Leisure and Entertainment
One popular destination for many of Brighton Hill's residents was the Pig and Whistle public house, sited near the junction with Chopin Road and Brighton Way. This was closed in 2000 (after many years of public order problems) in preparation for the clearance of the former shopping precinct. No replacement was provided. The last owners were the Scottish and Newcastle brewery.
One very popular attraction was the Davies Snooker Centre, which was at first floor level in the place now occupied by the Girlzone Gym. This become known as Premiers, and then as Cosys before finally closing. One of the Davies Snooker Centre's former tables, table five, now resides in the Kestrel public house in Kempshott. Eric Bristow is reputed to have practiced his skills at the DSC on occasion. While under the Premiers label, a large Scalextric track was built, with regulars racing the model cars round the vast track. This was featured in the Basingstoke Gazette when new.
The main drinking establishment currently remaining on the estate is the Brighton Hill Community Association. This is a place that requires membership, in the same way as many others, such as working men's clubs. The building is used in the daytime by a play school, and normally opens at 1900 every day. Exceptions are Fridays and weekends.
The former Stag and Hounds public house is nearby to Brighton Hill, being situated by the Brighton Hill Roundabout on the former A30. The later diversion of the road passes behind the building. This has long been taken over by the Harvester chain, and a Travelodge Inn has been built nearby. A similar establishment is nearby to the A30, opposite to the Guinness Trust development, at Down Grange.
For those seeking other forms of leisure, Brighton Hill was supplied with plentiful green spaces and open areas. There is a lot of land used as playing fields in the area. An adventure playground exists in the large green area near the M3 motorway, at the southern end of Hatchwarren Lane. Many playgrounds were provided in residential areas, but most have been removed amid safety fears.
Viables Craft Centre is near to the estate, with regular runnings on the miniature railway line and craft fairs.
There is a professionally equipped Martial Arts and fitness centre in Brighton Hill in Jays Close. www.basingstokekarate.com teaches Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Judo plus BodyCombat (Les Mills BTS)Pilates and Fitness and Circuits classes. There are specialist children's and adults classes plus family friendly classes.
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—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
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—Crystal Eastman (1881–1928)