Photos: then and now

Comments about this page

• Whoever chose to paint it that colour? It looked better 100 years ago.

  By Adrian Baron (06/06/2007)

• The Free Butt I remember so well. In my time of frequenting this pub, the landlords were Len and Dot Whiddett, dear friends of my parents John & Lorettee Owen (probably Len and Dot were there from approx 1965 or so until they retired, not sure of their retirement year, but I think before 1975). Previously they were at the Queens Park Tavern and prior to that the Hikers Rest in Coldean. Does anyone else remember that period?

  By Carol Aspinall (Owen) (28/06/2010)

• Hello Carol, I remember Mr and Mrs Whiddett at the Hikers Rest in Coldean. My mum used to work for them there, she also worked for your parents John and Lorettee. I’m sure mum used to call her Lolla. I was quite young then but remember the names as I spent many hours on a stool outside the Hickers with a lemonade and crisps (only plain crisps in those days). Mum’s name was Peggy Deacon, she worked at the Hickers Rest for many years.

  By Janet Lee (22/01/2011)

• My very dear friends Bill and Vera used this pub for many years. They also worked at the Wilmington pub in Patcham. I worked with them every Saturday evening – it was a pleasure to work as a team with them. I think their surname was Boxall. If so, I have a ciggie case of Bill’s as a memento.

  By Maureen Howell (13/12/2011)

• Hi Janet I remember your mum Peggy Deacon very well, she worked quite a while with my parents? Yes l of people called my mum Lola. I lived at the Hikers Rest from 1963-1968. I remember on my wedding day in 1968 leaving from the Hikers with my Dad to go to Stanmer Church to get married. Have lots of fond memories growing up in Brighton. Unfortunately both my parents and brother are deceased now.

  By Carol Aspinall (Owen) (26/05/2012)

• My Grandparents Cecil (Jim) and Edna Morris were licencees in the 1930’s I believe. My Dad said he was about 5 or 6 at the time, and he was born 1927.

  By Janet Gale (10/01/2020)

• My parents Ernie & Winnie were landlords back in the early 50s,it was still a Tamplins pub with the brewery just to the side.
  Does anyone remember them?

  By B Rofe (12/01/2021)

• My Dad Ken. Wiseman ran the Wellington Garage on Waterloo Place in the late 1950s. Most (extended) lunchtimes were spent in the Free Butt. Like most car dealers of the time, everything was paid for from a fat roll of banknotes he kept in his back pocket. I had my first under-age beer here with my Dad in 1959.

  By Nick Wiswman (14/11/2021)

• My great Aunt Jane and her husband Wally were publicans here late 50’s onwards. She was my grandfathers sister. don’t know her surname. Remember sitting on stairs at lunch time and watching customers who were mostly workers from brewery next door.

  By sandra Draper (02/05/2023)

• Hi this was where my mother lived as a child in Albion St her name was Judith Green and my grandad worked at the brewery opposite Leonard green! Would love to hear from any living relatives ! My mother is still here !💓

  By Donna Mason (12/09/2023)