Hanbury Club
The closure of the Hanbury Ballroom and adjacent Hanbury Arms following seven exciting years under the direction of Gavin George caused disappointment to many. But, it was running at a loss and changes needed to be made. Although the venue’s recent history is pretty interesting, we really should travel back to the late 1800s to see why such a unique building came to be built one block away from the sea.
Over a period of many years, the relationship between the great Jewish mercantile family, the Sassoons, and Brighton & Hove was strong. Arthur Sassoon lived at 8 King’s Gardens in Hove and King Edward VII often visited. Around this time, the magnificent synagogue on Middle Street benefited greatly from the Sassoons’ patronage. It was built in 1874-5 and was the first synagogue in Britain to have electric lighting. Sir Albert Sassoon lived at 1 Eastern Terrace, one of the most imposing properties on the Kemp Town seafront, from 1876-96. In 1892, Sir Albert built a mausoleum for his family on the corner of St George’s Road and Paston Place – directly behind his house.
The Hanbury is an amazing venue with reasonably priced drinks and no West Street louts! Memberships are available but non-members are welcome. See www.hanburyclub.com for details.
