Within the Brighton Lanes you may come across a quaint little pub, The Cricketers, which has history dating back to 1547, making it the very oldest pub in Brighton. The pub is rich with history, and its original owner, Derrick Carver, was sadly burnt as a martyr for his religious beliefs, and Jack the Ripper (whoever he may be) is said to have spent time plotting in this very pub.
Inside, a warm Victorian welcome awaits you. The plus red velvet seating, artwork on the walls and open fire are part of the charming characters in The Cricketers. Upstairs in the pub, you’ll find the greene room, an area that can be hired out as a function room with a bar, so if you need somewhere for your next event, take a look. There are live music events every Tuesday and Friday night with two incredible house bands. Entrepreneurial chef Phil Bartley and his team head up the kitchen, so whilst you can expect to find all the pub classics, you’ll spot interesting takes on dishes, too. Food is served from 12 until 8pm every day of the week. Small plates and bar snacks include southern fried chicken wings with a Brighton blue cheese dip with celery, the caramelised onion soup with melted cheese croutons and pulled pork sausage rolls stuffed with apple, pork and black pudding, with tomato chutney on the side.
Bigger plates and main meals include classics like the beer battered cod loin with chips, real mushy peas and tartare sauce, along with a cauliflower katsu curry and jasmine rice, and delicious pork and apple sausages with minted potato mash, real gravy and crispy fried onions.