No Smoking, Sitting, Drinking

Situated in the heart of the North Laine area, check out the tins on the walls for a slice of local history. Dog Friendly. Open daily 11am - 11pm (Except Sun, open 12-11pm). Food served 12-9pm

I’ve long held the opinion that the Basketmakers is the best pub in Brighton, and many people share that opinion. Lots of people will tell you all about the tins on the walls inside and the quirky notes in them, but the best place to stop and have a drink there is on the pavement opposite, on a sunny afternoon. It’s a perfect sun trap, and because it’s not on the obvious route through the North Laine you’re not in anyone’s way sitting there. There aren’t many other places I’d sit on the ground – the beach maybe – and doing so feels like a throwback to younger, more carefree times.

I’ve had many birthday celebrations around this spot too – the pub gets busy inside, and people like to come and go, so a drink outside means that the party feels the right size no matter how many people are about. Of course, my birthday falling on the same weekend as Brighton’s Pride celebrations means that the area is one big party anyway.

It’s also an act of quiet rebellion – in the window just above where I’d sit there’s a sign that says “no smoking, sitting, drinking in this spot”. But I’ve been doing that for at least fifteen years, and nobody’s stopped me yet.

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