The Pond, Brighton

I’m not sure if The Pond is a pub with Thai restaurant attached or a Thai Restaurant with a pub attached as everyone that came through the door during my visit on Saturday headed straight upstairs to the Sing-Tong Thai restaurant that has been awarded five stars by the Scores on the Doors hygiene rating team – top marks and rarely seen! There were only three other people in the bar area when every other pub in Brighton seemed to be packed out so there wasn’t much atmosphere. The barmaid was very friendly and she poured a decent half of Guinness that I enjoyed at the other end of the pub that is down a couple of steps. This is where the stairs up to the restaurant are located and whilst peering up I noticed that the ceiling was chock-a-block with bed pans hanging off it. I’ve seen a lot of knick-knacks and memorabilia in lots of different pubs, but I think that this is somewhat taking the p*ss! I didn’t spot any TVs, but there was some background music that wasn’t too harsh on the ears. There are three hand pumps on the bar and one of these was unused leaving Hophead and Betty Stogs on the other two. There is also a range of standard products alongside Hoegarden and a selection of hot drinks. Restaurant opening times are 18:00 until 22:30 on Monday through to Saturday and it is closed on Sundays, but traditional roast dinners are available during Sunday day. I think that there are better pubs in the area and I cannot see a return visit for another beer.