Saint James, Brighton

This was my favourite of five pubs visited in the Kemptown area. It's a nice old fashioned boozer, a bit rough around the edges - which is how I like them. There's a lovely bar back with etched mirrors, and there are hooks under the bar rail. There's a large selection of bottled "craft" beers for those who like them, but more importantly four hand pumps, with Brains Reverend James, Gun Extra Pale, Otter Ale and Franklins Mama Knows Best available. I went for the latter (I'll normally go for a best bitter if available) and it did not disappoint (and was the cheapest of the night at £1.90 a half). I'd be happy to return here another time. Date of visit: 1st January 2017

I popped into the Saint James late on Wednesday evening and found a very comfortable pub. Along with some premium draught products the bar supports four hand pumps that were drawing Franklins EXP, Hophead, Old Peculiar and Theakston Double Cross IPA. There is also a huge list of rums chalked up on a board to the left of the bar. I didn’t sample any though as last time I touched the Pussers I ended up dancing around like a headless chicken. I found the service to be very friendly and worthy of a return visit in its own right. My only gripe would be that I’m not usually a fan of jazz music and the dim red lighting gives me heavy eye lids after a while. I’d still return though as I enjoyed my stay.

Popped into the Saint James on a summer afternoon for a quick pint and could easily have stayed longer. Our Dark Star American Pale Ales went down very nicely and I'm sure we would have tried the Thai food on offer had we not eaten just down the road. I found the pub a friendly place to stay for an hour or so and the large windows made for good people watching.