The Black Lion, Brighton

I have never ever written a negative review about a meal out but have decided to make an exception for the Black Lion, Brighton. Just had ‘Sirloin’ Sunday lunch there, which the Black Lion describe as the best in Brighton!! Veg was fine but instead of meat I had a plate (or should I say 2 slices) of gristle!!! I didn’t feel like making a fuss, particularly as my wife had a vegatarian option that was OK, but I did ask the waitress if I could have a word with the chef. She returned saying he was too busy!!! ………… however he sent a message blaming the butcher!! My advice ……… is steer clear. There are lots of great pubs in Brighton that serve a good Sunday lunch. The Black Lion is one of the most expensive and the worst I have I have ever experienced.

This looks like some kind of olde worlde pubbe from the outside, but inside it’s a modern and welcoming spot with comfy sofas and friendly staff. I am addicted to the halloumi, chorizo and potato salad – it blows my mind.

There’s a decent happy hour here most nights and the pub always seems to be frequented by a good, friendly crowd. It’s well positioned near to both the seafront and town and has tables outside at the back, front and side, so it’s a great sunny day option if you can find a seat.

It can get crazily rammed on Friday nights and weekends, but there’s still never too much of a wait to get to the bar. If you can grab a table early in the evening then you’re laughing. There are sometimes DJs too – I think at weekends. It gets really loud then, but people are often up dancing which adds to the fun atmosphere and gives you a chance to show off your flyest moves.

On a wet Saturday we found refuge here! Chilled with nice interior, unusual ales, comfy seating and a happy vibe - mums & babies, Brighton kids, shoppers and tourists alike were at home and at peace. Liked it a lot.

Resembling an old fisherman’s cottage, this place is deceptively small looking on the outside, but is funky and modern on the inside. Enter and you’re greeted with masses of long wooden tables, a huge bar and a dance area to skank away to the many DJs playing on weekends.

Another of Brighton’s very busy pubs, and a premier spot to have a dance and shake your thang to some real funk and soul. With a large outside area with covered tables, it’s always heaving outside as the smokers warm their lungs.

Decorated in modern street art and funky posters, the Black Lion plays host to Brighton’s coolest kids, from students to young professionals trying to forget about the working week.

The music’s quite loud on weekends, so not the place to go if you’re up for a quiet drink, but definitely worth a wiggle if you’re looking to bust a groove.

The Black Lion can be found minutes from the seafront in the Lanes, its location means is popular with tourists and locals alike. Weekend evenings off late have been too rammed for me with stilettos and sequined tops, not the usual Brighton crowd. I’ve never had to queue for the bar so long in my life. They have a large outside space for all you smokers but not very scenic. If you like soul music and being squashed this is the place for you.

Stopped here for a Sunday lunch and couldn’t finish the portion of grub they served. Perfect Yorkshire puds as well.

Reasonably priced in contract to the level of food that arrived. The staff were friendly and happy to explain how to get on to their free wifi.

Toilets were a bit on the grotty side and the outdoor courtyard was a bit drab so get the tables out the front if possible and watch the world go by.

The Black Lion looks really tiny from the outside, but it’s a bit like the Tardis!! Friendly staff and the new chef - apparently called Adrian - obviously knows his stuff! The home-made burgers were outstanding; succulent and not at all fatty. The chips were to die for! The smoked mackerel salad was simply delicious, although it could have had the sauce on the side. For an extra 75p, we had a very generous amount of freshly-baked baguette and wonderful salty butter. Would wholly recommend this place for its great food and good value for money!!

The Black Lion looks great from the outside. Nestled right next to The Cricketers, it's a lovely old building that I couldn't date, but looks, well... old! Inside sadly, it's a bit of a different story. It's clearly been taken over by a chain co. and had a bar-style makeover, and is fairly characterless. I'm never really keen on been open-plan arrangements, and this is no different.

They had fairly bland and not well kept Adams bitter, but the sight of Weston's Old Rosie meant that at least you could get reasonably trashed and forget where you were drinking...