The Thomas Kemp

Probably one of the, if not nicest and definitely friendliest pubs in Kemp Town. Bright (not dark), dog friendly, couches for kicking back, tables for eating... A typical 'Brighton' bar mixed ages, with Berlinesque overtones. Funky music. Gets busier and with DJs in the weekend evenings. I think the chef has probably watched too much masterchef - not knocking the chef tho'. The food is good and very tasty but a bit poncily (is that a word?), presented. Please Brighton, don't join the London 'gastropub' culture!
All round a good little (or quite large actually), boozer. Well managed with friendly, polite staff. Go there!!!

To add.. December 2010
New Manager now. Not that the last one was bad.. A few of us went there for Sunday lunch. We all had lamb. It was a rack of lamb. I have to say that it was no less than exceptional! Extremely high quality that most restaurants would struggle at competing with! You have to try it. Really, great food!

Named after the mastermind behind Kemptown, Mr Thomas Reed Kemp himself, this pub is popular with many of Kemptown’s locals and visitors alike.

With a tantalising pub grub menu with a sophisticated twist: jerk chicken, tofu satay, tuna steak, a range of ales, ciders and lagers on draught and a programme of live music and DJ sets on the weekends, including regular open mic nights, the Kemp is a bustling pub full of character.

The interior is mostly white and clean, with chalk boards and low lighting dotted around, and you can park your arse on an array of stools with cushions scattered about. There’s a beer garden out the back to soak up the sun or have a smoke, and in the summer the front windows open from floor to ceiling, really bringing the light into the place.

A lovely little pub, even if the food is a little pretentiously presented.

This is a great little pub located up from St. James’ street. Named after the founder of Kemp Town, Thomas Reed Kemp, it’s a decent place for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre without loosing too much atmosphere. On weekends it gets quite busy and certainly provides much entertainment. Fridays and Saturdays feature live DJ sets, Monday is quiz night, Tuesday is poker, Wednesday is live music night and Sunday is open mic. With average prices and friendly staff there’s no reason to turn your nose up. The patio out back makes for a good retreat in the summer and while the décor may lack real character, it’s a good, solid pub overall.

"I'll be with you in a second buddy" followed by "can I get you anything matey".

Matey/Buddy two greetings that don't exactly strike a chord with me. Both used within three minutes of my arrival at the Thomas Kemp. Am I old fashioned? i don't exactly want to be called sir but I just don't get on too well with these terms. But enough about me, on with the review...

Dark, dark, dark ..... it was 4pm and I could barely see inside this bar. I wasn't getting food but if I had been then I wouldn't seen what it was. There are teeny-weeny tea-lights on the tables and that is about it for illumination. You could describe it as intimate lighting. Or could could just call it badly lit.

However...

In the summer then the entire of the front of the bar is rolled back to let the light roll in. Indoor/outdoor flow. Don't be put off by the diesel fumes as the buses chunter past inches away from your elbow. This is what European cafe culture is all about? Actually, it is very good.

Every Monday you can get curry & beer for a fiver. That is cheaper than staying in and eating baked beans on toast. Plus you get to eat it in blackout conditions for a novel sensory experience.

A bit lacking in character, but still a good atmosphere and can be heavin on live music nights. Smokers’ area out back. Restaurant area to front - a bit overpriced. Good location in Kemp Town