So, below is my original review and I'll leave it there, we gave the wings another change now they'd had some time to take people's feedback onboard and we were not disappointed.
The sauce is pretty darn good, it's a little different from the OB but it's tasty, the wings are cooked well, and they're not thin little wings either, they're beefy delicious wings. The curly fries are excellent as always, crisp and ready to be dipped into the blue cheese dip. I hear the chicken skins are coming back soon, they're pretty epic.
Go eat wings :)
-------- Old review below
The pub is good. Most of the time the staff are lovely, the seating is fine. But. What we loved most about this pub was that they had an Orange Buffalo wings place in it.
Orange Buffalo has gone.
They've got new branding, and the sauce is nowhere near as good as it previously was. It's more watery and just... missing a massive amount of taste. The pub tells us they're the same people just without the branding but it's in the taste and it tastes nothing like it.
We identified the change without even knowing the branding had changed. We wanted it not to be broken so much that we even gave them a second chance. It's just. It's a 3*, not the 5* it used to be. A real shame.
Ok there are ok pubs, good pubs and great pubs. This is THE best pub with THE best food. Great vibes, music, people, staff, simply everything you need to create a super atmosphere. Had the Orange Buffalo wings and they were blow your mind amazing (literally). People! Get your bums down to this place now and everyday!
One of the best pubs in town for food, lost boys chicken is always worth a visit. The beer selection is decent and they often have live music on. Always a good vibe here.
The Joker is a real gem. The staff make it the friendliest pub in Brighton, the food is excellent and me and my friends have always had a great time here. It's my go to venue for celebrating every occasion and it never disappoints!
Really enjoyed our food and the bar and security staff were friendly! Vegetarian and vegan options available :)
Loved the atmosphere seating outside.
Only 4* because pints are expensive. I do understand that pint prices in this area are like that. They're expensive everywhere round here.
We were delighted to savor the delectable burgers provided by the Lost Boys within the charming confines of this pub—a truly delightful culinary experience that left us thoroughly satisfied. However, one peculiar observation caught our attention: the establishment's policy of collecting payment prior to serving beverages. While this practice seemed unusual at first, we speculated that it might be a response to previous instances of non-payment along London Road, highlighting the pub's vigilance in maintaining a fair and efficient service.
Upon closer inspection, it became evident that some corners within the pub could benefit from a more meticulous cleaning regimen. Notably, the television screens adorned with a layer of dust detracted from the overall ambiance, a minor oversight that could be easily rectified to elevate the establishment's aesthetic appeal.
Despite these minor observations, our overall experience left us looking forward to a return visit. The delicious cuisine and unique ambiance provided by the Lost Boys, coupled with the pub's proactive approach to ensuring a seamless payment process, all contribute to a memorable dining outing. We anticipate that future visits will allow us to fully relish the distinctive charm of this establishment, and we eagerly anticipate the improvements that time may bring.
The Joker? Are you having a laugh?
Having been a Brighton custodian for many a year and seen many a venue come and go in this space it’s been a while since my last visit here.
Have generally found The Joker to be fine even since the early days and their various chicken and spicy offerings since the early days.
Today I would admit the beer was fine - Angelo Poretti was decent and the Weiss beer on offer ticked a box or two.
However, the food was terrible. A portion of fries was borderline frozen for the most part. When I say that I actually mean a lot of chips were frozen upon eating and cold to the bite - what a mess! I’ve had ice creams give less bite to be honest. Layered upon that were two chicken burgers which were equally as cold. Granted the kitchen replaced the fries and burgers rather quickly. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
I’m feeling really generous with my 4/5 here. It really is 5/5 for the pub and 0/5 the food. Pull your socks up here guys. Tomorrow is another day. I’d rather my drinks frozen not my food. Sort the find out before you knock someone for six.
Keep the beer and atmos as it is. Hopefully you take my hint…
Great lively pub at Preston Circus Brighton. Cool music, there was a DJ on tonight, not sure if that's a regular thing. But the place was busy and it was a good night. Worth a visit if you're in the area.
An aethetically pleasing and ambient pub with good beer and appetising cocktails!! The Lost Boys chicken wings are just amazing - all the sauces and sides are divine (Thudbutt sauce with curly fries and ranch dip is a dreamy combo!)
One thing I would say is not to eat here if you’re in a hurry - the time between ordering and receiving your food is often quite long, but honestly worth the wait every time!! I would never go anywhere else for wings 🔥
This is our favourite pub we have never been to. Me and my stepdaughter call every few weeks to tell them a joke and they always laugh and tell us a joke back. The staff are Absolute diamonds and if we are ever in Brighton we will call in to say hello :-)
We held our first Stripe Arm Knitted Blanket Workshop on Sunday 22nd Jan ! It was such a lovely afternoon and we simply love this New venue for Cocoon&me ! We have a programme of workshops which we will be adding to for spring ! thanks again to everyone at The Joker who were so helpful and friendly ! See you all again soon ! Paula
Oh my days, we had such a great time here!
The drinks were fantastic - try the sake martini.. oh my days, it's heavenly!
We tried a few dishes from the Lost Boys in house... definitely going back! Some of the best wings we've had out in a looong time! You can see others rave about them.
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