Hector’s opened on Thursday evening (January 29) on Grand Parade in Brighton in the site formerly occupied by BrewDog which opened in 2015 and closed in July 2025.
The site has a long history as a drinking spot, dating back to the 19th century when the building was known as the Norfolk Arms pub. In the 1990s, it became the “legendary” Hector’s House, later evolving into pub and music venue The Blind Tiger Club, which closed in 2014 before Brewdog took over.
Pub owner Ben Murray has re-opened the pub as Hector’s, in homage to its former life.
“Hector’s is one of those places that holds a lot of fond memories for me, and for many other Brightonians too,” he said.
“I remember having some of my first ever pints there. It always felt like a proper pub: relaxed, fun, welcoming and full of characters.
“Bringing the pub back to life is a daunting challenge, but also an exciting one. It feels good to be back in a place that played a role in my early years of going out in the city.”
The 42-year-old who is “Brighton born and bred” has been working in pubs since aged 14 and has managed several venues around the city over the last 16 years. Hector’s is the first pub he has bought and opened.
“It felt like the right moment to take something that had lost a bit of its soul and direction and re-establish it as an independent free house with personality and strong local roots,” he said.
Ben is focussing on working with local suppliers, artists and musicians to help “re-establish Hector’s as a hub for the local community”.
Punters can expect a “carefully curated beer list showcasing local and independent breweries, a thoughtful cocktail menu, great wines from local suppliers, and some really great thin and crispy pizza from Love’s Pizza Co”.
“The vibe is relaxed, inclusive and fun, somewhere you pop in for one pint and accidentally stay all night, whether that’s for a few midweek drinks and a bite to eat, or live music, DJs and a dance at the weekend,” Ben said.
“Hector’s will be a proper watering hole and a welcoming late night, city centre pub that still feels like your neighbourhood local.”
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