One of the city’s more cheerful pubs, the Hand in Hand is steeped in character and attracts plenty of personalities too.

The Venue
One of Brighton’s more character-laden pubs, the Hand In Hand announces itself with a brightly painted deep yellow and red facade and a lovely painted sign depicts a couple of Victorian bathing beauties. Inside it’s like your grandmother’s front room, small and carpeted and with a threadbare feel, but that’s all part of the charm. Beer is brewed on the premises with The Kemp Town Brewery operating from upstairs. The paraphenalia includes pictures and photos on the walls (and on the ceiling) and a row of ties nailed to a beam in the middle of the room.

The People
The Hand in Hand has been in Brighton for donkey’s years and the punters look like they have been too. It’s so small that once you’re in you’re here for the duration but that is nothing but a good thing.

The Drink
You know you’re in a proper pub when the beers and ciders on draught all have names as complex as they taste. Kemptown Bitter was always a favourite of the regulars but now it’s being challenged for top spot by stars incluidng Hacker-Pschorr wheat beer, Liefman’s Kriek (a 6% cherry beer), HB Extra Cold, Stowford Press Cider and the unforgettably named Fursty Ferret.

The Last Word
Friendly staff and bags of character make this a great place to stop for a sup but it’s the range of ales and ciders that make this one of Brighton’s finest pubs. Highly recommended.

About these ads