While in Brighton I was lured into a pub I’d been in before, which is quite a testament to the attraction of a boozer at dusk. The Mitre at the top of North Laine isn’t by any means the only traditional-looking pub in the City, which seems to value pub heritage better than some.
The Mitre just looked perfect for a 4pm pint. Through the window I could see what we now call mature drinkers, plenty of bench seating and tables for solo drinkers, TV snooker on mute, and no food.
Inside it was better than I remembered, possibly reflecting a quieter clientele than later in the evening. From the usual Harveys range I enjoyed a Best as good as I’ve tasted since the Gunmakers (NBSS 3.5). There’s some gorgeous pubs in the Sussex Downs but few with Harveys as rich and full-bodied as I tasted here.
I read 30 pages of “Free Country“, but my attention constantly wandered to nearby discussions about racing, TV and white goods. I even enjoyed the company of a pork-scratching fixated canine. So good was the atmosphere, I almost stayed for an Old.
I was going to catch the train to Lewes to visit a free house, but I need to make a night of it and revisit the Harveys pubs there, and there’s a great Chinese takeaway near the Lewes Arms.
retiredmartin 
yep love that place been in a couple of times in last 12 months, a place in which to study Harveys on an afternoon before lurching into the night.
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Indeed it is. By the way, where’s that pub on your blog Adrian ? (think I see Harveys on the bar) – looks equally alluring.
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The Ram Inn at Firle. I was staying there when I went to see Mark Tranter at Burning Sky a coupel of years back, think that was taken whilst I was having my breakfast.
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An excellent post, Martin. I don’t know the Mitre, although I do know the Lord Nelson; Harvey’s other pub in Brighton.
I think you are right to take a more leisurely approach to Lewes and its pubs. The town is one of my favourites, and I have fond memories of the place, having worked there, in a previous existence, for three and a half years. (The daily commute was a bit of a nightmare though!) I must try and get back down there and revisit some of my old haunts.
ps I think you should have stayed for a glass of Old. It is really good this year!
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Thanks Paul. I can picture that commute to Lewes down the A26 !(I presume).
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Great post, but sort it out!: http://www.its-not-its.info/
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Thanks BT – corrected.
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Enjoyed reading that Martin, the very first pub I did with BRAPA in mind. Incredibly down to earth, and the ‘no food’ factor makes it a winner with me!
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Yep – no food rare for Brighton and really changes the atmosphere.
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