It's not the worlds most exciting venue, however the scathing review from the view Brighton critic said more about their own attitude than the pub's merits.

It isn't flash. It does, however, serve good food and drink (many Brighton bars don't- innovation/image/having 'local colour' seemingly being more important than simple service and quality). It just does what a pub is supposed to do. Most of the people I know who go there are local, low-key people- in keeping with the style of the pub. As for out-of-towners (who shelter Brighton's economy so don't mock them too much)- well - it's between the Laines and the seafront, what do you expect?

It's quite refreshing to find somewhere in Brighton-especially the lanes- that isn't trying too hard to be achingly trendy or have some OTT USP.

Personally, I wouldn't want to mix with the kind of clientele who would sidle into the side entrance of a not-trendy-enough pub lest their trendy mates look down on them (that joke in the VB review is quite telling).

It's not the greatest pub ever to exist, however there is nothing wrong with a pub that hasn't been themed (and yes, 'ye olde sussexe sea side inne of ye olde laines' is a genre of theme in my opinion) and doesn't strive to be some kind of 'scene'.

It is what it is: nice food, good beer, clean glasses.

Stopped here for a quiet drink whilst shopping in the lanes friendly but very quiet.