The Howard in Hanover
Are you looking for a friendly local pub with delicious tapas, Sunday roasts and a hidden beer garden? Then look no further…
Hanover is synonymous for its asthma-inducing hills, pastel-fronted houses, unrivaled cityscape views and quirky independent pubs – The Howard Pub being one of the best.
On a recent visit we were greeted by owner Netty, who is ‘friendly landlady’ personified. The pub’s interior is wildly eclectic, featuring quirky artwork, neon signs, an impressive collection of board games and a hidden beer garden. A free pool table and dartboard further highlight her passion in creating an inviting and community-driven space.
During the week, a tapas menu is served on Thursday and Friday from 17:00–21:00 and Saturday from 13:00–20:00. All food is cooked from scratch by chef Rich who has 30 years’ experience cooking in Hanover. Aside from the permanent menu, expect exciting seasonal specials.
We tried six dishes: patatas bravas, padrón peppers, gambas pil pil, chorizo al vino tinto, pan-fried chilli courgettes and slow-cooked lamb.
Paired with an ice-cold glass of Pinot Grigio, the tapas arrived on a wooden board in rustic terracotta dishes, accompanied with crusty bread, olives and aioli. The presentation felt rustically authentic and we couldn’t wait to dig in.
The standout dish for me was the prawns pil pil, cooked perfectly and swimming in a rich buttery garlic and chilli oil. The chorizo, simmered in a deep red wine sauce, was made for mopping up with the warm crusty bread. Padrón peppers arrived beautifully blistered with just the right scattering of sea salt, while the courgettes were light, delicate and carried a gentle kick of spice.
The slow-cooked lamb was melt-in-the-mouth tender, and the patatas bravas delivered crisp potatoes coated in a sweet, tangy tomato sauce. Overall, stunning and cost-wise all dishes are £7 each, or three for £18.50.
We couldn’t leave without going outside into the hidden beer garden, (which transpired to be an oasis of calm), where we finished our drinks before heading out into Brighton to catch some party vibes. Definitely worth a visit and we will be returning to try the roast very soon!
www.thehowardbrighton.co.uk | 1 Howard Road, Brighton BN2 9TP
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