Simon Stern from The Better Half Pub in Hove
Picture of Nico

Simon Stern

Meet Simon Stern from The Better Half.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Simon Stern, the mind behind The Better Half pub. The pub’s name subtly nods to Hove as ‘The Better Half’ of the city. Prior to Simon taking charge, the Hove pub had been a neglected old man’s boozer. Simon’s transformative touch has turned it into a welcoming establishment, where his successful formula ensures that both drinkers and diners find themselves returning for more.

Tell us about your career?

Graduated from Brighton University in 1985 and worked in the City for 27 years as an Equity trader.

Left the City in 2011 and took some time out. I then decided to have a career change and decided to invest and open The Better Half pub in Hove after a 4 month refurbishment

The Better Half Pub in Hove. White facade close to Hove seafront. Located on the corner

What do your customers like about The Better Half?

I believe the customers love the independent feel of The Better Half.

They also like the quirky décor, great food and drinks offering, welcoming friendly staff, Vinyl Friday DJ set (last Friday of month) and great tunes!

DJ Nights at The Better Half pub in Hove

Top three priorities for running a successful pub?

  • Friendly service from staff.
  • Quality food and drink offerings.
  • Be organised financially.

Food and drink available at the Better Half Pub. Pictured a small half of Harveys and fish with a slice of lemon.

Favourite part of the job?

Caring about the staff…we are a family!

Which dishes or drinks are your customers enjoying on your current menu?

Our local guest beers that we recently promoted with our newly installed fonts (courtesy of Asahi)

Criteria being: independent and Sussex based.

Favourite at the moment: Unbarred brewery.


Food favourites on the current menu:

  • Weekly changing homemade pies.
  • Fresh catch of the day.
  • Signature Better Half Burgers.

How is your business adapting to current economic conditions?

  • The Better Half offer value for money on our food and drink offering. Top quality at reasonable prices.
  • We do open later in the afternoon on Mondays/Tuesdays during quiet times.
  • Food and drink special offers.

The menu at the Better Half Pub. Presented on a clipboard with magnifying glass.

Favourite Sussex Supplier?

Burgundy Wines for our wine choice.

How do you relax?

Away from the pub when possible I enjoy going to Komedia in Brighton cinema, sea swimming in the summer and cycling.

The pebbles, the pier, the sea on Brighton seafront. Very blue sky

Favourite place to eat?

Very much enjoy Semola in Church Rd (Fresh Italian pasta).

 

Create an account to make applying for jobs quick and easy.

(It will also be quicker to post a job if you have to recruit too.)

Once you have an account you can:

  1. Set up notifications for the kind of job *you* are looking for.
  2. Add your contact details to make applying for jobs quick and easy.
  3. Upload different versions of your CV.
  4. Be ready for when that perfect job shows up.
  5. (Post a job)

As a recruiter you can use your account to post jobs, receive applications, and keep an eye on what everyone else is doing;

CREATE AN ACCOUNT
Join the Tip Jar - Receive the latest Brighton & Sussex Hospitality News

Impress your future interviewers by signing up to our fortnightly newsletter, Tip Jar. It’s full of up-to-date industry news, interviews and expert advice, to keep you in the know and prepared.