The Connaught, Aldrington, Hove

The Connaught is a Brakspear pub and kitchen that opens from noon until late (whatever that means) except for Sundays when it shuts earlier. The interior is L shaped with a dining area to the right of the entrance and seating that runs up the left opposite the bar. There is a wood burner that had some candles in it, but a basket of logs to the side led me to believe that it is fully functioning during colder times. Premium draught products are available from the bar and the three hand pumps were drawing Oxford Gold and Bitter from Brakspear alongside Ringwood’s Fully drift. I asked for a half of some lager and received a pint which was around £4 so this isn’t the cheapest pub in the world. I didn’t see any menus, but there was a strong smell of bacon wafting around the pub. This is a dog friendly pub where dog beer, bowls and chews are all available for any canine friends. There was some background music playing during my visit late on Tuesday night and the plasma screen was off. This isn’t the sort of place to show sport, but for a meal in a dimly lit gastro pub it is perfectly acceptable. I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit here again.