Situated in the heart of old St Leonards, in Mercatoria, a short walk from Warrior Square and the seafront, this pleasant back street free house is a quiet, atmospheric and dog friendly pub. This is the oldest pub in the area. The bar is an unusual horseshoe shape, with at the rear, a separate narrow and quieter room. With a pleasing timeless quality it is a proper “talking” pub with no background music or TV, known affectionately as the “Doom and Gloom”. The front bar is dominated by a framed photograph of armed police from the siege of Sidney Street. There is an interesting collection of hats hanging from the ceiling of the cosy rear bar. Harvey’s Sussex Best Bitter is the regular ale, with three changing beers, nationally sourced. The pub does not serve food, however, an adjoining restaurant opens Tuesday to Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes. Occasional live music sessions are held and weekly backgammon and chess clubs. A well-supported local pantomime takes place in the rear courtyard every December.