Disagree, especially in a place like Brighton that has so much variety I think without some advice it would be really easy for an out of towner staying near the station to walk straight down queens road and end up on West Street. I agree that doing what you've said can be fun, but when you're in...
I'd go along with waht Munkfish said, best answer on this thread IMHO. *edit* And what @sping hall convert said as well :thumbsup
If you go on google maps and search on "Brighton, north laine" it'll show you where you want to be. There's a ton of good pubs in that area between the station and...