April saw the return of one of the West Hill and Brighton’s most prominent pubs, lovingly restored and re-launched as The West Hill Tavern. Formerly known as The Belle Vue, and then simply The West Hill, the site has seen many incarnations over the years as a steady stream of management teams have steered the ship; but this time things seem different.

Former Creative Director of London and Brighton-based events and bar group Mothership, interior designer Heather Pistor and her DJ husband Ben have taken on a 10-year lease. Along with their young son Elliott, it seems they are here to stay. With a huge investment from both the landlords and the Pistors, the pub has been given a new lease of life with cosy interiors, traditional pub pantones and a cracking selection of drinks, including craft beers, ‘not-so-crafty beers’, local Sussex ales such as Long Man’s APA and Hammerpot’s Mosaic Pale Ale, alongside a very considered wine list, a bloody good Bloody Mary and goblets of G&T. What more could one want?

The events calendar is beginning to take shape too, with a weekly Jazz night on Thursdays and a twice-monthly quiz to be held on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month; and they are currently on the lookout for local meet-up groups, musicians and promoters to join the community at The Westie. “Our aim is to become the hub of the community with something for everyone, and have that ‘Cheers’ effect where everyone really does know your name,” said Heather. “We’ve been overwhelmed by, and are very thankful for, all the support from so many locals, some of whom hadn’t set foot in the pub for a number of years. It’s such an honour to be given the opportunity to re-instate The West Hill Tavern as the centre of this wonderful West Hill community, and along with our staff, we welcome everyone into our new home.”

And, of course, you can’t have a real pub without a hearty pub food menu and The West Hill Tavern is serving up home-cooked food Wednesday – Sunday, including burgers, fish ‘n’ chips, and that all important Sunday roast.
As the Pistor’s mantra goes, “Bring your friends, bring your family, bring your dog, bring the good times.”

Email thewestiebn1@gmail.com to get involved.