Duke Of Beaufort

Alright I admit this is a proper old mans pub. It’s a bit grotty round the edges and they haven’t changed the décor in donkeys years. But at the moment I don’t mind coming here for a quiet drink and free game of pool.
The staff are really nice, friendly and studenty and there are much less of the scary old locals now. Back in the days it had a bit of a rep for being a football-​yobbo-​type place and was a bit rough. It still looks the same but don’t be deceived! It’s practically empty most of the time but the staff make up for it (and it’s quite nice to have free rein on the pool table and Nintendo). Kinda feels like you’ve popped round to their massive house, it’s chilled.
Did I mention the free pool? Loving the old Nintendo, got pretty into ‘Goldeneye’ last night, it’s a good thing there was hardly anyone about as I’m pretty sure I make some very amusing faces playing computer games (I’ve been told I use my whole body in concentration)…
I think it still plays all the sport on the big screens if that’s you’re buzz.
If I’m being totally honest I wouldn’t come in here if it was lacking in pool table. This is the sole purpose of my visits. Not a pool fan? Stick to the Setting Sun.

The Duke of Beaufort is a pub with lots of fittings. It has many TV screens, an outdoor barbecue area, a pool table and all the fixtures. Somehow it seems to add up to less than the sum of its parts — the regular clientele last time I went wasn’t that welcoming and little kids ran riot while uncaring parents downed cider and chain smoked. However, I think this wasn’t necessarily representative — the pub is going through something of a transitional phase, with live music and mod culture uncomfortably shacked up with the sports-​pub side of things. Once one of these elements wins, or they learn to live together in harmony, I can see it turning into a pleasant, architecturally grand pub in a great location by the park. With any luck, this will happen before summer, so I can further enjoy their beer garden in peace.

The Duke is a proper ‘blokes’ pub. Multiple screens for multiple football games, pool tables, hearty food and pot bellied smokers blocking the entrance… wonderful. But they’re not that bad. I’ve heard of a few people getting into altercations in here, or at very least been stared down by numerous local faces. Personally I’ve never had such an interaction in there. I do quite like the vibe in here though and although I shouldn’t, I like to think I fit in. I love the banter and bravado that comes with a testosterone fuelled, alcohol induced room full of drinking ‘mens’ men. Just try to get your gleeful smirk to yourself.

I have to be honest this place is definitely not my favourite in brighton, and I have been once or twice caught in the middle of people having arguments, and getting physical.
The food though is big and wholesome and it fits the bill especially when your watching the footy on a hanger. (I think I just made up a new word? Im gonna have to trademark that.)
Nice beer garden to start a night of with, and then head off down the road to somewhere a bit nicer in Kemptown.

This pub set right next to Queens Park is in a nice location in the summer when people are attracted to this area. It does tick all the boxes for those people who want an all round experience in a pub.
Although, it is only one bar, there is definitely a quiet corner which is always good to have a relaxing drink in. Some pubs in Brighton unfortunately get a little rowdy on a Saturday night and infrequently it leads to a few scuffles in this pub. Otherwise, Saturday night is the best night to go there but with most pubs the best time to go is early Sunday afternoon.
With a nice beer garden which is enclosed and therefore quite peaceful, in the summer it gets filled up pretty quick. Before, 7:30pm the drinks are cheap for students and otherwise really good value compared to pubs in the neighbouring area.
If you have had a long walk through the park then take a quick pit stop here to get re-​fueled.

Because of its large size The Duke Of Beaufort is perfectly suited to be a sports pub and, with multiple screens, a pool table and cheap lager, it definitely fulfils its potential. However, the manager has done well to shake off the perilous Weatherspoons-​style-​pub image by involving local artists in the pub’s many live music events. Whilst this brings a quirky edge it sometimes also brings an awkward tension between the odd mix of punters. «Keep the noise down, we’re trying to watch the footy,» you get the picture. However, there’s never any trouble as both the staff and the regulars are generally very friendly.
Having never eaten there I can’t vouch for the quality of the food but, judging by the portion sizes, you certainly won’t go hungry. Whilst average during the winter, The Duke Of Beaufort’s appeal probably peaks during the summer months as the spacious patio/​beer garden is regularly teeming with sun-​lovers enjoying the pub’s numerous outdoor events, including cider festivals, BBQs and a variety of live music events.

This seems to be a locals pub. It sells Thai food. The bar is stocked with the usual lager and Harvey’s for the real ale crowd. It looks like a Real pub. The building is painted a terrible colour but it gets it noticed. Isn’t this what a venue needs to do.
I wish I could fill this review with great detail but this is just a pub and it just does what it says on the label!