BIG HUG Brewing Brighton News!
Brighton has been home to me for 18 years - as long as I’ve been in the drinks game which seems frightening how quick that has gone but also how much the scene has changed. I caught the tail end of the good old days of the pubs and clubs working for Bacardi and where most venues (that are now Laine or Indigo) were C-side or Zelgrain and run by ex Ibiza workers…. I’ll leave that there!
One of the most iconic pubs back then was the independent Lion & Lobster (once owned by DI Burnside from the Bill!) - a proper boozer, multi levelled, great food and drink offering, showed the sport and the scene for many a Sunday session. Not much has changed in its iconic status in my mind but what is mind blowing is that it, along with the prime seafront venue Brighton Beach Club and The Walrus (which I’ve only recently frequented and is cavernous!) are now owned by Portobello Starboard who have a direct relationship with our brew partners Portobello Brewing and part of a now rapidly growing freehold pub estate. To say I’m excited is an understatement.
It’s always been difficult as an independent brand to really gather traction in Brighton because of the nature of trading and lack of true independent venues. Add in the nature of rotational craft and without your own bricks and mortar you can get a level of presence but not necessarily permanent awareness. We are lucky to be supported by the likes of BLOCK in Kemp town, Mrs Fitzherberts, some of the independent retailers and a part of the rotational offering for Laine so our beers are out there but fingers crossed, the relationships we have with the team at Portobello mean we can add some great venues to our list of product availability in Brighton.
BLOCK Brighton
Mrs Fitzherberts
It’s been a bit of a frantic few days with ownership of the pubs coming at midnight on Monday but just in time for the bank holiday!
You can get our Do Not Disturb NEPA and Juicy Pale at The Lion and Lobster, the Walrus will have our White IPA and the Brighton Beach Club Juicy Pale. Not forgetting the venue a bit further along the coast, if your anywhere near Hayling Island then the Inn On The Beach (and it is right on the beach!) will have our Juicy Pale.
Have a Great Easter Holiday.
Matt!
