Review: Idle Hands Brighton

There’s a distinctly bohemian vibe in the Idle Hands. It might be the off-kilter, gypsy rock sounds coming from The Jones Street Boys, but we feel like we could be in a back street Parisian bar right now. By the way, these guys are fantastic and they’re here on Thursdays if anyone wants to check them out.

Amid the swing dancers we spot some comfy and seasoned Chesterfield sofas to sink into. There are a few tables and barrels to perch your pint on, some booth seating in the windows and a couple of tables out front. The all-important bar sits at the back, tucked into the corner, surveying proceedings. It’s simple and elegant, and they’ve made the most of what is a tight little space without it feeling claustrophobic.

So to the beer. If you like your craft keg, you’ll be very happy here: we count ten taps, with an array of local brews and some out of towners (which are rotated regularly) so it’s a great place to experiment. Tonight the likes of Burning Sky Brewery, Bedlam Brewery and Pressure Drop are all on offer. These are dispensed by the very friendly and knowledgeable bar staff, who seem happy to chat about their favourites and recent new arrivals. There are bottles and cans available as well, but there’s no cask ale in sight.

We settle on Magic Rock’s Fantasma, an IPA weighing in at a robust 6.5%. This is a hoppy but wonderfully balanced beer that finishes slightly bitter. It’s light in mouth-feel, and dangerously sessionable given the strength. We like!

The mac’n’cheese kitchen has moved on, but we’re told food will be making a comeback soon.

So if you’re looking for a bohemian and welcoming place to sip away at some seriously good beers, it’s just as well the devil makes work for Idle Hands! (We had to get that in somewhere…)

Are you guilty of passing by this rather special pub without a glance? Or if you’re one of the lucky ones who already know it, tell us what’s the best brew you’ve had there.

There’s a distinctly bohemian vibe in the Idle Hands. It might be the off-kilter, gypsy rock sounds coming from The Jones Street Boys, but we feel like we could be in a back street Parisian bar right now. By the way, these guys are fantastic and they’re here on Thursdays if anyone wants to check them out.

Amid the swing dancers we spot some comfy and seasoned Chesterfield sofas to sink into. There are a few tables and barrels to perch your pint on, some booth seating in the windows and a couple of tables out front. The all-important bar sits at the back, tucked into the corner, surveying proceedings. It’s simple and elegant, and they’ve made the most of what is a tight little space without it feeling claustrophobic.

So to the beer. If you like your craft keg, you’ll be very happy here: we count ten taps, with an array of local brews and some out of towners (which are rotated regularly) so it’s a great place to experiment. Tonight the likes of Burning Sky Brewery, Bedlam Brewery and Pressure Drop are all on offer. These are dispensed by the very friendly and knowledgeable bar staff, who seem happy to chat about their favourites and recent new arrivals. There are bottles and cans available as well, but there’s no cask ale in sight.

We settle on Magic Rock’s Fantasma, an IPA weighing in at a robust 6.5%. This is a hoppy but wonderfully balanced beer that finishes slightly bitter. It’s light in mouth-feel, and dangerously sessionable given the strength. We like!

The mac’n’cheese kitchen has moved on, but we’re told food will be making a comeback soon.

So if you’re looking for a bohemian and welcoming place to sip away at some seriously good beers, it’s just as well the devil makes work for Idle Hands! (We had to get that in somewhere…)

Are you guilty of passing by this rather special pub without a glance? Or if you’re one of the lucky ones who already know it, tell us what’s the best brew you’ve had there.