Seven Stars, Brighton

A big pub with a warm, friendly atmosphere, although we found the bar staff slightly stand-offish, despite their efficient service.

A good range of food. No guest beers that I could see, although the Bombardier was fine.

We enjoyed the jazz and noted that they had plenty of events/gigs etc arranged throughout the week.

12 Mar 2012 11:39

The Dorset Street Bar, Brighton

I have to agree with Stephen, following our visit to this pub yesterday. We liked the continental look of the Dorset Street Bar and the menu, although when we asked the waitress whether all the specials were still 'on', she told us that most of them weren't.

She asked us if we'd like a drink while we decided what we'd like to eat. We ordered some Deuchars.

We chose our starters and main courses, however after 15 minutes without beer, during which we saw the waitress on the 'phone before she disappeared altogether, we decided to leave. I got the impression that they'd completely forgotten about us. We had little faith in the food if they couldn't even pull a couple of pints.

For much of our visit there was no one behind the bar, however there were two waitresses fiddling with the tills for prolonged periods plus the woman who served us and then disappeared - who on earth thought that table service in a pub is a good idea?!

We nonetheless had a really nice evening, eating in Gourmet Burger King across the road and then enjoying some jazz, Bombardier and pleasant ambience in the Seven Stars.

12 Mar 2012 11:29

The Ship Tavern, Holborn

I discovered this pub last year and have returned to it several times. It's what I would call 'versatile': I've taken my Mum and wife there, and they both loved it for the history and pleasant ambience, but also my old mate Dave - a large, northern CAMRA person, who likes his beer and was also very happy to spend time here.

Friendly, attentive staff, several well kept ales (some old favourites and some I'd never heard of) and reasonable (but slightly over-priced) food. Also, well placed for both the West End and the City. Overall, pretty good stuff.

26 Jul 2010 10:48