The Havelock, Hastings

Crossing the road from the Wetherspoon's, we didn't realise we were entering through the rear fire escape. The main entrance is on Robertson Street. There's no door handle on the Havelock Road side but the gaggle of smokers at the door assisted us in gaining entry. The pub's biggest asset is the superb tiled murals on the one wall featuring local historical scenes. They really are quite impressive. Otherwise, this is a basic Craft Union pub only offering keg beers and ciders. The 1½ handpulls (one had its top snapped off) were unclipped leaving Fosters, Moretti, Peroni, Stella, Strongbow, Strongbow Dark Fruit, John Smith's, Guinness, Carlsberg & Cruzcampo. Shots appear to be popular with plenty of promotions on the walls and in the windows. Pop music was playing whilst we were there, with Sky Sports News also showing on several TV screens. Fruit machines appeared to be entertaining the locals. Karaoke, bingos, quiz nights and discos were also advertised. Dogs are welcome. The pub's allegiance appeared to be to Arsenal, with signs above the bar. Although one local was wearing a West Ham shirt. The gents toilets could be smelt throughout the pub, even with exterior doors open. Come to see the lovely tilework. Dare I also suggest you walk in one door and straight out of the other!

Official site of The Havelock - www.craftunionpubs.com

Official site of The Havelock - www.craftunionpubs.com

A single opened out room that spans two parallel streets, the only thing of note is the very nice pictorial wall tiling that gives the pub interior heritage status, unfortunately everything else about the pub is rather bland. Two handpumps on the bar with the only real ale being a below average Timothy Taylors Landlord albeit cheap at £2.55 a pint. Not on my return list.