What is it?
The Basketmakers Arms is a traditional pub in the heart of Brighton, adored by locals and unknown by the vast majority of tourists. It's best visited in the night time during winter to get the true feeling of how cosy and lovely this little boozer can be, though it's also great in summer when you can enjoy the sunshine on tables outside. The décor isn't up to much (though walls covered in old tobacco tins is an ‘original' touch) but it's the people, the vibe and its top notch beer offering that makes The Basketmakers Arms so great.
Why is it hot?
With a wide selection of real ale, including monthly specials, and a menu full of tasty, home-cooked pub grub using locally sourced and organic products, The Basketmakers Arms consistently appears in Good Pub Guides and is a well kept secret of the Brighton crowd.Best drink?
Ale or ale. The Basketmakers Arms is renowned for its real ale offering but they also specialise in Scottish or Irish malt whiskies. It also has a decent list of red and white wines and even a bottle or two of bubbly!
What's the vibe?
We recommend tackling The Basketmakers Arms with a gathering of your best buddies as it can be a little noisy for romantic dates. The mood tends to swing from noisy hubbub to outright mayhem depending on the night but the vibe is always one of the friendliest around and because it's not the type of bar appealing to stag or hens' weekenders, it's blessedly free from bunny tails and L plates on a busy night.
What to wear?
It's as casual as they come - it is a pub after all. But if you want to don some tweed and your best fake moustache, you'll get nothing but respect.
Average cocktail/pint/vino price?
House wines by the glass start at £2.25 with pints of ale from £2.50 upwards.
Best part?
The friendly, fun vibe and the pub grub, which is cheap but supposedly 'award winning'. We can well believe it!
Address: 12 Gloucester Rd, Brighton BN1 4AD
Website: www.thebasketmakersarms.co.uk
