A Regency pub which claims to be Brighton’s most glamorous is planning a facelift.
The Grade II Regency Tavern – one of the town’s oldest pubs – has applied for planning permission for a fresh lick of paint.
It also wants to put up signs – including one announcing it is “The Most Glamorous Pub in Brighton” and to paint its supporting columns in rainbow colours.
The application, written by Colin Ladd Associates, says: “The Regency Tavern is a popular venue and is wellsupported by the local diverse population.
“The tired exterior has a rundown appearance and this proposal is intended to bring the building up to date with redecoration and new signage to maintain customer loyalty.
“The colour scheme has been chosen to reflect the base colours generally used on the surrounding architecture – namely creams with white windows.
“Colour has been added in the fascia signs and it is intended to add a playful touch by colouring the steel columns which support the passage facade. The signage is traditional in nature, employing mainly blue and gold colours.
“In addition to becoming a destination for both visitors and local residents the scheme will provide a significant uplift to the street elevations and will ensure the longevity of the listed building into the future.”
The plans have met with approval from at least one history-minded commenter, whose identity has been kept a secret by the council.
They say: “:I’m pleased to see that the ludicrous and wholly inaccurate painted sign claiming that this is an ’18th century historic pub’ is being removed and the more accurate date 1830 is being added.
“The heritage statement [submitted with the application] says that the building may not have been built as a pub. This is correct.
“The reason it occupies three street addresses is because it was built as a terrace of three properties known, until c. 1878, as 1-3 Regency Colonnade.
“Original documents in private ownership indicate that Regency Colonnade was built in the late 1820s by local builders/architects Cooper and Lynn, who had previously build the Royal Colonnade in New Road.
“Cooper and Lynn were commissioned to do the work by Joshua Flesher Hanson, the developer of Regency Square. Minutes of the Town Commissioners indicate that Regency CoOlonnade was near completion in 1829.
“Although one of the three premises was a ‘beer retailer’ from 1832, copies of planning documents at The Keep show that the three premises did not become a single property until after WW2.
“I am pleased that the illumination of the new signage on the western facade will be hooded lamps. I am not able to judge from the technical spec how bright the lighting will be, but I would like to request that consideration is given to the proximity of the western facade to neighbours’frontages.
“In particular, please ensure that the illumination on the western facade is turned off when the pub closes at night.”
I remember it was run by a flamboyant man and his other half, in the 90’s One day at lunch I asked for ketchup. He brought a bottle and hovered while I used it. I said “It’s alright. You can leave it with me.” and he said “I don’t think so, darling. This isn’t a transport cafe.”
“The plans have met with approval from at least one history-minded commenter, whose identity has been kept a secret by the council.”
Why have you started to saying ‘kept a secret’? You’re giving the impression that person has sometihing to hide
The details of those who comemnt on applications – for and against – are simply not published for public consumption.
On other planning arricles you use the words ‘redacted’ or ‘anonymous ‘
The intrepid reporter has never heard of the GDPR/Data protection act 2018. Must be the only one left in the country..
There’s actually no requirement for BHCC to redact the names – it is deciding to do that off its own back. So I think keeping secret is fair comment. If you Google “do councils have to redact names of people commenting on planning applications?” you’ll see various other councils’ explanations of what information they publish, and most will publish names and addresses.
BHCC even redacts the names of groups such as the Regency Society, which is farcical.
I remember being in there around 10 years ago for dinner. Had one of my children probably around 14 at the time.
After dinner I went to the bar with my daughter behind me to order a drink and dessert for us but the “manager” popped up from behind the bar and said ” Your child must not approach the bar”. I thought he was either joking or fancied himself as a judge in the high court.
He wasn’t joking and gave me a lecture on how he would lose his licence. Needless to say I decided against the drinks and dessert. My kids are now mid twenties and wouldn’t set foot back there. The manager fellow was memorable both for his rudeness but he’s only about 5ft tall. I’ve seen him since in the Prince of Wales pub.
What a plonker.
You’re a bit touchy, aren’t you, you plonker?
Shamus, there’s an element of truth in what the then landlord said. the fact that you still hold onto this interaction shows that it is you that’s the plonker. It’s a fun pub with character. If the guy’s gone elsewhere, why derided the pub by stating that your “kids wouldn’t step foot in there” Like the rest of us care what your kids are upto. Plonker indeed.
The building’s listed status is likely to count for more than a flamboyant owner’s wish to ‘jazz up’ the external appearance. I rather doubt permission will be granted for multi coloured columns. The signage will probably be ok though. The last time I was in there it was a nice pub doing sing along carols with a piano at Xmas.
I think what should always be considered with applications such as these, is that painting the exterior is not a permanent change, but just a period of redecoration that can be reversed without damage at any time.
Context is key.
I’m not surprised that some people are offended. They should be, and if so, they should stay away.
This is one of the quirkiest pubs in Brighton, one of my favourites, and it wouldn’t be the same if it was frequented by those that feel they would be better served elsewhere. This is Brighton through and through, and long may it continue just as it is.
One thing I particularly enjoy about this pub is seeing people you know in there, from other walks of everyday life, who then appear to be flustered that you’ve found them out. I adore it.
Another thing, if I may be so bold, is that I’m not even sure painting the external columns in rainbow colours is such a great idea.
We already have many ‘rainbow’ pubs in Brighton, and one of the unique characteristics of The Regency is that it isn’t. It’s furtive, it catches people out, and it doesn’t attract the obvious type, which I think it would if it advertised itself in this way. Something of the quiet 1950s/1960s gentility would be lost. It would become less Rita Tushingham and more – well, TikTok I suppose.
I think I don’t want it to change. I don’t think I want to see it have a different clientele.
This is NOT the most glamorous pub in Brighton by a long way. This is a den of eniquity,
and first hand witnessed the debauchery that goes on , but hey , paint the place that wont take away false claim of being Brightons most glamorous pub
The gold and blue is nice but the painted columns looks chavvy
A rainbow! How daring and exciting! The pub will SURELY stand out then!
The inside could do with some attention as well last time I was in there noticed cobwebs in the corners and peeling and stained wallpaper