The Preston Brewery Tap has got most things any good pub should have beer, atmosphere, three blokes on stools putting the world to rights, helpful, friendly staff and a ghost. <\/p>\n
Not that I was immediately spooked when I walked in. <\/p>\n
Coming in from bright sunshine, my first thought was who turned off all the lights?. It was just very dark at the bar. <\/p>\n
However, the light was restored by a lovely, cheery welcome from the barmaid. <\/p>\n
Listening to her dulcet tones I immediately realised she was from Down Under, but couldnt be sure whether she was Aussie or Kiwi. I decided not to mention it, Ive fallen foul of that one before. <\/p>\n
I also played it safe with a pint of Harveys Sussex Best, clocking in at 4.0 per cent. It set me back 3.90, so I invested a further pound in a packet of crisps. <\/p>\n
Settling in at the bar I couldnt help overhearing the conversation between the barmaid and a lovely customer dressed in a stripy dress and a tartan cropped top. <\/p>\n
In fact, given the discussion about food I assume she must be Aussie to cut a long story short, crocodile, frogs, antelope all taste like chicken. Kangaroo, on the other hand, tastes like kangaroo. <\/p>\n
All this talk of unusual food must have tickled my taste buds as I was, bizarrely, inspired to try a pint of the craft beer on tap, Picklejuice. <\/p>\n
Its a bit stronger at 4.8 per cent and 60p more expensive than the Harveys. It was slightly more hoppy and zesty, but personally I wouldnt cross the street for it. <\/p>\n
Things had quietened down and one fellow on the skew-whiff pool table had won all the money from his playing partner so even the click, click of the balls stopped. <\/p>\n
Then, the conversation turned to the old radio kept under the bar. <\/p>\n
Apparently the staff are convinced it is haunted and switches itself on without being touched sometimes even when its not connected to the power. <\/p>\n
All I can say is, whichever ghost is responsible its not got great musical taste. <\/p>\n
And talking of responsibility the barmaid had now moved on to blaming the ghost for ringing up a pint of Pride beer in the till for 3,000 spooky or human error, you decide. <\/p>\n
All this talk of ghouls saw me head out to the garden to grab some fresh air. <\/p>\n
Its less garden and more concrete back yard but theres a nice stable door which affords a good view of the neighbouring Shell garage. <\/p>\n
There a few hanging baskets with nice-enough flowers and some colourful tables. <\/p>\n
There are plenty more chairs piled up and, for some reason, a whole stack of corner flags. <\/p>\n
They need to empty the ashtrays more often but the hardened nicotine fans seemed to like it well enough. <\/p>\n
Back inside barmaid number one was finishing her shift and announcing she was off home to watch Harry Potter on the telly. <\/p>\n
So, what else can I tell you? Theres a fruit machine, a jukebox, five screens showing sport, tapas are 4.50 each or three for 12 and when barmaid one hurt her foot on a heavy table she cooled it in the bar sink filled up with ice. <\/p>\n
By now barmaid number two, with the most amazing blue hair, had taken over and was asking me if Id like another drink. <\/p>\n
I really would have loved to stay but had to make a move so sadly bid her farewell until we meet again. <\/p>\n
PRESTON BREWERY TAP, 197 PRESTON ROAD, BRIGHTON <\/p>\n
Decor: <\/p>\n
Trying to be trendy, thankfully doesnt achieve it <\/p>\n
Drink: <\/p>\n
The Harveys was fine, I should have stuck with it <\/p>\n
Price: <\/p>\n
Seems reasonable enough to me <\/p>\n
Atmosphere: HHH Not at all bad for an early evening <\/p>\n
Staff: <\/p>\n
Barmaid 1 was friendly, barmaid 2 seemed livelier still <\/p>\n
And finally, I must warn everyone next weeks edition of the column is not for the faint-hearted. I have never witnessed more politically incorrect behaviour in all my years doing this job and it is only right I report events as they happened. <\/p>\n
However, if you are easily offended or thought this city had moved on from the 1970s, then you might be best advised to give next weeks report a miss. <\/p>\n
I promise I wont be put out and will welcome you back the following week. If you do decide to read it then please dont shoot the messenger. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Follow this link: The Preston Brewery Tap has got most things any good pub should have beer, atmosphere, three blokes on stools putting the world to rights, helpful, friendly staff and a ghost. Not that I was immediately spooked when I walked in. Coming in from bright sunshine, my first thought was who turned off all the lights? Continue reading
\nThe Pub Spy reviews: Preston Brewery Tap, 197 Preston Road, Brighton - The Argus<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"