An independent and comfortable beery destination that's an ale and cider lover's dream
84 Goldstone Villas
Hove
BN3 3RU
01273 776307
thewatchmakersarms@gmail.com
The Watchmaker’s Arms Hove
You know it’s a beery place when there are casks under your feet and hops hanging from the ceiling.
The Watchmaker’s Arms Hove is just an all-round nice place for a beer lover to be. They have done wonders with such a narrow space, it feels cosy not claustrophobic and the solid furniture slotted in comfortably whilst still giving you a gangway to the all important bar where there is room to stand and read the many beer options. There’s no garden per se, but on nice days, tables and chairs appear alfresco out front.
At night it’s romantically and warmly lit with filament bulbs and rope lighting, and dogs are most welcome. Some quirky decoration here and there nods to a historic use of the space as a… well the clue’s in the name..
This micropub has an enviable selection of quality guest beers from near and far listed in chalk on their board, which is split into cask, keg and ciders, but noticeably favouring the cask ales. The staff have always been able to have good dialogue about the beers on offer and freely offer tasters and takeaway bottles. Understandably The Watchmakers is often chosen as the location for local brewer’s cask launch nights and you might think all this cask means the pub nods towards the older demographic, and it might slightly, but actually it’s frequented by people of all ages.
Wine is also available, and if you get peckish there’s pork pies and cheeseboards available. Live music appears some Sunday evenings so it’s worth keeping an eye on their socials for dates.