The Joker - Brighton

Walk into The Joker and you're immediately in someone's living room—the good kind, where everyone's got a story and the telly's always on for the match. It's the sort of place where Preston Road locals have been propping up the bar for years, and they'll happily adopt you if you show up twice. The ale selection is genuinely impressive for a neighbourhood pub, and they take their food seriously without being annoying about it. You'll find proper comfort stuff that actually tastes good, not just expensive garnishes on a plate.