 2007 17:02
Used to work over the road from it - great pub, great times.
zamora250 - 20 Apr 2007 00:58
This has always been a gem of a pub as far back as I can remember and one of the very few Harveys pubs to serve the Harveys Hadlow Bitter (previously PA Bitter) and in fact the full range of Harveys real ales - all well kept. Always a friendly welcome.
zeitlin - 17 Apr 2007 15:10
Easter Sunday afternoon, and after several pints of tip-top Harveys in this lovely place we felt all as if all the world's woes had melted away.
A first visit for us, and we all agreed we'd return.

A gem!

Cheers,
Alph_river - 9 Apr 2007 10:22
This is a top, top pub.

When you enter it appears to be a cosy two-room local but opens up on the right hand side into another room and then the conservatory out the back.

The pub was busy when we arrived at 1:30 on Saturday lunchtime but it didn't take long to get served with some excellent Harvey's beer. And we tried the homemade burgers which arrived fairly quickly and were tasty along with some real chips too.

There's a TV in the small bar to the left but you'd have to get there early to get a seat for big games like the 6 Nations ones that were showing on Saturday.

The pub was a little smokey but not overly so.
GrahamA - 19 Mar 2007 16:02
well worth a visit.
davrod - 18 Jan 2007 15:36
This pub is fantastic - delightful Conservatory in the back which you can hire out free of charge for any events that you may have, good access to Brighton station. Does get busy after work on a Friday especially as offices just over the road do go in there - so if you want a table then get there early! Food at lunchtime is a variety - specials on the board by the bar! Worth a visit all the time!
clare_giggles - 28 Dec 2006 16:36
Brighton is full of little locals like this, so much so that you wonder why other towns aren't. There really does seem to be a pub on every street corner, and probably a pub or two in the middle of the street as well . Quite possibly there are also vertical drinking joints and chichi bars too but I wouldn't know. This one is typical of the breed - a straightforward pub selling Harvey's Ales and serving as a community resource in the way that pubs should.
beeronaut - 24 Dec 2006 19:11
I love(d) this place. Been going there for 10 years. The sort of pub that makes you proud to be a Brightonian. Nice atmosphere, superb Harvey's and a great landlord. I would also normally add the food to this list, but unfortunately I had a rather unpleasant experience there last Saturday. After choosing the haddock kedgeree from the The Nelson's specials board I sat sipping my pint with great anticipation. It looked great on arrival and the first few mouthfuls tasted wonderful. Unfortunately I was immediately put-off by the three long reddish-brown hairs mixed into the kedgeree. Really not what you want! These hairs matched perfectly with the hard working lady who delivered the food from the kitchen. Yuck! If she was also cooking the food then where was her hair net!? Needless to say, I will not be eating in the Nelson for a long while. I may also be offering them a little less of my business in the future. There are plenty of other decent pubs serving good unpretentious grub in Brighton & Hove.
mrboogaloo - 13 Nov 2006 14:42
The Nelson is indeed a classic and very much a worthy target for the traditionalist who values a good range of very-well-kept ales, a lively mixed clientele, and a genuine local atmosphere founded upon good conversation and mutual appreciation. It's not a quiet "older persons" venue either; there is a big screen for sporting events and music is played.
The Harvey's here really is always on top form and devotees of their brews should not miss a chance to sample them at the Nelson if the opportunity arises.
TWG - 23 Oct 2006 11:09
Found this gem using the CAMRA Good Beer Guide whilst on a family visit to Brighton. A proper, timeless English pub with friendly staff and clientele. An England match was being screened in the public bar but next door was buzzing with conversation. The Harveys Sussex Best was absolutely superb!
oxo - 18 Oct 2006 10:29
Began a crawl with a friend at this pub on 18th August 2006. Unchanged since last time, still just about the best pint of Harvey's Pale all year, and the Lord Nelson is still one of Brighton's best pubs - both for its superb atmosphere within and for the excellent quality of the beer. Was difficult to leave but we had other pubs lined up on the crawl!

Quite why I gave it only a 9 last review I cannot remember. It gets 10/10 now!
lad_newton - 9 Sep 2006 16:35
Great pub. Had a quality pint of Harveys Armada Ale. Good mixture of people in here. Always busy but always manage to find a seat. Only 2 minutes from The Station, well worth a visit if coming to Brighton.
giantelf - 14 Aug 2006 15:05
The Harveys is excellent. Civilised atmosphere.
hrse12 - 31 Jul 2006 23:22
Great pub, friendly people, good beer.
garyatthebar - 14 Jun 2006 19:00
Top place. just go there.
forresearchpurposesonly - 16 May 2006 03:03
Probably the best pint of Harveys you'll find in Brighton, and they now do real ciders too.

Early evening tends to be "commuter time", and it can be a bit overcrowded.
Hancock - 30 Jan 2006 12:36
First class pub selling superb Harvey's ales in proper traditional surroundings. Try the mild ale - a rare treat - why isn't all beer this good?
MrSOBA - 8 Jan 2006 21:38
Had our Christmas 'do' here - very friendly, excellent service and food was perfect. Recommended.
toffee_exile - 4 Jan 2006 14:25
Excellent Boozer. Worth a visit. Totally unspoilt.
JohnnyCrow - 6 Dec 2005 13:09
This is one of my top ten pubs. Great ambience and great beer. On my most recent visit, there were six Harvey's draught beers available. You'd be hard-pressed to beat that. Avoid Tuesday evenings unless you enjoy quiz nights!
southdown12jack - 16 Nov 2005 11:18
One of the best, most unspoiled pubs in Brighton. Excellent beer, friendly informal atmosphere and good imaginative but unpretentious food
reynedd - 6 Sep 2005 22:48
busy pub? yes for a good reason a traditional ale mans pub full of atmosphere, always a nice mixed crowd and the harveys full range on offer, big screen tv for sport in left hand side of the pub away from those who dont want to watch. Nice back patio aswell. great local, definitely worth the short trip down from Brighton station for visitors, will not be dissapointed.
jonrodge - 12 Jul 2005 01:09
This is a small, unspoilt local near Brighton station which is always worth a visit. The whole Harvey's range is available and the beer is always excellent. A relaxed atmosphere and friendly bar staff. Don't miss it!
Get_me_some_Old_Tom - 22 Apr 2005 13:59
Excellent pub - fine beer and good food. Can get a bit smoky though.
aph - 8 Mar 2005 11:32
Popped in there on Xmas day and stood at the bar for 10 mins. Didn't get served, admittedly the place was busy but not over the top. Lots of regulars got served in front of me and I thought "not very welcoming".

Left to prepare turkey.

Having heard so much about the place and the fondness it has in so many's hearts I tried again a couple of weeks ago. Better all round this time.

Maybe it was just the day that was in it on my first call and the fact that I wasn't a regular. Still, it was Xmas and there should have been room at the inn...

Anyway, aside from that, yep - it's a good place to be.
E1_Norton - 14 Feb 2005 17:52
Bear immediately right when exiting Brighton rail station, turn sharp left down the hill into Trafalgar Street and the Lord Nelson is just a short walk away on the right hand side. A smart, recently renovated, green and black tiled façade with etched glass windows (Smoking Room, Public Bar, Wines, Spirits…) fronts a comfortable and welcoming interior that, thankfully, is neither trendy nor mock traditional, just unspoilt. If all pubs were more like this, the world would be a far better place. The two front drinking areas are left and right of a central bar and are decorated with old circus, pantomime and variety show posters as well as Brighton and Hove FC memorabilia. The right hand side leads into a larger back bar area with benches, and then a light and airy conservatory that operates as both function room and art gallery. A Harveys house, its mixed clientele of locals and passing trade are offered this particular Saturday a choice of Best Bitter, Old Ale, Armada, Mild and Long Man IPA. My pint of the latter is in excellent condition and costs £2.00. A good range of food is also served here in what is my favourite Brighton pub and a consistent GBG entry since 2001. See <http://www.thelordnelsoninn.co.uk> (Spring 2004)
thequaffer - 26 Jan 2005 17:28
Within a stone's throw of Brighton Station, this is an excellent (if busy) town pub where you can sample the full range of beers from Harveys, including the hard to find XX Mild! Coupled with no nonsense pub fayre, this pub is a great choice for anyone in the area - heartily recommended.
Robin - 14 Aug 2004 01:33
Wonderful pub very handy for the station - I am a bit biassed coz my lass was a barmaid there.
Will - 15 Jul 2004 23:00
Well worth visiting, this is probably Brighton's main outlet for Harveys ale. A good mix of local residents and passers-by, the atmosphere is welcoming and the barstaff are WELL above the B'ton average!
timkholman - 5 Jul 2004 21:39
lovely pub - worth a visit, well kept beer & v. friendly staffs, food lunchtimes, nice locals, what more could you ask for?
DaveHarley - 16 Feb 2004 17:47
Superb pub - excellent Harveys beers, good staff, fine lunchtime food. Only snag can be a bit smoky at times.
Adrian - 28 Oct 2003 10:42
A gem! Part of an excellent crawl around the station, taking in the basketmakers arms and the evening star, all three of these pubs are individual and independent. All serve exquisite real ale and deserve a visit in their own right. I am rating it 9/10 as I enjoyed perfect Harveys on my last visit and found the staff and locals to be very friendly. Long may this last!
lad_newton - 23 Jul 2003 19:37
A great Harvey's pub with a wonderful atmosphere. Great to finish or start a crawl from, as it is close to the train station. The beer is top class and they have a good selection of wines too. A conservatory covers what was once a beer garden. Jazz music featured.
Kerwin - 22 Jul 2003 19:35

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