First In Last Out, Hastings

An unusual brewpub in the nicest part of Hastings (probably too far up the hill for the chavs), which is the home of some decent beer. There was (as I recall) Crofters Best Bitter, Ginger Tom (yes, it was very gingery…) and Gold which were all cheap and served well. There's also a fair selection of real cider too. The interior is quite dark as it doesn't seem to catch the sun that well which makes the lavish 70's décor (dig the carpets attached to the upper and lower portions of the strip-lit bar) seem even more wacky in summer, though in the winter the big open fire in the middle of the room makes it all seem rather cosier than your average boozer might feel. The best place to get a seat is one of the booths at the side but you'll need to get there fairly early for that as the place fills up quick. There's a rudimentary beer garden for the smokers down the steps at the far end of the pub. Perhaps the only drawback was that I found the welcome behind the bar a little bit surly – cheer up, you're working in one of the best pubs in Sussex! If you're down on the East Sussex coast, you'd be mad to miss it.

The FILO (as it is more commonly known) is tucked away down a picturesque street in the Old Town and is probably the first pub on the list for many of Hastings more discerning pub tourists. The building itself dates to the 1500's although the carpeted single room interior doesn't give many clues to its great age. That said, everything is neat, tidy and quite cosy with a series of settles down one side and an unusual central fireplace at the rear with large hood. A mix of old photos, paintings and posters adorn the walls and a large clock that probably moves too quickly for most visitors. The main attraction is is the beers, selections of which are brewed in the small microbrewery at the rear of the pub, visible through a glass pane at the end of the bar. Steps lead down to a secure covered courtyard with additional seating. There were 4 ales available on my visit (FILOs own Crofters and Mikes Mild as well as Isle of Purbeck Fossil Fuel and Caledonian Deuchrs). Prices were very reasonable and the quality justifies the pub's glowing reputation. The FILO is definitely one for the “real pub” enthusiasts with no jukebox, TV or fruit machines although they do have occasional live music. The customer base is welcoming and friendly and the staff efficient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I don't think too many people would complain at being first in and last out here, me included.

A wonderful place where everyone is welcome, and they brew their own beer on the premises. Because they actually do know beer (unlike so many other places) the guest beers are spot-on. I would call this my local, and I live thirty miles away.

A great pub with a micro brewery attached serving excellent ales and a selection of ales from around the country. Very friendly, great Tapas nights on Monday's. Inside you can either sit at the bar or around tables or in booths for a more intimate occasion and there is a 360 degree open fire to sit by in the winter...Don't miss it, if you are in the area.

Official site of the First In First Out, includes beer details and menu - www.thefilo.co.uk

Official site of the First In First Out, includes beer details and menu - www.thefilo.co.uk