The Cobblers Thumb, Brighton

The exterior of this pub reveals that it was once called the New England Inn, but it is now known as the Cobbler’s Thumb. This is a pub aimed at students and bands are advertised outside along with student deals that run all day from Monday to Thursday. The interior is dimly lit and has all manner of student tat on the walls including a vagina exhibition made up by crepe paper contributions from locals. To the right of the entrance is some seating and at the rear is the Busk Stop where the bands play. The bar is located to the left of the entrance and behind is a pool room. Out the back is an enclosed seating area wholly covered by a jumbrella and the gent’s toilet that is in an outhouse covered with graffiti. I didn’t spot any televisions in the bar, but there was some chilled background music and on Thursdays there is a weekly open mic night from 21:00. I didn’t spot any food advertised, but that is not to say that there isn’t any during the day as my visit was late on Tuesday night. Standard draught products are available from the bar and two of the four hand pumps were off leaving Dark Star’s Smoked Porter (very good) and Heritage cider as the cask options. I found this pub to be very friendly, but not really my scene anymore as I’m of an age where my hopes and dreams have been already crushed, unlike the fresh faced regulars of this pub who are only just starting out on their journeys through the minefield that is life.