Spark Me Up
Spark me up, Buttercup
Do you remember that scene in Jurassic Park, when fellow scientists Dr Grant and Dr Sattler, lay their disbelieving peepers on a dinosaur for the first time? There’s a reminder to your left if you don’t, or you had the good sense not to see the film.
Grant and Sattler obviously knew that dinosaurs existed at some point. They’ve dedicated their careers to brushing the dust off the evidence. But their overwhelming surprise at being able to cruise past a flock, or a herd, or whatever it is you call a group of dinosaurs (a school, a pride, a gathering?) in a gaudy 4×4, as if this were just a day out at the West Midlands Safari Park, beggars their belief. As you can see by their faces.
Something very similar happens to my face every time I watch a film or TV programme that features characters smoking in enclosed spaces. Sparking up at the office for example, or on a plane. I obviously knew that the freedom to smoke wherever you damn well pleased existed at some point. But if I were to cruise by in my own gaudy 4×4 and encounter a group of smokers exhaling freely in a public place, well, it would bugger my belief. You’re just not allowed to do that sort of thing these days. It doesn’t seem possible that you ever were.
I never agreed with wantonly blowing smoke wherever I fancied, but an outright ban does seem a little harsh. Although there are some advantages. Because you can’t light up when you like any more, people tend to announce their intention to have for a fag, and wait to see who joins them. Going for a cigarette has become almost conspiratory, a naughty little adventure to be shared with your equally deviant friends. If nobody cares to join you, well, it’s a chance to have some time outside to contemplate, pontificate and hopefully miss your round at the bar.
So, with that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of some smoker friendly haunts for when you are out on, and probably tripping over, the tiles in Brighton. These places sure beat hanging around on the pavement, struggling to inhale despite a serious case of smoker’s nipple, brought on by the disapproving winds that seem unique to this city.
The Hop Poles, 13 Middle Street, BN1 1AL
These people seem to be having a good time don’t they? This is no doubt thanks to this dedicated smoking area, which is covered to retain the ample heating. It also boasts audible outdoor music and of course, foliage. A good place for when the pub becomes inevitably over-crowded.
The Hop Poles
The Barley Mow, 92 St George’s Road, BN2 1EE
The smoking area boasts an awning, which is something to celebrate. Not least because you can pretend to be at an Ascot after party, should the fancy take you.
The Office, 8-9 Sydney Street, BN1 4EN
What used to be the yard has been given a splash of paint and some picnic tables. Shabby chic, but I spent a winter’s hour or so hanging out here with some mulled cider and it feels like a proper Brighton joint.
Grand Central, 29 – 30 Surrey Street, BN1 3PA
This roof terrace, with its round wooden tables and generous patio heaters, could lead you believe you were somewhere else entirely more tropical of a weekday night.
The Grand Central
The Royal Sovereign, 66 Preston Street, BN1 2HE
I’m not a huge fan of this pub, but carpets and palm trees line the generous outdoor space, which does mean you can spark up and chill out.
If anybody has any further suggestions about where to consume the evil weed in comfort, please do leave them in the comment box below.
Next week – the best places in Brighton to have an argument with your lover.
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Tags: Beachdownwriter, Brighton
What's on your mind?
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April 14th 2009 | 1
Juzzzy says:
Just so long as I’m not arguing about smoking.
Juzzzy’s last blog post..No Cliffhanger
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Gary says:
A glass of mulled cider, a fag and a bit of smirting.. Sounds like fun to me.
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Rhiannon Baynham says:
Think of the energy that could be saved by not having to heat the entire outside with parasol heaters. Landlords could just have guests stand around metal bin fires and hand out fingerless gloves a much more environmentally friendly approach?
Smoke away you brave people! -
Laura says:
Well, firstly I must address your dinosaur query. Shortly after the moment they see the dinosaurs, Dr Grant says, in pure awe: “They’re moving in herds…they do move in herds…”. This had been a contentious issue thus far, you see. Later he does remark that the gallimimus appear to be flocking, like birds, changing direction…but we’ll stick to herding, if it’s easier?
Glad that’s sorted.
My main point is: I don’t smoke, and I don’t live in Brighton, but you’ve made it so alluring to me now that I’m tempted to move and become just such a sinner. I like a bit of foliage in my public houses.
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sean says:
a fag and a pint…they go hand in hand don’t they?
thank-you for posting, it’s most informative and welcome. -
Row says:
*lights up and embraces dinosaur status*
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Monica says:
I don’t smoke but I like the article. And I love Jurassic Park!
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Carole says:
Smoking rooms in hotels or B&B please????????????
P.S. This is great info for visitors
:)
