Give it a shot......No.11 The Golden Cannon

When: 3rd February 2012
Where: The Golden Cannon, 20-21 St. Georges Road, Brighton
I paid: £3.00 for a pint of Harveys

A visit to the Golden Cannon is a bit like going for a beer at your mates flat. If he had a large, scruffy lounge. A large, scruffy lounge and had invited the grandparents around. It's strictly no frills but in a way that's part of the charm. Kemp Town village where it is situated has a tendency to take itself a bit too seriously sometimes and the Golden Cannon offers a refreshing, unpretentious alternative.


Another terrible photo

It's basically one large room with a u-shaped bar along one wall serving a rather meagre selection of drinks. As it was a Friday night there was a brisk trade and the barmaid seemed to know everyone by name, which gave the place a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Most of the furnishings and wooden flooring are scuffed and well worn but there are a couple of comfortable sofas in one corner along with some carpeting that looks like it's been there since the pub first opened (1909 apparently). A few books were available on top of a cabinet but once again it appeared that I was the only person who entertained the idea that they might actually be there to read as they were covered in a layer of dust that would put even my flat to shame (Surgery for nurses, by Dawson & Love).



There is little in the way of distractions. Just a fruit machine that went ignored just as much as the books and a barmaid attempting to sing along to Dancing Queen on the radio (some of her suggestive gyrations were a bit scary). I can't say I felt like spending my whole evening there but it's a nice enough place to stop for a quick pint. It doesn't serve food but most of the punters upon leaving made a beeline for Tuckers burger bar on the other side of the road. I decided to join them. Perfect.

Dog friendly: Yes                                  Outdoor seating: none

Entertainment: A fruit machine                Quiz: nope

Food: Tuckers, 10 yards across the road       Live music: The barmaid sings Abba on request

OVERALL SCORE: 5.5/10........cheap and cheerful.