Have been to the Poets Corner on a semi-regular basis for last 3 or 4 months and have liked it. Laid back atmosphere, mixed crowd, decent beer etc. It was definitely gaining in popularity.
Went there this Saturday and the management have changed. Early days but, it seems, not an improvement. All of sudden it seems a much older crowd (not knocking that but before was all ages), no atmosphere to speak of.
Also it shut at 11pm, on a Saturday! Back to the bad old days there. Tried the Ancient Mariner for a last pint, it was bloody hideous, in your face club volume disco blaring out with everyone shouting. So went to the Three Graces on Portland road, very pleasant but unfortunately has poor ale (Brighton Best is not great). Is probably the only viable alternative in the area if the Poets Corner goes further down hill.
[report for removal]