North Laine Brewhouse, Brighton

Very large pub but doesn't seem to suffer from this and seems to maintain a certain atmosphere in a good way,plenty of Laines beers on offer, all were new to me , I found Laines Copa 4.6% very drinkable,a worthy stop off on the expanding pub scene in Brighton.

Quite simply a huge pub situated on the main A23 route in and out of town and on the edge of the North Laines area. The main attraction is the on site Laines Brewery with the brewing equipment prominent behind the bar, twelve handpumps shared between three banks offered seven Laine beers, one guest plus a cider. Laine Amber Sky, Brighton Brau, Hooker, Crazy 8, Laines Best and India Pale Ale, Brighton Bier West Pier Pale Ale and Thatchers Heritage cider. Jugs used by default. Wines and cocktails on a chalkboard. The room is vaguely staple shaped if you like, bar along the back wall of the bar area, benches at distressed stained wood tables plus a few barrels for vertical drinking. Décor includes a rather dramatic wooden bird, a kingfisher I think, hanging over the main bar area, a hanging sign from The Crown Hotel (Mansfield Brewery Co), there is an old brass cash register on a shelf, a statuette on a wall of an angel(I think), and a painting of a squadron of gulls wheeling around in flight. Potted ferns on the window cills, lots of exposed brickwork, stacked barrels in a corner, the front foyer area has a large montage of B&W photos celebrating beer! The atmosphere wasn't bad late afternoon but before the offices kicked out despite the size of the place but I bet it gets very loud and echoing when full. Bluesy/jazzy soundtrack, I didn't notice a TV but there may be one or more here and there. Food served, main meals and bar snacks (beer bites), many meals matched with beer suggestions and not gastro style, real old fashioned food, corned beef hash, lamb hot pot, pie of the day with mash, veg and "lashings" of gravy. All in the £9-£10 range which doesn't break the bank. 9 pint mini kegs to take away from £15.95, quiz night on a Wednesday. Outdoor terrace if you prefer but facing the A23. This is not your traditional old two room boozer by any imagination but it is a very good pub serving a large range of beers of different types in clean and spacious surroundings. I enjoyed my stay here very much.