Seven Stars, Brighton

We liked this one when we visited Brighton in November 2014, so I was looking forward to a revisit. At that time it was a Youngs pub, and they had the Winter Warmer on. I'm not a big fan of Youngs, and my hazy memories of Winter Warmer from 40 years ago don't match up with the modern beer, but it's still ok, and the pub had a good vibe to it. Unfortunately it has changed beyond all recognition and now serves mostly keg "craft" beers, with just a couple of hand pumps. It was the quietest pub I visited on New Year's Day, and I didn't even stay long enough to make a note of the pump clip (only one beer available). Very disappointing - but they do say "never go back"! Date of aborted visit: 1st January 2017

A large Young's pub that seems to be a popular spot, and we were lucky to get a seat on a recent Saturday evening visit. There are large windows at the front which create a light and airy feel, although the pub extends back some way so this is less noticeable at the rear. It's all one open room, although the rear section is segmented by some balustrade and the fact that it is up a couple of steps. Flooring is mostly dark wood although with may rugs on top, and elsewhere there are a few tiles. The paintwork on both the upper part of the walls and the ceiling is maroon, while there is some cream wood panelling on the lower part of the walls. Some intricate black and gold cornices were an interesting feature, and there were a number of ornate brass lamps hanging from the ceiling. Seating is mostly tables and chairs, although there were also a few high stools and some suede chocolate sofa's at the rear. Numerous black and white pictures were dotted around on the walls and there was a projector at the rear, although this was not in use on this occasion. Various notices advertised screenings of forthcoming football and F1 fixtures though, as well as "Movie Monday" nights. Several other events are hosted such as charity speed dating. The food menu looked to be a typical "pub grub" affair and there was also a good selection of sandwiches. Most of the mains were priced around the £9 mark. Beers on tap were all from the Young's stable with their Bitter, Special, London Gold and Bombardier. Ciders were Aspall's Suffolk and Strongbow.

The Seven Stars is a large pub with big seating areas towards the front of the pub and at the rear where there are steps up to the toilets. The bar runs along the right hand wall and along with the Kirin Ichiban, Peroni and standard draught products are five hand pumps that were drawing Tribute, London Gold, Ordinary, Special and Bombardier. The barman that served me was very friendly and the Tribute was on good form, but on the expensive side at £1.75 for a half. The food is also quite expensive with a burger costing £8 on burger night which I’d imagine to be cheaper than normal or why call it burger night. There is a quiz every Thursday from 20:00 and live music is advertised for the weekends. There is also jazz advertised for Sundays whilst people tuck into the ‘famous roast’ and there was a three piece jazz band playing during my recent Tuesday evening visit. There is a projector screen, but I didn’t see any sports advertised. This pub is pretty good, but the prices dictate that I wouldn’t stay in here for a session. I think my lasting memory of this pub will be that it is the first place I have come across a Dyson Airblade hand dryer in the toilets. Fantastic invention!