Unfortunately, our experience staying in the short-let Airbnb apartment above the Regency Tavern in 2021 was extremely poor.
While technically claimed to be separate businesses, the crossover is hard to ignore; staff from the pub entered the flats (without masks during the then-COVID-19 pandemic), and we were asked to settle a payment using the pubās payment terminal.
Any issues about the Airbnb were reported to Lee Thomas Cockshott, who operates both the accommodation and the pub (the latter alongside his partner, Simon Mark Peter Ebers).
The building itself was in a dreadful state of repair ā rotting doors, exposed live wiring, and a general lack of hygiene throughout.
The accommodation did not match the advertised amenities, such as the lack of hand soap in one apartment, which Cockshott blamed on COVID-related restrictions despite hand soap being present in the other apartment. The apartments were clearly not supplied nor cleaned to any reasonable standard.
We initially agreed in principle to an offline contract to move to the apartment directly next to the one we originally booked. But that agreement was effectively breached by the failure to provide safe, functioning facilities and even a basic standard of customer service. The second apartment smelled strongly of damp, had poor window seals, and Cockshott continued to behave in a needlessly hostile and sarcastic manner.
We left after one night, cutting our stay short because we no longer felt safe or comfortable ā not just due to the poor condition of the flats, but also because of how we were treated by Cockshott.
Following our early checkout, the majority of the text messages I received from Cockshott were aggressive, evasive, or threatening. These included threats of police reports, legal action, and personal attacks, simply because we insisted on paying for the one night we stayed in the adjacent apartment.
While this review is primarily about the accommodation, it is impossible to separate the two when the Regency Tavern is used to manage, access, and process payments for the flats and said pub's staff not only tended to the apartment, but could also be heard advising Cockshott during one or more of his phone calls with us.
In my opinion, because of the dangerous condition of the premises, the intimidation we experienced, and previous dishonesty about the connection between the pub and the Airbnb, Cockshott should not be allowed to continue operating tourist accommodations. It's just as well that Cockshott and Ebers' other business, Le Village, shut down in 2023 after council action.
I strongly advise against staying here or doing business with Lee Cockshott or Simon Ebers in...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreNice. Classic English pub atmosphere, serving damned good Sunday roast. It is tucked way, sans views, but really, the service and food and atmosphere to die for. The establishment knew my friend , Tom, and treated us really well. A treat to meet the chef too. It os offset from a classic designed square that overlooked the old Brighton pier, so only imagine the history of the wealthy, and connected, Victoria's that drank here. The Regency Tavern in Brighton holds a storied history that dates back to the early 19th century. Originally established in 1837, it stands as a quintessential example of Regency architecture, reflecting the elegance and style of the era. The tavern became a hub for social gatherings, attracting the fashionable society of Brighton during the Regency period.
Throughout its history, the Regency Tavern has witnessed the changing tides of Brighton's cultural and social scene. It weathered the Victorian era, the Roaring Twenties, and various societal shifts, adapting to the evolving tastes of its patrons. The pub's charm extends beyond its architectural allure; it became a place where locals and visitors alike could converge for spirited conversations and conviviality.
Over the years, the Regency Tavern has been lovingly preserved, ensuring that its historic character remains intact. Today, it stands not only as a testament to Brighton's rich past but also as a lively establishment where patrons can enjoy the unique blend of tradition and modernity. Whether sipping a pint in its historic interior or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, visitors to the Regency Tavern continue to partake in a tradition that has...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreI visited this pub with some friends for lunch last Friday. When we first arrived the place appeared empty but a lovely American chap soon arrived (my apologies if he's Canadian but I can't tell the difference) I had taken the precaution of booking a table but as it turned out this wasn't necessary, we were offered the choice of anywhere we wanted to sit. The menu is primarily based on pies and sausages with a good variety on offer, there are also daily specials available. I opted for the lamb and mint sausages with mash and peas with gravy, they came in a large flat bowl which is ideal for covering your food with the lovely gravy, the sausages were full and meaty and the mash completely lump free, two others in the group had pork sausages and two had scampi and chips. We all thoroughly enjoyed the food and only one of the group could fit in a dessert, an Apple crumble with custard. The venue itself is a bit of an institution in Brighton, it blends over the top Recency style with the wonderful campness that Brighton does best, lots of gilt and red velvet, but alas somewhat jaded in places, it could do with a bit of a spruce up but nothing to change it too much. Don't expect fine dining here but do expect to loosen your waistband and sit back and enjoy the decor with a nice...
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