A welcoming Hanover pub with standout Sunday roasts and unusually well-regarded Spanish tapas; book ahead for busy roast services and expect a relaxed rather than rapid meal.
The Howard pairs standout Sunday roasts and Spanish tapas with attentive, welcoming service that keeps regulars coming back. Its cozy makeover, garden, and pool table give it a distinctive neighborhood feel, though the setting stays more local favorite than destination. Occasional busy-period rushing and some variation in roast execution keep it just short of the very top tier.
The Howard is a warm, multi-level Hanover pub that feels more like a neighborhood living room than a formal restaurant. Reviews paint a picture of board games, pool and darts downstairs, a sunny garden, dogs snoozing in beds, and staff who make guests feel at home; one diner summed up the welcome as feeling like being entertained by a good friend. Sunday service can be bustling, so this is a place to settle in rather than sprint through lunch. The food has two strong personalities: classic British Sunday roasts and Spanish tapas. Roasts are the headline act, especially beef, lamb, pork belly, gravy, and the accompaniments, while tapas brings a surprisingly serious counterpoint with tender lamb, well-cooked squid, garlic mushrooms, Padrón peppers, and generous portions. The menu is traditional rather than experimental, but the Spanish offering gives the pub more culinary range than its exterior might suggest. Pricing is moderate, with a full meal typically landing around £25.50-32.50 before drinks. Families are well catered for in practical terms: the menu includes child-sized roast options from £5.95, a £6 penne dish, and a mini roast at £8, plus ice cream with one kids' option. Reviews also explicitly describe visits with children and a welcoming atmosphere. Dogs are enthusiastically accommodated too, making this a particularly easygoing choice for family groups, though the relaxed pace and lively pub environment may not suit diners seeking a quiet, quick meal.
Area vibe: Laid-back residential coastal suburb with independent shops and local pubs.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady local foot traffic in evenings.
What's nearby: Near Hove seafront, Palmeira Square/Station area, local shops and bus routes; short ride to central Brighton.
The Howard’s strongest orders split between generous £18.50 Sunday roasts and a varied tapas menu featuring dishes like albondigas, garlic mushrooms, and gambas pil pil.
Plan for a relaxed, lively pub visit, especially on Sundays, and budget for £4.50 sides plus some potentially expensive children’s items and drinks.
Think of The Howard as a neighborhood living room with games, garden seating, and exceptionally dog-friendly touches, rather than a hushed dining room.