The Colonnade Bar

Unique atmosphere

This has been one of my favourite Brighton watering holes for years. Although small, it has a very unique atmosphere which fortunately has been retained despite its refurbishment a few years ago. There’s something very cosy about its dark red plush interior with framed playbills and old photographs of visiting thespians on the wall: it can be quite entertaining trying to put names to faces.

A drink and read the papers

It’s not a pub to visit on Saturday nights or during theatre intervals but is great if you’re looking for somewhere quiet and civilised to have a drink and read the papers. It’s a shame the toasted sandwiches have been removed from the menu, though. Somehow, a muffin doesn’t go down with a half of Harvey’s in quite the same way.

19th century rowdies

The area outside the Colonnade was once a notorious haunt of prostitutes and regular fights used to take place in the 19th century outside its now rather smart olive green doors. The recent pedestrianisation of New Road has made a massive difference to the Colonnade and other pubs and restaurants in New Road. I normally walk along here en route to Jubilee Library and the whole area now has a totally different feel to it.