If you're in the mood for a bit of americana, pull on your cowboy boots and head down to the Great Eastern. A gem of a pub at the bottom of the North Laines, it seems to play a constant rotation of awesome counry and western singers. We're talking vintage Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris and Nashville Skyline era Bob Dylan. I once heard them play Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra too but again, I think all the records they made together have a strong hint of classic country. The music alone is enough to make it a great place to hang out but they also serve a fine selection of bourbons, whiskeys, spirits, beers and ales. I usually drink Maker's Mark with ginger ale and I never have to ask for the slice of lime. The bar staff are friendly and the atmosphere is cosy. If I was more of a drinker, I'd probably be in here every night! read more

Great Eastern - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

The Great Eastern is one of my favourite pubs in the city. I love the mass of random books stacked up about the place. The seating is a mix of tables and benches and alcoves and everything has a cozy feel to it. The staff are exceedingly friendly and they have a well stocked bar with a good ale selection. The real gem however, is the crazy range of whiskey's they have available. They have a monthly tasting night and any lover of the noble spirit will be more than satisfied with the blends they have. They serve a decent range of pub food from the kitchen upstairs and the food is delivered by a dumb waiter. Nice touch! The food is standard pub fare, but more than an acceptable accompaniment to the drinks. There is a small outdoor area outback for smoking, but you can just as easily duck out down the side of the pub for a ciggy also. A great place to start a night out in Brighton at and close enough to the station for a pre travelling drink. read more

Great Eastern - Taken by me - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

Stopped in here while visiting Brighton recently. The interior is cozy, with a dark old library style going on. The candles on the old wooden tables add a romantic touch. They have quite a whiskey selection, the usual amount of beers on tap and cocktails. It was a warm day so I opted for a Bloody. Spiciness was good, although I am used to more alcohol in my Bloodies. Given the ratio, it was a nice drink. There is some limited outside seating, as well as a poster on the wall advertising for a rocker named Johnny Green that plays country blues and rock once a month. Didn't get a chance to check out Johny, but I'm sure he'd go well with a shot of bourbon. I would love to go back to this pub next time I'm in town. read more

Great Eastern - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

The Great Eastern is a lovely, small pub down Trafalgar Street from Brighton station (this is the road that actually runs under the station forecourt - you need to emerge on the right hand side of the station to see it). Named after the ill-fated ocean-going steam-ship built by Brunel, the narrow wood-panelled interior features pictures and prints of the ship and its builder. Way ahead of its time in size and concept, it was designed to carry enough coal to take 1,000 passengers on the voyage to Australia. Alas, it was not commercially viable, but made history by laying the first Transatlantic telepgraph cable. Back to the pub. It has a good selection of real ales, although on our visit they were down to Harvey's Sussex Bitter and Sumer Lightning, after a busy Bank Holiday. It has a delightful small rear beer-garden, attractively lit by candles when it gets dark. It serves well-regarded pub grub, including a Sunday roast, although I've not eaten here. But, overall, a pleasant and comfortable watering hole. read more

One of a number of Pleisure run pubs in Brighton, this place is a cosy litte gem full of quirkiness and warmth. The pub is fairly small, so can feel very busy at times, but this contributes to the atmosphere. There are plenty of bar stools to prop yourself up at while you're waiting for a table to come free. There is also a small garden. This is a very 'pubby' pub, wih wood tables and candles. There are also some unusual things on the walls to discuss over your pint, including an old railway departure board. read more

Great Eastern - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

Once you've squeezed yourself through the door, you'll then be squeezing through all the people to get to the bar and eventually, but often unsuccessfully, squeezing into one of few available seats. Apologies already if this sounds like too much of a trial to enjoy your pint, but it's not that bad and completely worth it. Small and poky but charming and cosy- testament to its popularity. read more

Great Eastern - ge - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

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This pub has a feel of age. The regulars are a mixed crowd. There is young & old. The music is country & western. It makes the place feel like an old style pub. The staff are not always attentive but what venue is now. There is a small outside cubby hole for smokers. The staff decorate it with candles. There is seating outside that feels if one is sitting in the road. There is live music on a regular basis. read more

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I absolutely love the Great Eastern. Its rustic decor and friendly staff make Friday night mayhem or Sunday hair of the dog equally enjoyable. The interior is reminiscent of an early 19th century inn with lots of dark woods, warn books and candles The outside space is small but cosy and can fit up to 25 chatty smokers at once. The prepped jugs of Bloody Mary at the weekend are a nice touch and the bar is stocked full of gorgeous shots & scrummy ciders. The music played is varied but always good, everything from 60s R&B to current acoustic artists. I've even spotted a celeb or two enjoying the ambience, Superhands anyone? read more

I used to love The Great Eastern: it used to be one of my favourite pubs in town. However, since then it's gone from quiet, pleasant pub with huge Scotch selection to a busy pub with a poor selection of drinks, focusing around a selection of Bourbons: the cheaper, less intricate whiskeys. Still, I know that's just my opinion, but I wouldn't recommend it anymore: what was once a well-kept secret has now become an over-used, poor imitation of the amazing pub it used to be. The lay-out is still much the same as it was before: a crazy selection of tables and chairs, in a hodge-podge order with a tiny smoking garden, more like a smoking square of concrete than anything else, but a pleasant attempt nonetheless. However, it doesn't quite make up for the loss of the Scotches; and such an impressive Scotch selection it was. All 12-15 years old, a mixture of Islays, all the various Glens, a really fantastic place to drink and try out new ones. Now they're all various different forms of Bourbons: which all look and taste exactly the same to me. If that sounds great to you (and if you can tell one Bourbon from the other), give it a go, but it has lost a lot of its charm in the last couple years. A shame, really. read more

A great pub isn't necessarily about its location. It isn't even about the drinks or the service or the people inside. It's about the sense of place, a space for thinkers, drinkers and escapists. Brighton is full of such magical Tardises, and The Great Eastern is one of them. Period America is the theme and it is carried off with aplomb: white oak barrels, vintage signage, period photos and a real bourbon selection full of traditional and rye whiskies, so authentic you can taste the Kentucky straw and oak. The bar is narrow, dark and cosy, and as the name suggests, has enough train paraphernalia to make you feel like you're on some fantastical journey, where it's not the travelling, but the destination that really counts. read more

I like this pub, it's friendly and has a jolly atmosphere. And a great selection of beer. :) £5 minimum charge is really irritating though. There's no need it's just money grabbing. Please be cool and get rid of it. read more

I love this pub so much. It has some hidden little recessed areas to hide away in and chat with a friend or good few tables crow-barred into what is one of Brighton's smaller pubs. There's plenty of space to sit outside though when the weathers nice and warm. The staff are pretty young for what feels like an old man's boozer and they are all really friendly and happy to chat away if you're sitting at the bar. There's old books and novels strewn around the place which adds to the nice ambience and obviously beats having massive flat-screens on every wall. The Sunday roasts here are pretty impressive but you have to get there early as they can run out of space and food. read more

Brilliant pub which is easy to miss because it's on a secret road obscured by some incredible trick of the eye when you come out of the station - like an MC Escher painting. The landlord Will makes sure you're never going to go hoem anything but happy as there is always Summer Lightning on tap. This classic bitter from Hopback brewery can only be described as magical, and you really don't see it about that much. There are an additional 3 handpumps hiding other brews, and including some real cider. I didn't (yet) try the food but it looked great. Will be back! read more

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The Great Eastern is one of fave pubs in Brighton, its has a really cosy atmosphere with candles and traditional decor. There known for specialising inn whiskey and have an extensive range on over, although I don't like whiskey I'm told its one of the best places for whiskey in the country. The friendly atmosphere has not gone unnoticed and its really popular at weekends. They have a nice menu with huge portions, offering nachos and other pub faves, they also do amazing Sunday roasts but get in quick because they get busy. read more

Really like this pub. It feels like a proper boozer. It also has a massive selection of whiskys - mainly Bourbons. Good ale selection and decent well priced food. Drinks are well priced too read more

Long bar room is best way to describe layout . Lots of wood , and displays of bar clips . I am a bit surprised they only had four pulls on and not an innovative selection but very well kept . Quite like the place . Quite good for meeting for a chat . read more

Nice quaint pub that serves nice beer, hence not a lot of room at times to drink in reasonable comfort . look past the disgusting toilets and the occasional odour that drifts down and you should enjoy your pint ! read more

The interior of this pub is so cool- it is so dark and shadowy, it has such a great atmosphere- very good for romantic evenings, for those nights when you are just getting to know someone and starting to realise you like them. It's very small and narrow, which adds to the ambiance but also makes this place noisy most of the time- so not so good for serious talking or if you want somewhere calm to relax after work. Instead head here to kick start your night, to celebrate- great beer, great music, great atmosphere and always a buzz. During the afternoon, it's quite a different place- much more the quiet chilled out pub where you can read, and in the day time you can see all the books along the walls! read more

This is how a pub should be,dark,a bit rough around the edges,not too many young folk,not too many old folk,a good mix of people,friendly staff and a good selection of booze. read more

If you like Whiskey, this is the spot. Over 60 varieties, freaking amazing. Try the Elmer T... so smooth. Staff is pretty friendly, cool locals type of feel. Book shelves full of books, and board games available to play too, if you're bored. :) Cool front door too, lol, and some outdoor benches if you fancy a fag. But for me, it's all about the whiskey here. read more

Cool bar only constrained by the measured shot thing. Had a number of whiskeys which is their specialty. Old tables and chairs, bookshelves and candles give it nice vibe. A good spot for a pint read more

Popped into here for a lunch as my wife has family very near. A very nice surprise as we hadn't been here before. Excellent food and even better beer.good job we were on the bus!!. Only problem we had was that we felt we could have lingered awhile! read more

The Great Eastern is by far the best pub in Brighton. It's a lovely, little proper pub just down the hill from the train station. A good range of real ales and cider, including Old Rosie, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, Summer Lightening and Plucking Pheasant. Plus they have an awesome range of bourbons, which has made them quite famous. Cannot fault the food at all - less on offer than your usual pub, but what they serve isn't the usual, pre-frozen fried food that pubs normally serve these days. The Sunday lunch is generous and you have a choice of what meat you want for the main, and the chef makes his own red onion chutney which is really tasty. The music is eclectic and the bar staff are happy and friendly and clearly enjoy working there - and the manager clearly knows what he's doing and is well-liked by the punters. What else can I say, I can't fault it. It's everything you would want in a local. Unfortunately, living in London means I only get to go when I'm there on holiday. read more

Great Eastern - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

Although I really love the feel of this pub and the decor, I can't really what sets this pub aside from other Brighton pubs. It's a bit small and a bit over priced. Bar staff are very nice and you can get a decent price of Guiness but unless I'm passing by I wouldn't go out of my way to visit it. read more

This pub is an absolute treasure. Hidden away at the bottom of trafalgar street this pub is the perfect place to hide away and drink. The inside is cosy, and in summer you can drink outside on the pavement. The food is absolutely delicious and the staff always welcoming, this place is definitely worth a visit. And get on the good side of the manager by stroking his ears. read more

The bar man was very rude and arrogant and pour me the wrong drink and refused to change it. just because he works in a pub in the famous Brighton lanes doesn't mean he should treating customers as if he doesn't need there trade. Will never return to this pub or recommend!! read more

The great is a brilliant little pub tucked away nicely. Always got interesting ales, lots of tables and some outdoor seating with the smokers amount us. Can be quite popular during the weekends and last time I visited people were gathering outside. I really enjoy a beer here. read more

A proper, nice old boozer, small (so bit packed on weekend nights), but otherwise cosy - wooden decor, books and trinkets on the shelves, boardgames at the bar - and a nice mix of customers making for a generally interesting atmosphere. Service is always friendly and - maybe due to the size - you kind of feel at home as soon as you find a seat. Usually papers at the bar too - always a good sign. Many a quick afternoon drink here turns into a long evening session; the music is varied and pitched about right (volume-wise) for good and vociferous conversation. For food, many patrons pop to the (frankly overrated) George across the street, and there are numerous nearby options to choose from too, so it makes a good base to start from. Close enough to the station to make for a much better meeting point than most of the (generally awful) pubs right by the terminus, and also near the Lanes so great for post-shopping Guinness and Tuaca. And who isn't? read more

great little pub, lovely vibe, warm and relaxing with a local feel about it, but like so many now the price of a beer makes it impossible for me to enjoy a night of drinking, i fear that many of brightons pubs will soon be a thing of the past. prices touching 4 quid, with a drink for my lady as well, its an hours wage for a beer. :( read more

Nice pub that serves great Guinness. As an Irish man I would say it's one of the best places to drink in for that matter. I will definitely return as the staff were also friendly and the surroundings are nice. read more