The number of times I've walked past this old-school watering hole and wondered what on earth went on behind its doors is nobody's business. It took a more-than-glowing recommendation from a good friend who really knows his ale pubs (Henry - many thanks) before I plucked up the courage to visit The Neptune and find out for myself how good it really is. Named after the Roman god of the sea, it seems that 'The Nep', as it is affectionately known to its regulars, is something of a legend in its own right. Since that fateful day I've become, for good or ill, something of a regular myself.

IT SEEMS THAT 'THE NEP', AS IT IS

AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN, IS SOMETHING

OF A LEGEND IN ITS OWN RIGHT

If you're the kind of person who doesn't take kindly to: a) the trendifying of local pubs - or, b) horror of all horrors, once-great pubs that were tarted up a few years ago only to re-emerge once more as faux old school pubs (minus the all-important atmosphere), this boozer is for you. The Neptune prides itself on good old fashioned hospitality and that is exactly what you get as soon as you walk through the door.

This is the sort of place you nip into for a quick pint and end up in the midst of a full-on session. With possibly the best drop of Harvey 's in Hove and a laid-back, slightly older clientele who obviously enjoy their ale, it's easy to see why.

Friday and Sunday nights see The Neptune playing host to live music acts with a heavy leaning towards blues and jazz, so if it's techno you want, best go elsewhere. The Nep obviously has a few muso fans; I'm sure I've seen the guy from legendary Cleveland band Pere Ubu enjoying a few jars at the end of the bar and the cymbal on the wall signed by the drummer from British heavy metal legendsSaxon just about sums it all up. Best pub in Hove ? Well - it's in my top five, that's for sure. NC

APRIL 2006 NC BRIGHTON 59