The Southern Belle, Hove

A smartly presented front bar, a sort of Victorian chic vibe, another pub quiet on a Saturday afternoon, maybe it all changes when the sun goes down. There are a couple of handpumps on the bar but despite being clipped up and operational were completely obscured by two fully laden menu holders and a large jar of spiced Olives, after investigation the handles offered up Dark Star Hophead on one and one of the Rosies cider range on the other. The two barstaff (him & her) seemed somewhat fixated on each other, whilst the half pissed guy sat at the bar, an off duty barman who apparently knew everything about everything was in fact a dick. I went with the craft option of Salt Huckaback which was fine. Probably won't bereturning here though.

Official site of The Southern Belle - www.thesouthernbelle.co.uk

Official site of The Southern Belle - www.thesouthernbelle.co.uk

The Iron Duke is a pub and hotel with an L shaped bar area, the right side of which houses most of the seating. The bar to the left is stocked with standard draught alongside San Miguel. There are also five hand pumps that were drawing Harvey’s Best, Landlord and three beers from Hammerpot brewery which were Shooting Star, Red Hunter and Madgwick Gold. There were only five other customers when I visited early on Tuesday evening, but there was a friendly atmosphere. Some low background music was playing and there are two plasma screens that were off, but this venue does air Sky Sports when a match is on. There is a quiz from 20:00 every Wednesday and I didn’t see any menus, but food must be available because Friday evening is steak night. There is an advertised room with more seating at the rear and this is available for hire. There is also another room at the rear that houses a pool table, dartboard and another plasma screen. My preference is a traditional boozer which this is not, but I liked it in here and wouldn’t hesitate in returning.