The Sir Charles Napier, Brighton

Fuller's pub with an old style interior. Food served.

This is a nice two room Fullers pub located in the back streets of the Hanover area. The main bar is a fairly basic affair with table-less banquettes running around the perimeter and a lot of high stools along the bar counter. There is a fine pump clip display which includes lots of old Gale’s clips and displays of beer mats, golf balls and tankards can also be spotted – the latter being suspended from a ceiling beam. The second room has three notional areas divided by partitioning walls, each with bench seating. Items on display here include newspaper clippings relating to a robbery at Brighton race course, old pictures of the pub (including some of the local Morris dancing troupe) and some paintings of Charles Napier himself. A beer bottle collection has been arranged along a high shelf and this rounds off a cosy part of the pub that seemed like a nice spot to enjoy a few drinks with friends. The corridor leads round to a nice beer garden that was busier than the rest of the pub on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Three Fullers ales – London Pride, Seafarers and HSB – were supplemented by a guest in the shape of Tomos Watkin OSB. I tried a pint of the latter which was in good shape and served by a friendly and attentive barmaid. Food was also available from an interesting sounding menu which priced main courses around the £8-10 mark. I thought this was a nice pub that seems to cater equally well for its locals and the casual visitor. The beer was in good shape and the staff were pleasant enough, so I would probably give this another look the next time I’m at this end of town.

Situated towards the apex of a calf-burning hill, the Sir Charles Napier is a Fullers pub with a determinedly traditional local slant. The interior consists of a pair of rooms connected by a corridor and the room to the left has two distinct areas with a small sun trap garden up some steps to the rear which, oddly, has a post box in it. Décor consists of wood panelling, pew seating, train-themed cigarette cards, jugs and bottles. The pub is quiet with no music or TV on my visit. Four ales to choose from; Pride, Seafarers, HSB and a guest in Wye Valley (good nick). Also Aspalls Cyder on keg. Whilst this isn’t necessarily a ‘must-do’ in a city boasting a large number of good pubs it is certainly worthy as part of an extended crawl.

The Sir Charles Napier is a small Fullers pub that is split with a front and back bar that make up a U shaped interior. The back bar was very busy with what looked like a Saga gathering where trays of sandwiches were quickly devoured. The front bar was much quieter with three or four locals sitting at the bar and I was able to enjoy a very nice pint of London Pride. Seafarers, Front Row and HSB were also from each of the two banks of four hand pumps split between the two bars. There is also a very limited standard draught selection and various types of food including some heavily advertised pizzas are available for a varying array of prices. I didn’t spot any televisions and there was no music playing. I didn’t visit the advertised beer garden as my visit was on a recent cold Tuesday evening. Children are welcome, but must be seated at all times due to the ‘size of the pub’. Opening times: Monday to Thursday: 16:00 – 23:30 Friday: 15:00 - 00:30 Saturday: Midday - 00:30 Sunday: Midday – 23:00 Being from West London I’m a big fan of Fullers and I wasn’t disappointed with the Napier.