The Post & Telegraph (JD Wetherspoon), Brighton

I've probably been to around 300 branches of this ubiquitous pub chain over the years, and I don't think I've ever found one as dreadful as Brighton's Bright Helm, so there was a degree of trepidation when I decided to check out the city's other central 'Spoons on a Saturday night. It's a surprisingly compact venue, located in the heart of Brighton's retail district. You enter into a carpeted space with scattered high tables and stools partly impeding your progress towards the bar, which can be found along the far wall. The bar has a slightly curved, dark wood counter with the usual polished stone top and a very grand, high, dark wood bar back with an etched glass pub mirror centrepiece, a large clock to one side and a big landscape painting above. Some cosier seating options run along the wall to the left of the bar, under the mezzanine ceiling. Impressive chandeliers and large front windows admit plenty of light into what might otherwise be quite a gloomy space. Steps to the right lead up to a small, raised space with a drinking ledge looking out to the shopping street below, and from here, a steep staircase gets you up to the aforementioned mezzanine area, which runs around two sides of pub, with plush leather banquettes and basic tables and chairs beneath walls painted in a light and dark colour scheme and decorated with old paintings, local photos and a few plain mirrors. I couldn't see any 'Spoons local history boards or TV screens, so it was nice that it seemed to break the mould in one way. Around six cask ales were badged, including three guests, but apparently none of them were available, with no explantion forthcoming as to why that might be. They had also run out of various menu items, including all pizzas and the last time I attempted to visit, I arrived to find they were doing no food at all. With not much to choose from, I ended up with a pint of Shipyard Pale, which was pretty uninspiring. The staff were friendly enough, but one of them kept but coughing and sneezing without taking any precautions or washing their hands. The pub always seems to be rammed whenever I've passed by, so must be doing something right, even if it's just the cheap prices. I don't know what it is about Brighton's Wetherspoons, but this was another shocker from the usually reliable chain. No beer, no food, poor hygiene, cluttered layout - there's not much to love about this one and I guess I'm just grateful that the city has enough decent pubs as to render the need for a Wetherspoons visit obsolete. Date of visit - 24th September 2023

Substantial Spoons which was very busy when we called in. Tried Branscombe Summa That and Vale Of Glamorgan South Island which were fine. Glad we visited.

Fairly standard 'large banking hall' sort of 'Spoon's, with a balustraded upstairs level overlooking the bar area. Rather more impressive outside than in, but otherwise pretty well what you would expect. Four guest ales alongside the usual offerings and condition seemed fair.

We had one of the best beers of the day in this Spoons and after visiting the Bright Helm earlier, this was a haven and what a Spoons should be with a convivial atmosphere. The beer we had was Dorking Brewery Pilcrow Pale.

Official site of The Post & Telegraph (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Post & Telegraph (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Decent 'spoons conversion of a former newspaper offices, with a high ceiling above the main bar area and plenty of light by the tall windows along the main façade. Various seating and dining areas, including a raised area along the frontage and a 'L'-shaped balcony. Usual furniture, but the place benefits from some interesting historical pictures on display. Reasonable selection from the eight handpumps, including several festival ales such as the Revisionist (Marston's) Irish Peated Ale at £2.69.