Was Worthing Worth it?

TLDR:  Yes.

We had to pop over to Worthing again ysterday for a little moral supporting of some of our staff running a workshop in the brilliant Colonnade House.

It was clear, immediately we arrived, that our lads had the whole thing under control (as we knew they would, really) and that the commissioning organisation was delighted with the way things were going.

This mean that we could leave them all to it after an hour or so of pleasant chat and session observiation.

Clare recommended a newish micropub - The Old Bicycle Shop -  very close by so we went to fnd it.

They had a nice range of beers and the space was really pleasant.  It was very quiet, and a little chilly but we supped our beer happily enough.

We really wanted to ensure we got to the Brooksteed Arms before heading back to Brighton so decided not to have a second but, instead, to head up the hill.

We were so glad we did.  Even though the first pub was nice, the atmosphere in the Brooksteed was so much warmer (physically, and emotionally).  Obviously, the beer was ace, too.

Sadly, we really only had time for one there so then we got ourselves on a train to Brighton and the Evening Star to meet an old friend post-match.

I have to say, the ES doesn't feel anything like as exciting as it used to.  Despite assurances, the Dark Star beers post-Fullers acquisition, are a shadow of their former selves.  Mind you I had an excellent 2/3rds of a Burning Sky keg beer and this made up for the lack lustre APA.

All in all a really pleasant day and it makes me want to give Worthing a more relaxed visit (and maybe when it's a little warmer) to really give their pubs a good try out.

Side note:  I'm really impressed with Unbarred's modest ABV beers.  They pack tonnes of flavour into their pale sub-4% beers...enough to make you want a second.  That's quite a feat!

Must revist their taproom soon...

South Coast Delights

First couple of weeks of the year have been hectic, workwise.

Still, as you'd imagine, it hasn't stopped us ensuring we do our bit for the pub and brewing trades.

Highlight, so far, has to be yesterday's trip to Hastings.

I was running a training course so struck out from home in the morning and met the Best Beer Buddy a little later.  There was no question of where we were headed - even though there are a couple of micropubs and other good beer pubs in the town.

So it was we found ourselves in The Imperial - home of the fabulous Brewing Brothers.

We opened the door and entered the steamy fug of a brewpub just finishing a boil.  The scent of wort was heavy in the air.

I chose Unbarred Pale Ale (3.5%) on cask as my first pint and I was not disappointed.  The boy chose one of the Brothers' beers - Kennedy - on keg (4.4%?) as his starter and so the afternoon unwound.

Between us we tried 6 of their beers over a total of 8 pints and shared a couple of pizzas.

I so wish that we could pick this pub up lock, stock and (very literally) barrel and drop it in Eastbourne.  It's as close to a perfect pub as we know down here and probably ties in first place with the Barley Mow for ...well, everything.