Fun in the sun at The Stoneham Pub and Pizzeria

A mixture of stylish pub and authentic pizzeria

How Portland Road has changed. Where once there were junk shops selling the belongings of the recently departed, there are now boutiques, coffee shops and some great eateries. This area hasn’t just gone up in the world, it’s gone stratospheric.

The place that really stands out is The Stoneham Pub and Pizzeria, a handsome white-painted corner site that used to be The Portland. The Stoneham is now the coolest place west of Sackville Road and the hangout of the trendy young types who have enthusiastically gentrified Poets Corner.

The secret of The Stoneham isn’t that hard to fathom – amazingly good pizzas, friendly staff and a tempting array of ales, beers and carefully selected wines. Everything is made from scratch on the premises, including the dough and the tomato base – and that’s something even the big chains can’t boast. It helps that one of the chefs is Sicilian and has an authentic family recipe. With prices starting at just £7.95, eating at The Stoneham is guaranteed to beat the recession and keep the entire family happy. In the spirit of all things Italian, kids feel welcome with their own menus, loads of high chairs and a parking area for buggies. The ice-cream cabinet is of particular fascination for little people and offers a bewildering array of delicious dessert options.

Once pubs had yards, then beer gardens, and now they have ‘al fresco’ experiences. The new garden wouldn’t look out of place on a beach in Ibiza, with funky cool furniture and olive trees on multiple levels. If the sun shines this is going to be the place to catch some rays over something delicious. It’s the sort of place you pop in for a quick drink and leave many hours later.

The Stoneham, 153 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ, 01273 383840, www.thestoneham.co.uk