Review: The Station Hove

Upon entering, a delicious waft of food hits us and there is a flurry of activity by a large pizza oven. The long bar extends down the length of the pub, which is an L shape layout; it has a big tabled seating area down at the far end, booths across the way from the bar, and fruit machines, a pool table and large-screen TVs at the corner end. Outside, sandwiched between the pub and a wall, is a small patch that can’t really be called a garden, but gives smokers somewhere to sit.

The pub is run by Greene King and has a modern, spacious feel throughout. There’s a section to suit all types, but despite – or perhaps due to – a recent refurb there’s a lack of bedded-in cosiness here. It’s great for groups, and is more functional and purposeful than characterful; the artwork feels a little try-hard, like a hotel lobby bar.

A range of ages are here tonight, but certainly there’s a middle-aged majority. We wonder if this pub is more of a stop-off for colleagues and couples on their way home from work, or popular with groups having a quick one before heading into town.

The bar offers an extensive range of beers on cask and keg, wine and – most visibly – spirits. Beer options are heavy on global brand lagers (Estrella, Camden Hells, Amstel, Kronenbourg etc.) with a couple of Greene King options on keg. Nothing is locally sourced other than Harvey’s Brewery Best, which is a shame.

We opt for a tried-and-tested favourite in Beavertown Brewery’s Neckoil IPA, but unfortunately something just isn’t quite right about it today. Given the premium price-tag for Beavertown it was disappointing, and we probably should say something; but there are no other keg options we fancy. Brewdog and Camden Pale are your other options.

There’s a lot to tempt you in; pizzas are 2-for-1 on Tuesdays, and there are on-menu options as well. You can dance the night away on regular Jive Sundays throughout the year, and the Wednesday quiz nights are so popular that pre-booking is compulsory. Top sport is also regularly shown.

We hear the pub is rammed on Fridays and Saturdays, and all-in-all The Station seems like a popular local boozer. It’s bright and pleasant, but pretty standard when compared to other pubs across Brighton and Hove – and therefore not a unique pub if you’re looking for somewhere special.

The bar offers an extensive range of beers on cask and keg, wine and – most visibly – spirits. Beer options are heavy on global brand lagers (Estrella, Camden Hells, Amstel, Kronenbourg etc.) with a couple of Greene King options on keg. Nothing is locally sourced other than Harvey’s Brewery Best, which is a shame.

The pub is run by Greene King and has a modern, spacious feel throughout. There’s a section to suit all types, but despite – or perhaps due to – a recent refurb there’s a lack of bedded-in cosiness here. It’s great for groups, and is more functional and purposeful than characterful; the artwork feels a little try-hard, like a hotel lobby bar.

A range of ages are here tonight, but certainly there’s a middle-aged majority. We wonder if this pub is more of a stop-off for colleagues and couples on their way home from work, or popular with groups having a quick one before heading into town.

The bar offers an extensive range of beers on cask and keg, wine and – most visibly – spirits. Beer options are heavy on global brand lagers – Estrella, Camden Hells, Amstel, Kronenbourg etc. – with a couple of Greene King options on keg. Nothing is locally sourced other than Harvey’s Brewery Best, which is a shame.

We opt for a tried-and-tested favourite in Beavertown Brewery’s Neckoil IPA, but unfortunately something just isn’t quite right about it today. Given the premium price-tag for Beavertown it was disappointing, and we probably should say something; but there are no other keg options we fancy. Brewdog and Camden Pale are your other options.

There’s a lot to tempt you in; pizzas are 2-for-1 on Tuesdays, and there are on-menu options as well. You can dance the night away on regular Jive Sundays throughout the year, and the Wednesday quiz nights are so popular that pre-booking is compulsory. Top sport is also regularly shown.

We hear the pub is rammed on Fridays and Saturdays, and all-in-all The Station seems like a popular local boozer. It’s bright and pleasant, but pretty standard when compared to other pubs across Brighton and Hove – and therefore not a unique pub if you’re looking for somewhere special.