The Old Market

If you're a fan of classic architecture, you should check out The Old Market in Brunswick area of Hove. Designed by Charles Busby in 1828, it's a Grade II listed building that's been beautifully renovated and maintained.

Since the late nineties, it's been a thriving arts centre for locals and vistors. Open all year round, the theatre shows live music, drama, comedy, dance and literary events. Soul legends like Candi Staton and Marlena Shaw have graced the stage alongside contemporary rock, pop, jazz and classical musicians.

I've been to a couple of different events and I'd definitely go back. My only grumble is that it lacks the intimacy and atmosphere of other venues in the city. The theatre itself can feel like a big village hall, especially when it's not full and the bar is quite limited. If you like a G&T you're fine but if you want an Absolut vodka with cranberry and a slice of lime, you'll go thirsty.

I really like this venue! I've been 3 times now to see different gigs and the acoustics are spot on. It's a beautiful looking building from the outside tucked off the main road. The bar at the entrance 'Tom's Bar' has a great choice of craft beers and wines. Perfect for me and my tastes and makes a change as a lot of music venues still only serve really rubbish beer and limited choices! The main venue is shaped in a way that you can literally see the stage from wherever you're standing. It's a medium sized place so it's intimate enough but you also get some fairly big bands playing here too. The only downside is the bar inside the venue is cash only and really limited choice.

The Old Market is an all round venue in central Hove, its not only a beautiful wedding venue but a recording studio, art exhibition space, live theatre, music and comedy venue and its also the home of Springboard Youth Arts Festival and the Hanover Band Orchestra.

A real community venue the theatre is plays host to a variety to of local events such as community choir concerts and film festivals. In a gorgeous old Victorian building the venue is really something special. A little bit hidden from the main roads the theatre is a magical pace to spend an evening if you looking an artistic and community spirited experience.

The Old Market TOM is fast getting a reputation as one of the most stylish and interesting performing arts venues in the city of Brighton and Hove. Since the refurbishment, it has started attracting a better class of act. I've seen dance, band gigs, theatre and comedy here as well as other live music and it is always a joy to visit such a well kept establishment.
They also have a great bar with some very sexy staff. So don't be shy about arriving early for a show. Or maybe even leaving late! All hail the Stomp millions!

The intimate venue is definitely worth knowing about if you're looking for classical and jazz music events that are unlikely to make it to bigger Brighton venues like the Dome. Just last year, my boyfriend's favourite - Scottish classical violinist Nicola Benedetti - did a recital there. You'll also find book readings, bands, singer songwriters and the odd play and musical. In 2008 I saw Sussex University's Musical Theatre society's (SMuTS) Anything Goes there, and it was great to see the all too often quiet venue buzzing with students. This place is too little known, and it's definitely worth keeping your eye on the listings if you live locally.

The main room in the Old Market looks and feels like a village hall, the linking bars and corridors are somewhat more regal and proper, like a town hall. I'm not too sure if the building is used during the day but when I have been there I wasn't wowed. A literary talk with Nick Cave and Will Self was funny and entertaining but we sat there like we were at a mothers meeting. Then at Portico Quartet it was reminiscent of a primary school assembly, sprawling and lying across the floor. I enjoyed both occasions but that had nothing to do with the Old Market, the people make the place.