Grenadier, Hailsham

It's great to see that Harvey's are not vandalising their pubs like other Southern breweries that spring to mind. This small town Hotel has retained a very old fashioned exterior plus Saloon and Public bars. It no longer serves as a hotel but is a community town local. On my weekday January visit it was quiet and was serving Harvey's Old and Best Bitter. I went for the Harvey's Old (£3.50) that was in excellent condition. There are only four pubs left in Hailsham Town centre, but this is certainly the "must visit" one. Whether it is the best on a given visit depends largely on the vagaries of the JDW down the road, but I can't imagine ever being disappointed by this place.

A striking-looking building on the northern side of the town centre, with an unusually low and wide façade. A Harveys pub which still retains separate public and saloon bars, both with a slightly old-fashioned feel (not that this is unwelcome in this type of establishment). Extended to one side with a small archway underneath which I understand houses a poker club. A beer garden with a substantial shelter is located on the other side. Good value lunchtime food menu, with kitchen receiving a top food hygiene rating. Friendly staff. A total of six handpumps can be found in the two bars, but only Sussex Best Bitter (£3.30) was on when we visited. Overall, despite the lack of beer choice, a good place to stop.

The Grenadier has two bars with a right hand ‘lounge’ bar that houses a plasma screen which was off during my Saturday afternoon visit. There was a radio station playing complete with adverts which made my mind up to move into the over eighteens public bar. In here there is another larger plasma screen, I don’t know why as there is no Sky Sports, and a dartboard that is used in the local dart league. They must be pretty good as the shelves around the board are stacked with numerous trophies. I found the service to be friendly enough and my Guinness was well served. Harveys Best and Old Sussex are both available from hand pump, but there is space for another two ales which is not utilised. I spotted an advertisement for an upcoming quiz at the end of the month (November), but I’m not sure if this was a one of or whether it is a monthly occurrence. I’d pop back in again for a quick pint if passing.