About The

Bow Street Runner

Pub and History

 

History

Why the Bow Street Runner?

Rumoured to originally have been known as the Station Inn, the pub was first mentioned in street directories in 1867. Previously the building was the old Brunswick Police and Fire Station, so it has a very interesting past which the staff will happily tell you about over a pint or two!

According to legend the pub was renamed the Bow Street Runner in the 1960s, after the landlord decided he’d had enough of the customers asking the time of the next train!

The Bow Street Runners were of course the the first recognised police force in London and were organised by the chief magistrate at Bow Street, near Covent Garden – hence the name was given… and has stuck.

 

We serve a great pint of Harveys!

Here at the Bow, our pride and joy is our local brew, Harvey’s Best Bitter.

Harvey’s Brewery is the oldest independent brewery in Sussex. A family business, the brewery has been in the guardianship of seven generations of John Harvey’s descendants since 1790, with five family members from the seventh and eighth generations currently working there.

Your visit here must include a pint to two of our historic brew! Warren (shown) pours a particularly good pint!

The 'Bow' today...

Since 2010, Sue the landlady and her team have been running the Bow Street Runner. Pop in and in the main you’ll find either Sue, Paulina or Ellie behind the bar, with Tony and Laurent  working a few shifts each week as well.

Whoever serves you, there’ll be a warm welcome, a well stocked and well kept cellar and a good selection of wines and spirits on offer – all at very reasonable prices.

As a small, traditional pub we don’t do food (except for bar snacks on a Sunday), we don’t have Sky TV or gaming machines and we don’t play loud music.

Service, atmoshere, banter, great customers and staff that can hold a conversation – just  a pub… BLISS!

We’re also dog friendly as long as they know how to behave!

The Bow Street Runner circa 1960.

The Bow Street Runner and Sue the landlady today...

Our location

We are just off the main thoroughfare between Hove and Brighton and only 50 metres from the city bus route which is a favoured form of transport around the city. The City Saver allows you to travel within the city centre all day for a very reasonable price.

We are a 3 minute walk from the beach.

It is a 15 minute walk to the Conference Centre, Brighton Pier, Brighton Pavillion and the Lanes.

Brighton and Hove stations are a 20 minute walk or a £6 - £8 taxi fare.

Parking can be pricey (and a bit limited) as you'd expect for a city location.

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