The Geese (Have Gone Over The Water), Brighton

The Geese is a superb community pub in the Hanover district, part-way up steep Southover Street. On a mild afternoon, the windows were open to the street, most of the tables were occupied and the buzz of chatter filled the room, along with a soundtrack of Credence Clearwater Revival. The pub is both child and dog friendly (though the former are expected to leave by 7 p.m.). Food options centre on bangers and mash along with a solid bar menu. Three ales are offered - 2 from Sussex breweries and one from Hop Back (but not that one) when I called in. Among the keg fonts are Blue Moon & Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. I enjoyed my brief visit and would have been glad to stay longer. I'm scoring it a 8 not for an extensive selection of craft beers, but simply for doing what it does so well. That and a cheery farewell from the barman which always a nice touch.

3 real ales and food served.

I popped into the Geese Have Gone Over That Water (what’s all that about then) late on Tuesday night and found a small L shaped pub populated with a handful of locals. There was some random music playing off the jukebox and the plasma screen was showing muted Sky Sports News. Most of the seating is conventional, but a couple of sofas can be found by the burner to the left of the bar. The bar is stocked with standard draught products and only one of the three hand pumps was being used to draw Harvey’s Best. Food is served on Wednesday through to Saturday evening and roasts are available from midday until 16:00 on Sundays. Much like the Greys pub directly opposite the opening times are 16:00 until midnight Mondays to Thursdays, 15:00 until 00:30 Fridays, noon until 00:30 Saturdays and noon until midnight on Sundays. There is a quiz from 20:00 every Thursday evening and live music every Sunday evening. It may have just been the time I visited, but I felt like a member of the away team who had taken a wrong turn and ended up in the home team’s dressing room. There are better pubs in the area.