When: February 1st 2012
Where: The Alibi Pub, 22 Victoria Terrace, Hove
I paid: £3.00 for a pint of Harveys
The Alibi is not in the most attractive of locations. Standing on one of the busiest stretches of Kingsway, it is perched between a somewhat scruffy row of shops and a service station. Sadly, even the large suntrap beer garden at the rear of the pub is unable to provide a sea view as it is overlooked by the flats on Hove promenade. Still, at least it enables drinkers to get an idea of what the wealthy get up to in the evenings (the washing up, as far as I could see). I visited on a bitterly cold evening so the open fire was very welcome, but there wasn't that many punters in despite the 'attraction' of Bolton v Arsenal being screened on the large screen TV. The game was not being broadcast on satellite or terrestrial TV so I was unsure as to what feed they were using. Unwilling to seem like a nosy git just wandering in off the street asking questions I refrained from enquiring but as the game was being advertised heavily on boards outside the pub, if it was an illegal feed then they weren't being very covert about it.
As the King Alfred leisure centre is only a couple of hundred yards away, it is an ideal place to stop for a quick drink after a gym session or as in my case, another dismal attempt at swimming. Judging by the number of sports bags in evidence this is a popular option. Whilst most people gathered at the front of the pub for the football, I retreated to the large dining area at the rear where I was able to bag a comfortable leather settee to myself. As well as a smaller TV showing the football, there was also a tempting selection of board games. As I already cut a rather pathetic figure sitting on my own making notes however, I didn't wish to enhance the illusion by playing a game of Buckaroo. Books were also in evidence but upon closer inspection appeared to be more for decoration than actual reading (Elementary Algebra by D M Simpson might be slightly heavy going after a couple of pints).
The food menu is small but reasonably priced. The pub does special promotions throughout the week and I was particularly taken with 'Chilli night' on Mondays when you are able to get a free bowl of chilli and bread with a pint of San Miguel or bottle of Sol. There are also offers on Sunday roasts, £8.95 for one, £16 for two, etc. (that's me sorted then but if anyone wants to come with me it's £22 for three). Posters advertise the monthly comedy club and there is a fortnightly karaoke night. Indeed, unlike some pubs that just seem happy merely to exist, The Alibi takes an active interest in actually getting customers through the door. It worked on me, I liked it here. I'll be back.
Dog friendly: nope Food: small menu, all freshly cooked. Decent selection of drinks
Entertainment: Two TV's (neither showing The Alibi channel, thank christ), a fruit machine, board games. No jukebox, pool tables or dartboard. Outdoor seating: Very large beer garden to rear.
Quiz: None Live music: None advertised but there's karaoke!
OVERALL SCORE: 8/10........it's a fair cop.
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