Ancient Mariner

Head down Rutland Road in Hove and you'll find yourself in the sort of pub that doesn't need to try too hard. The Ancient Mariner has that comfortable, lived-in feel—wood-panelled walls, the kind of lighting that's flattering without being trendy, and a bar that's clearly been pulling pints for decades. You're not walking into some Instagram-bait conversion; this is a traditional local where regulars know the staff by name and the beer list actually makes sense. The nautical theme is there if you look for it, but it never feels forced or gimmicky.