Royal Pavilion Tavern, Grade II listed pub in Brighton, England
The Royal Pavilion Tavern is a three-story building at Castle Square in central Brighton with a curved stuccoed facade and iron railings in Regency style. The building underwent renovation in 2022 and reopened under the name The Fitz Regent with modernized facilities and improved accessibility through widened staircases.
The building was founded in 1816 as the Royal Pavilion Hotel and served as a magistrates' court from 1823 to 1832 before becoming a permanent public house. This transformation reflects Brighton's shift from a gathering place for the gentry to an everyday meeting spot.
The building displays classic Regency features with its curved stuccoed facade and iron railings typical of Brighton's architectural identity. The dolphin decorations on the balconies come from local architect Amon Henry Wilds and shape the appearance of Castle Square.
Visitors should note that the building is mainly accessible as a drinking establishment on the ground floor, while the upper floors are being converted into apartments. Access points were improved during the recent renovation, making a visit more comfortable.
The building is currently undergoing a rare transformation in which the street-level commercial use remains while nine apartments are being created on the upper floors. This type of mixed-use approach is a response to the city's modern housing shortage.
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