The Shakespeare’s Head Brighton

The Shakespeare’s Head Brighton

Bangers, mash and more in this fondly frequented pub

The recent refurbishment (summer 2022) at The Shakespeare’s Head Brighton has expanded, brightened and warmed a space that, while much loved, was guilty of being dim and dated.

Clean brick walls have been exposed throughout and more mock tudor portraits have been brought in to accompany the old faces that have been resident here for so many years.

The bar has moved to the right hand back wall and they have knocked through so that the pub’s previously cut off snugs and spaces, now join up and form one large L shaped seating area. It’s formulaic of modern pubs to open up like this, expose the brickwork, and give the space a generic feel, but you have to admit it’s been done well and really makes this pub work.

The range orientates around Laines’ keg beers, Source, Ripper, Mangolicious, plus some lagers and more mainstream pale ales, and 3 cask options as well. The pub doesn’t feel as supportive of less mainstream craft brewers as it once was, nothing more interesting than Erdinger in the fridges or Lagunitas on the taps on our last visit.

The niche draw at The Shakespeare’s Head Brighton has always been the legendary sausage and mash menu, and thankfully that hasn’t disappeared, though the range has shrunk. They have been joined by Hot Dogs, Battered things with Chips and various fries and snack small plates.  The Sunday roast is still available and there are 7 different options spanning veggie, vegan and gluten free.

Some character has been lost, some has been retained (the pub staff are familiar and are still as lovely as they ever were) and we think locals and newbies alike will develop a soft spot for Shakies.