This is the best (and most obvious) bar to go before an evening at the Theatre Royal. It’s plush and cosy, and although it is separate from the Theatre, the design makes it feel as if it is part of it - lots of red velvet and polished wood. There’s a Theatre bell so you can drink up to the last minute, and don’t forget to pre-order your drinks for the interval.

An even bigger plus is the real ale on tap - Harvey’s plus a guest ale. Worth popping in to have a look if you are in the area - it makes a real change from the ‘modern’ stripped-down bar interiors so trendy at the moment.

Situated - as the name suggests - under the Colonnade of the Theatre Royal in Brighton, this is a theatre bar in the true sense of the word. Although physically separated and with its own opening hours, this cosy and traditional pub has theatre memorabilia on the walls and a bell to sound the beginning of performances.

They serve a couple of real ales, usually including Harvey's Best Bitter. It's a little pricey, but then it's a real haven of tranquility and comfort in a City Centre that is otherwise packed full of noisy bars. The interior is plush and Victorian: crimson walls, an abundance of dark polished wood, and rich, dark, velvet curtains.

There's a small seating area outside at the front, both for drinking and for those who wish to smoke. The lavatories are down a steep winding staircase, so not suitable for those with reduced mobility.

As well as theatre-goers, it attracts both a loyal mix of regulars and those who want some respite from a hectic day's shopping. As you might expect, it is very gay-friendly, but not exclusivley gay.

Staff are efficient - they have to be during intervals - but they also take orders for interval drinks before a performance: you'll find them lined up on the side when you go in. (Remember to take your tickets with you so you can get back into the threatre, though they don't usually check, and don't order anything you can't drink in 15 minutes...).

A delightful haven in the centre of Brighton.