The Hove Park Tavern, Hove

Something of a landmark pub on a main crossroads north of the station with an oddly shaped, opened-out and slightly split-level U-shaped layout that has sadly any original character. That said, it's been tidily refurbished and enough room for two pool tables as well as plenty of tables. More seating is available out in the partly covered side yard beer garden. Just one handpump for cask ale, which - in accordance with ancient byelaws - has to be Harvey's (£5.70) unless you've got a really good excuse!

Facebook page of The Hove Park Tavern - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Hove Park Tavern - www.facebook.com

The Hove Park Tavern has a large U shaped bar area and there is more seating up a couple of steps to the rear right of the pub where a dartboard can also be found. Sky Sports is shown and there is a plasma screen either side of the front bar area. This area also houses two pool tables that are free to play during the week between midday and 14:00. The bar wraps around to the right and there is another pool table and plasma screen at the rear. There was a Championship football game on during my recent midweek evening visit so the pub wasn’t very busy and lacked atmosphere. I would be surprised if there wasn’t a decent crowd in here for the big games. Events that I saw advertised throughout the week were open mic and jazz evenings along with bingo on Sundays from 20:15 and poker on Thursdays from 20:00. The bar is stocked with standard draught and the only ale available was Harvey’s Best. I didn’t see any food advertised. There is an outside area at the rear that I didn’t visit as my visit was after dusk and the doors are locked after sunset due to lack of lighting. I’d consider returning here if I was in the area and a big game was being played, but I think that I would give it a miss at other times.