The Basketmakers Arms, Brighton

The Basketmakers Arms page on the Fullers website - www.basket-makers-brighton.co.uk

This popular back street pub has a lively atmosphere, but at the time of my visit a strong smell of fried fish. Not everyone will find that as off-putting as I do, I guess. (To be fair, it was just after 7:30 in the evening, so people were eating.) There are eight hand pumps, with all the four beers available at the time of my visit being from Fullers: ESB, HSB, Lancer and Jack Frost. If thinking of visiting again, I might try a time of day when the consumption of fish was not going on to such an extent. Date of visit: 3rd January 2017

I know it's tantamount to sacrilege in these parts, but I've long felt that the Basketmakers is rather over-rated, especially if you just want a drink. The choice is primarily the Fullers range, although they did have a Batemans guest last night in good shape, but its excessive popularity is off-putting – it was rammed last night & I ended up supping outside, shivering, to escape the claustrophobic bar. I've reviewed before, and the lunchtime food specials do look very good value and, yes, the staff are friendly & efficient, but I live in London, and this is a Fullers pub … 28 March 2007 Good range of beers, including Jennings Cumberland today, and the daily food specials read very well indeed, eg Fillet of Black Bream with new pots & roasted pepper sauce for just £5.95, but I can't help thinking that the drinkers are slightly marginalised at lunchtime when the whole pub smells like the kitchen. That, however, is admittedly something of a devil's advocate standpoint and I think this is a terrific pub run by people who evidently care about their food & drink and are always welcoming & polite.

A very likeable trad pub,no hint of modernisation which in my book is a good thing,downside for me is its a Fullers pub ,not my favourite tipple but drinkable, a good feel about the place though and well worth a return visit.

A fuller's pub with an old style interior. Real ale and food served.

Although not on any main streets, the Basketmakers still manages to attract a fair old crowd. We just popped in for one, but had to stand and there were more folk holding pint glasses on the street outside. Food is an obvious attraction here - there was a 30-minute wait at the time we were there. Some of the previous reviewers have mentioned guest ales - we found none, so all 8 pumps were devoted to Fullers (who knew they had so many available at any one time?). Definitely worth doing what the locals do and popping in for a pint or two when you're in the area. A bit of planning would be required, though, if planning to sample the well-regarded menu.

A street corner local at the bottom of a hill but only a few minutes stroll from the station. Formerly a Gales pub, it is now operated by Fullers. Seven ales available on my last visit with one off. I tried the Fullers Summer Ale and Gales Seafarers which were both in good shape if on the expensive side. Guests were Wye Valley and Butcombe. Apparently Gales Festival Mild was once a regular here and it was sad not to be able to sample any this time. There was also an impressive range of malts. Pub is set out over two rooms and has a bohemian feel, for example the cigarette boxes attached to the walls in which you are encouraged to put messages. There’s also plenty of other interesting bits and pieces (stamps, pump clips, old beer bottles). The music selection is best described as eclectic. This place is very popular so you’d be well-advised to get there early for a seat, as crowds regularly spill out onto the street at peak times. I’m a fan of this place and always make a point of dropping in here when in Brighton.