The Stanley Arms, Brighton

The Stanley is a two-room backstreet local and very much a favourite with the local CAMRA group. The main room stretches a fair way back, although much of the action is at and around the bar, which features 5 handpumps, with another couple facing the smaller back room. A blackboard lists the ales to avoid punters having to wander about just to identify the beer. During the winter period, you'll find Harvey's Old, as well as ales from Sussex and further afield. This includes Sharp's Doom Bar (the pub claims to have been the first in Sussex to stock it, so you may feel they have quite a bit to answer for). Decor and furnishing is basic, although I did spot the oddity of elves in football kit above the bar. Not many of us in when I visited; I'm sure the atmosphere picks up a bit later on. Whilst I didn't warm to the place as much as others have done, I can see the attraction and would be happy to return.

A backstreet corner local that is a real community pub as well as being a fantastic drinking den. Seven handpumps (WJ King, Spinning Dog, Dark Star, Itchin Valley, Sharps, Piddle, Thwaites) two ciders (Gwent y Ddraig, Sandfords) and a perry (Two Trees) served in oversized glasses. Wine is also given a push here. Our group were given a warm welcome from the staff and guv’nor, emphasised by a chalked hello on the pub’s darts blackboard. The interior has a two bar layout and is fairly basic in décor, save for the lovely glass panelling above bar. There’s a tidy beer garden to rear. Pub has a piano and darts board. Sport plays a fairly major role here with a couple of large screens; it’s apparently a good place to see events without the undesirable elements. Amen to that. Not sure about the collection of hideous football gnomes grinning at you from above the bar. I really went a bundle on this one and would urge you to make the effort to get over there.