Quadrant, Brighton

Occupying a landmark position opposite the Clock Tower, the Quadrant was under threat of demolition a few years ago. Saved by its Grade II listing and a local campaign it reopened with its interior thankfully unscathed.

This is a mid 19th century three storey building which was refitted in c.1900 and still retains some fine Victorian fittings. The 'Tom Bovey, Wine & Spirit Importer' exterior signs, however, seem modern: Tom Bovey was the landlord of the Quadrant at the turn of tthge start of the twentieth century when the lower bar was fitted. This wedge shaped pub has two ground-floor bars on different levels.

The small bare boarded lower bar has a moulded ceiling, panelled semi-circular chunky Victorian bar counter and excellent carved bar back with unusual central arch with scrolled brackets and ornate pediment over, mirror-panels to either side flanked by fluted Ionic columns and mirror-glass to toplights. There is a Victorian glazed brick and wood surround fireplace, also a panelled and bowed screen to the stairs leading to the rear exit in Air Street with a pair of etched glass windows divided by pilasters with Doric capitals, one a replacement. The panelling and fixed seating are not that old. (The change in level - three steep steps - runs through the centre of the servery, resulting in hearty exercise for the bar staff.)

The small bar in the apex has a bar counter that is a post-war copy of the lower bar one and the dado panelling is modern. There is a plain triangular-shaped room upstairs. Watch the vertiginous descent to the gents, hazardous enough when fully sober. Just visible on the right-hand side rounded window to the door facing Boots store is outlined: The Quadrant Saloon Lounge Choice Wines and Spirits Bass’ Pale. The etched and cut glass below features a bird which could be a kingfisher, the motif of Tamplin's brewery.