Pub regulars are devastated at plans to call last orders on their favourite local which has defied changing trends for 156 years.

They said it is because The Quadrant on the corner of Air Street and North Street, Brighton, has remained so stubbornly old-fashioned that they choose to drink there.

However, fashions have finally called time on the pub and the row of petite, quaint and antiquated shops in Air Street.

The quadrant-shaped arcade, from which the Victorian pub takes its name, is to be bulldozed to make way for a multi-million pound complex of shops, offices and smart new restaurants.

The news has dismayed regulars who were shocked when they were told last orders would be called for the last time next month.

London-based developers Wildmoor have planning permission to demolish the buildings and replace North Street Quadrant with the new five-storey development.

Landlord Gary Ockwell described The Quadrant as "one of the last of the good old traditional pubs".

Despite its location in the busy city centre, the pub is popular with regulars for its quaint, cosy atmosphere and original Victorian fittings.

The pub also serves a wide selection of European beers not usually available in British bars.

It opened in 1847.

Famous faces spotted at the bar in recent years include author Terry Pratchett and Supergrass frontman Gaz Coombes.

Now supporters fear it will be replaced with yet another bland restaurant or garish theme pub which have changed the face of cities around the UK.

Sam Gordon, 24, of Kemp Town, Brighton, said: "The Quadrant is anti-fashion and that is what's great about it. There is no attitude, no leather sofas - just really good drinks and a great atmosphere. The city seems to be losing its character."

Mr Ockwell said he understood a new bar or restaurant replacing The Quadrant was being lined up for about a year's time.

Richard Jones, managing the project for Wildmoor, refused to comment when approached by The Argus.