An architecture expert pleaded the case for “concrete monstrosities” to a group of architecture lovers more usually drawn to the appeals of stucco.

BBC presenter and writer Jonathan Meades entertained the members of The Regency Society at the annual Anthony Dale lecture in the music room of the Pavilion on Wednesday night.

The traditional lecture was named in honour of the society's founder member who died in October 2011.

Mr Meades regaled the audience in his inimitable dry manner pressing his passion for the architectural style of brutalism which grew up in the post-war era and which he explained was drawn on the inspiration of World War II defences.

The Brighton Centre, the Brighthelm Church in North Road and the Sir Basil Spence buildings at the University of Sussex are all influenced by the movement pioneered by French architect Le Corbusier.

Mr Meades, who recently presented a two-part show on BBC4 called Concrete Poetry, joked during his intellectually rigorous talk of the irony of discussing the stark brutalist style in the lavishly decorated music room.

Speaking afterwards, he praised the Georgian architecture of the city but said he felt too many of the buildings of that era were revered and remain despite being the work of “spec builders”.

A Regency Society spokeswoman said: “We were delighted that Mr Meades took us up on our offer to speak to us.

“His mix of intellectual rigour and humour, unique perspective and unusual subject matter, certainly fired up some stimulating debate and encouraged the people of Brighton and Hove to look at the likes of the Brighton Centre and Brighthelm with new eyes.”

For more information on the society visit www.regencysociety.org.