Dorset Arms

A history

Chosen by Linda, lesbian activist

This building on the corner of North Road and Gardner Street was probably built as a pub. As early as 1845, it is listed in street directories as the Dorset Arms.

Since the beginning of the century, it was frequented by journalists and newspaper staff from the nearby Evening Argus building, before this was relocated at Hollingbury in the early 1990s.

Now called the Dorset Street Bar, the change in character of this pub from a working environment to a part of Brighton's cafe society is indicative of the change that has taken place in the larger area of the North Laine, formerly the town's main industrial area.