This classic Brighton pub has faithfully kept its outside decor intact for almost as long as I can remember. The art show for Mr A Clogg is still there. The giant hammer is still just about to miss the mail and hit the thumb instead, despite looking so unwieldy that it shouldn’t stay up on the wall. It’s been through many changes of hands. Thankfully the faux Australian theme, perhaps it was inspired by the gents being an outside toilet, has gone. This pic shows the current management has reintroduced the old tradition of selling hard sweeties in a pub. Never could get my head around that. The Cobbler’s Thumb maintains the classic mixture of friendliness, leaving you to yourself and cosiness. Did I mention its excellent location at the bottom of New England hill?