#ballsdeep So I've known about the Hobgoblin as an iconic rock venue for many years. I didn't realise however it has a huge outside seating area at the back. Also DoughBo have set up there selling amazing stuffed Dough Balls both savoury and sweet. They sure are tasty! Think my favourite was the Pulled Pork. Yummy! read more

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I've been to the Hobgoblin many a time and still can't quite make up my min about it. On one hand, it offers relatively cheap drinks, in a great location and it serves some of the best burgers in town. They're undeniably delicious- cooked to perfection and topped with tasty combinations that won't fail to make your mouth water in anticipation. I had one last night, accompanied by a cranberry juice, and my opinion of the place shot right up afterward. They also have a vast outdoor seating area for the summer time, which is always a plus in Brighton as we head towards the warmer months. On the other hand there is a lot that doesn't work about this place. It's often so noisy that conversation is virtually out of the question which, for me, is an important downside. The ladies toilets are also pretty shocking (though this is lightened by the addition of chalk board doors where people can doodle until their hearts content- very clever distraction tactic!). To top it all off, the serving staff lack a certain friendliness that you get elsewhere in Brighton pubs. They're quite short and curt often, presumably because they are usually rushed off their feet, but it's not a great atmosphere because of it. So, as you can imagine, this place divides me somewhat! I'm giving it a 3 because it's a good pub in general with a few flaws but, at the end of the day, burgers that will rock your world! read more

The Hobgoblin - Regular burger with garlic mayo and fries. - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

The Hobgoblin has one of the biggest, busiest and best outdoor beer garden in Brighton. The inside of the pub is not a pleasent experience and on the whole, the staff are pretty rude. However I say put up with this while you're getting a drink and go outside where the atmosphere is great, they still play music and there just a babble of chatter. The infamous Troll kitchen provides all the burgers here- so they are very good, and when its busy they have a burger section set up in the garden which i love. So my advice is: get a burger, sit outside and sip slowly to avoid going back inside (or con your friend to go instead...). read more

The Hobgoblin - Beer garden at the Hobgoblin packed! - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

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This place is...interesting. Hobgoblins are weirdly the same everywhere. Ok so it's a chain and that by definition means uniformity, but the mind boggles at how the dank, grungy vibe can be replicated nationwide! Ok, so I'm being a little unfair. The Hobgoblin is a self-consciously styled 'alternative' pub, so of course rough around the edges is what they're going for. And I don't mind a pub being a bit grimy. What I do mind is rude staff who ID me and then laugh in my face when they find out I'm 25! Although I've had some less than joyful experiences here, this Hobgoblin is a great place for people watching, you will see all sorts of great makeup and hairdos. This is also a very busy live music venue, with gigs every week- especially good if you like punk. There's also a big beer garden for summer drinking. My advice with the toilets: just don't use them! read more

The Hobgoblin - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

I have never been in a place smellier than this one. I literally felt like throwing up cuz of the smell. My friends tell me its not normally like this but that night there was this big leathery gang of motorcyclist or something...and apparently they were the cause...hm. Anyways, nice experience but no thank you. I shall stick to the Hobgoblin in Camden. read more

It used to be an amazing, grungy pub, with interesting and friendly people, which put on local bands. It's now a student pub playing Kelis, with shot deals and expensive drinks full of drunk lads and loud girls. All the personality has gone, you could be in any bar, anywhere in England. What happened?! read more

Hobgoblin unfortunately has lost my business after having dinner there. I've heard they had good burgers but didn't realise they were charging London prices. Burgers are £9+ and be prepared to pay extra for sides. Presentation is a bit of a let down. They wrapped up the burgers and served them on a metal tray. Customer service is also a drag. Maybe they only warm up to regulars or people that they know? I've been here for gigs before which was okay but I don't think I'll return to the Hobgoblin for food or drinks. read more

The Hobgob is a good, solid boozer to while away a few hours after work in. This used to be a proper grunge-goth pub for years and lots of people donning black lipstick and dog collars were angry and saddened to see it go. Personally I think it changed for the better and was taken over by the people that run the Open House. The thing that really makes this a good choice for a drink - in the summer especially, is the massive outside seating area in its residence. Perfect for sunny days, large groups and smokers. They also serve alright Thai food, and have a big function room upstairs which regularly hosts cheap or free music gigs and unbelievably dreadful comedy nights. Safe. read more

Oh the Hobgoblin, where to start... Brighton is filled with fantastic pubs, bursting with individuality and charm. The Hobgoblin is certainly individual, but that isn't something to celebrate. The inside is dark and gloomy, resembling a hang out for all those belonging to the leagues of the undead. The decor has seen many a better day, now looking tatty and worse for wear. When I came here there was two drunk old men, both separate. Both of these men proceeded to talk to themselves and anybody, rambling away as the stench of far too much alcohol oozed out of their mouths. This was an awful place to drink, truly awful. I'm sorry if it sounds mean, but I was genuinely shocked. read more

This bar was taken over and refurbished a few months ago. It is no longer a dark, dingy and smelly dump inhabited by pond life guzzling cheap cider listening to very bad local bands. It is now a bright and breezy bar for grown ups who have cash to spend on a quality and diverse of alcohol. The service is friendly and efficient. The food is of good quality and served with a smile. The outdoor area at the back has been transformed and is now a very comfortable place to sit with heaters for cold days. It's a traditional pub with a twist - check the weekly events for what's on, including the pub quiz which includes beer tasting! Recommend. read more

This place felt like a little bit of home for me in the UK. Among the upsides of this bar are a cool/friendly staff, backyard w/ bbq's to grill on, pool table where the close walls force you to hit a variety of strange and entertaining shots and local music nightly (or at least regularly) along w/ bigger shows. Great dive bar and music venue. It's the kind of place that is becoming rare today where you can still see local music or have a venue to play at for bands. The band I saw was terrible but that's the whole beauty. I'd be a regular if I lived in Brighton. Find them here as the website posted doesn't work: http://www.myspace.com/hobgoblinbrighton read more

The Hob Goblin can be found on the edge of the London Road ghetto and I think it generally regarded locally as a bit of a dive. On entering is what I would call a metaller pub with goth bar staff and over boistrous clintele. It does have live music on pretty much every night of the week in the back room and the bands that play are not all ridulously heavy. We saw a friends band play who were kind of Billy Bragg punk rock. They also have a massive outside patio/garden area which had about 20 tables and space for more. read more

With the Hobgoblin being plonked right on the centre of London Road it's no wonder I've seen things getting a little hairy in there sometimes. But ultimately it's not such a bad place to have a drink. A classic rockers pub with lots of leather and long hair shouldn't put you off. It's been quiet of late what with the weather but the spacious beer garden comes alive in the summer as revellers enjoy some rays. No commercial music, no commercial conversation. read more

The Hobgoblin - hobgoblin - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

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The Hobgoblin is the sort of place you wouldn't want to take a girl on a first date unless she had a lot of piercings in a lot of different places and dyes her hir purple. If you want to go to a good grungy pub though with some pretty impressive live metal bands then pop in on a Saturday night. The staff are really cool and most of the clientelle are nice and friendly, if a little smelly. Rock on dude! read more

One of Brighton's cooler drinking dives, the Hobgoblin kicks the coolness teeth out of nearly any other place in town, and for good reason: it is the punkest, grimiest, rockiest place in town to get a quick beverage. With punk, metal and thrash belting out of the speakers, and more tattoos and piercings than a biker's convention, the Hobgoblin attracts a certain sort of clientele, which isn't a problem until late in the evening, but still takes some getting used to. If that doesn't bother you, get your big boots on and head down here for a pint. The Hobgoblin takes its name from the very successful brand of ales with the same logo, and thus has a great selection of ales and beers. Mostly in bottle and not on tap, but it's not a massive issue: the taps are a bit grimy, so bottles are probably the best way to go. The ambiance is similarly grotty, but out the back is one of Brighton's nicest and biggest beer gardens: grab a pew there. This is a great pub for a nice swig of ale and some heavy tunes, although it does have to be your sort of thing: you really can't get away from the rock/grunge vibe. If that's your kind of thing, you probably already come here, if not you probably wouldn't enjoy it anyway! read more

One of the longest established rock pubs left in the city and a venue with many fond memories for me. It's a big pub with a front area for drinking and a back room that will regularly have live music events and is laid out a bit more like a load of long tables with benches. This can be a great way to get to know some new faces if you are into the metal/rock scene and most patrons are a good bunch. The staff are also quite chilled and you shouldn't let the hair, tat's and piercings put you off. The pub also has a very large and pleasant garden out back that is one of the best places to enjoy a summer pint in the city. The actual pub is a little neglected in respect of the decor and furniture, but in personality and ambiance it more than holds it's own. read more

Popped in here whilst waiting for the ladies to complete their shopping. Reasonably pleasant bar to have a drink.....nicely situated in a busy part of the City. Good stock and variation of beers/lagers. Haven't tried the food yet....but probably will. read more

I've spent more time in this pub then most people I know lol I walk in on my own and make new friends every time I'm in there my dog trigger is a welcome member and the girls behind the bar love him to so its one of the best in my eyes read more

The Hobgoblin - Best place to meet a mate after work for a chilled Point - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

I've personally spent far too long in the Hobgobolin wondering why I'm spending far too long in a place in the Hobgoblin. The pub is a hide out for the local rockers and alcoholics, generally, with metal and punk never off the jukebox and band posters on the walls. The lager selection is dire, but you're fine off with ale. It hosts many a gig at the back end and upstairs; it has a big, if unkept, beer garden; and always seems to be packed in the evenings. Oh, and the mens toilet is just about tolerable. read more

The good thing about Hobgoblin is that its close to town and the drinks are relatively cheap. They also offer quite a few student deals which is pretty cool. However, it is a really noisy pub (they even have a dj sometimes) so if you are hoping for a nice evening of just having a chat with people its probably best to avoid the inside of the pub. The garden on the other hand is awesome and spacious. read more

When I first moved to Brighton over ten years ago this pub was a shambles, it was falling apart but it had character. A few years ago it was done up and the old grungy feel has gone! It's a bit too modern and clean and the range of drinks do not inspire. For its location they are also over priced. They do serve a good burger though but that is coming to an end. There are better pubs to drink in that area. read more

The troll's pantry has really turned food at the hobgoblin around. Such an improvement! Their loaded chip plates are amazing and really unique. read more

Hobgoblin is a great pub, which frequently has free live music, generally performed by fantastic, yet to be discovered local bands. The theme of everything is rockish, and the alcohol is made up of lots of beers and ales. read more

Great, reasonably priced pub! The outdoor area is huge! Is great in summer and really buzzy. The staff aren't the friendliest, but the general atmosphere of the pub itself makes up for it. I haven't tried the thai food, but the roast on sunday is pretty good for the price! £7.95 for beef, chicken or nut roast with all the trimmings (although mine was missing any parsnips...) read more

I'd travelled from London to see The Sumerian Kyngs and arrived slightly earlier than the band. The pub/venue is decorated in the typical dive/boho style and this is as it should be. As soon as I got to the bar serving the usual brewery led fare but offering ok guest beers I was genuinely, cheerily, greeted by a local bearded, leather hatted, roadie for Lynrd Skynrd type, who bemoaned the fact that his favourite ale was not on tonight. The bar staff were incredibly friendly and funny. After cheers and thanks I sat down with my overnight bag and took in the scene. Old wooden tables and chairs randomly scattered around the main smallish bar area arranged over three different floor levels, walls of dark red and woodwork of old pub dark green. Scattered over all the tables were flyers and booklets describing local gigs and guides to bands. Skull n crossbone flags draped the walls alongside a rebel flag, various bits of twisted sheet music and bill posters of bands rock n roll to the fore. Dimly lit as it should be and The Stooges playing through the not too loud P.A.(bliss). At the bar was an old lady in a wheelchair with her ancient toothless beau, my new friend southern rock man now chatting to a goth dominatrix and a foxy chic type with suede boots, jeans and suede bomber jacket, tousled hair a great profile and a smile that would have melted the coldest man's heart (I didn't really notice her), next to her stood a combat style skinhead talking to a young rockabilly guy and a punk/traveller type about his mates and their organisation Skins Against Racismfantastic, they were then joined by a little people bloke, who was helped onto a stool by Skinhead. Others in the bar were suitably mixed styles and tribes, all this has to be appreciated and nurtured. This is a venue boho bar not a slug n lettuce or some other bland overpriced prepackaged uniform bar. Bands play in the back bar, good size and great atmosphere, The Sumerian Kyngs and their wall of sound psych, jam, groove, jazz etc. were imperious and truly wonderful. Beyond the staged area is a huge garden for air, summer drinking and ciggies, it also served as a handy area to chat with the bands and leather hat after the gig. It ain't The Hammersmith Odeon, it ain't swanky bar land and it certainly ain't gastro pub, but it is bloody good and it does put on live music and the people are boho and friendly. See a band there as soon as you can before places like this disappear into the bland corporate blackhole. read more

The Hobgoblin - The psychtastic 'Sumerian Kyngs' play The Hobgoblin - Pubs Near Me - Brighton, BNH

I have to say the hobgoblin is a bit of dive, its a typical metal/rock pub with a grubby interior alcohol and band poster covered the walls. Its also dingy and expensive. I'm basically not a fan. That said I've seen a load of these places over the years and there is definitely a market for it, so if your into your leather trench coats and cider its probably worth checking out. There's also a considerable beer garden out the back which is worth a try as its so central but otherwise avoid avoid avoid. read more

Several pints options for a good price and vegetarian food options available.

Although this is mainly a student pub it has a surprisingly superb selection of Cask beers and at excellent prices e.g. £3.25 for a pint from Siren Craft Brewery. It also has a good beer garden and the best burgers in Brighton from the award winning Trolls Pantry. read more

This place has always been a filthy, horrible stink hole despite the money spent trying to turn it around. Beers are okay. As a live venue pretty standard. Just don't bother with the food- it's arrogantly priced, greasy, burnt $hit that's been scraped off a burger van's grill. Paper menus are soggy on the bar, so you can't read the small print about ordering £4 sides to your £12 1/4 pounder burger served in fast food wrappers on a prison tray. I left feeling robbed and hungry. read more

lol i have to agree with other review on here.its great place, brill music, prices nice, ppl really nice and talkative and loud and various, bbq outside, big outside area, just a nice krankin place really. for metal, rock i definately go here for a laugh and play. top points form me ;) read more

This is a horrible dive of a pub that hosts bad bands with band sound, horrible grumpy staff and awful tasting pints. I like rock and punk but I don't know why anyone would go there. read more