Rock Inn all over the world. No.10 The Rock

When: February 3rd 2012
Where: The Rock Inn, 7 Rock Street, Brighton
I paid: £3.15 for a pint of Doom Bar

The Rock Inn is situated at the 'posh' end of Kemp Town just a short walk from the fancy flats of Sussex Square and Chichester Terrace. It's slightly apart from the other Kemp Town pubs (unless you count the I Go Inn, and most people don't) so it's catchment area is larger than most. Despite this though, it was quiet for a Friday evening when I paid a visit. Maybe it was the way the barmaid continued to talk to her friend at the bar and barely acknowledged me as she pulled my pint, but I didn't warm to the place straight away (which was a shame given the temperature outside).  A trivial incident perhaps, but it got my back up.

The pub has a rather cramped feel too it in the main bar, with most of it dominated by a large pillar and mirror. There is a coffee bar in one corner, which serves from 9 A.M and also sells bags off coffee to take away (if you're too lazy to go to the shops I guess). A couple of large screen TV's show all major sporting events but one is so carelessly positioned that it's visible only to a handful of tables. I have no problem with music in pubs and think it lends a certain atmosphere but here the volume was at a level that people were having to raise their voices to make themselves heard and the music was of the Smiths and Echo & The Bunnymen 'slash yer wrists' variety. (christ, I was in a bad mood).

It was only when I wandered out to the rear of the pub to escape the music that it took on a whole new dimension. There is a small 'snug' that is not visible from the main bar, with comfortable seating and a very welcome open fire as well as a handsome separate pool room that houses two pool tables (but no dartboard). Whilst looking for the toilets I inadvertently stumbled upon 'The Gallery' upstairs as well. This is a showcase for the works of local artists apparently but whether they were any good or not I couldn't say as the room was in near darkness. Any community involvement can only be a good thing though and I was suddenly inclined to look at the pub in a much more favourable light. Even the barmaid managed a "see you later mate", as I made my exit. Yeah, why not?

Dog friendly: nope         Barmaid friendly: No, she wasn't

Food: Sunday roasts and meals available bought in from The Swan Bistro apparently, no price list.

Quiz: Tuesday 8.30        Outdoor seating: Small heated patio garden and tables.

Entertainment: Two TV's, fruit machine, a very nice separate pool room.

Miscellaneous: Small coffee bar serving from 9 A.M and a large downstairs function room available for hire.

Overall score: 6.8/10......keep on Rock Inn me baby.