The Kingfisher, Eastbourne

Undistinguished sports pub in an equally unexciting suburban shopping precinct, with a slightly split-level H-shaped layout. Pool and darts but fewer TVs than expected. No cask ale of course, so went for a quick John Smith's (£3.85, half, with a packet of peanuts). All that said, though, it was doing surprisingly good business early on a Friday afternoon.

It’s always good to have a proper pub in a shopping centre complex as it is a great excuse to escape and have a cheeky pint. This pub is actually on the edge of the complex so it is open for the local residents until usual closing times which are long after the shops have bolted their doors. Real ale is advertised on the wall outside, but this is a dated sign as there is only a standard draught range available. I didn’t spot any food advertised during my visit early Saturday evening, but I would be surprised if lunch isn’t served. There is a dartboard, pool table and two plasma screens which accompany the projector screen when showing Sky Sports. A match was on during my visit, but the volume was off and the jukebox was cranked up to an ear shattering volume as some locals punched in the numbers for the greatest hits of Bon Jovi. The music was so loud that my pint was vibrating on the table and all but the few regulars looked like they were fed up and getting ready to leave. I did find it strange that a larger crowd wasn’t in to watch the match as there aren’t any other pubs in this area that show Sky Sports, but now I understand the lack of customers. Karaoke is advertised for every Sunday from 14:30. I’d imagine that the crowd in here changes throughout the day, but most seemed absolutely plastered at 19:00 and I was glad to leave. It’s a shame as this has the makings of a good pub with the correct management.