Of all the frustrated musicians who were working behind bars in 2002, few were as lucky as those pulling pints at The Sidewinder in Kemp Town.

Their manager at the time was one Gareth McGahan, whose decision to take over the pub had done nothing to diminish his desire to create original music following his studies at Sussex University.

"I came to Brighton originally to do art and music but when I got offered the job at the pub it was an opportunity to make some money while I was at it," he recalls of the place where he met the rest of his hugely popular band. "At some time or another everyone in the band worked for me behind the bar."

Their first album, the aptly-titled A Rough Guide To Feeling Rough, was recorded upstairs in the pub and released online to critical acclaim.

"I think it can be difficult to actually describe what we do," says the Belfast-born 34-year-old, whose infectiously cheeky lyrics vocalise their laidback country feel.

"For me, we're all about acoustic roots but we go through bluegrass, folk, pop and loads of other things."

With his mission as landlord complete, McGahan gave up changing barrels, admitting that music was "my main focus."

"There was plenty of drinking and playing but it was a very full-on job. Seven years in a pub is enough for anyone," he says. "All the guys in the band are semi-professional musicians and I've been playing music solidly for 15 years, so it's what we want to do, really."

The Company's recent packed gig at the Spiegeltent justified his decision, especially given his resignation to "not being that good at anything apart from music".

"It was brilliant, what a place that was to play," he enthuses, before talk turns to their next night out at The Old Market.

"I think it'll be the biggest venue we've ever played at, but if it's like the Spiegeltent it'll be amazing. In fact, it will definitely be our best ever gig."

7.30pm, £8, 01273 736222