- Brighton
- /
- cafe
- (12)
-
United Kingdom
It has the most incredibly friendly staff. They will help will all sorts of things, not just waitering, and the chips come in little silver buckets. They also know the area and can tell you where to windsurf, theatre etc. The food is inventive, healthy and cheap, and the range of coffees is superb! I've joined the local poetry group escapeshute who meet there once a month (the date changes but you can find it on their website) and I've just discovered you can book either the downstairs or upstairs room if you're having an event. I find that if I sit in the first few seats near the doorway people at neighbouring tables will strike up a conversation with me as a matter of course! Definitely a supportive environment for anyone new to Brighton. And they have free WiFi. Enjoy!
www.kobauk.com/
135 Western rd, Brighton, East Sussex BN3 4FF
+44(0)1273 720059
Google map: bit.ly/v7pxiv
Billie's cafe in Brighton definitely sells the best cooked breakfast in town. The jumbo breakfast is one of the cheapest in town and the most generous. Two bits of bacon, two eggs, two sausages, whole button mushrooms, two slices of toasted bread, beans, a whole tomato and excellent quality produce! Yes, I've been there a few times and tasted the comparisons. Run by a local family it retains the charm it has had since opening with the same folding wooden chairs, blue gingham PVC tablecloths, fresh flowers on the tables and in true Brighton style, local artwork on the walls. The prices and quantity have remained consistent as profit is not the objective, just a good honest breakfast. And if you don't fancy the classic, there are a number of delicious hashes to choose from. Literally a pile of fried potatoes with various toppings from beans and sausages to bacon and avocado. There are plenty of veggie options too. The best news is it is open on New Year’s Day. But get there early, this is a popular spot and the locals all know about it.
34 Hampton Place, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 3DD
+44(0)1273 774 386
Google map: bit.ly/i77cIM
Tucked away in Kensington Gardens in the North Laines, The Gardens cafe is quint-essential Brighton. With its quirky artwork throughout, a lovely upstairs balcony looking down on the lanes, and a menu that takes up two whole walls, it is definitely a place you would come back to for its good vibes and comfortable feel.
The food at this place isn't the finest cuisine, but it's location makes up for this. The balcony is a prime people watching spot. You can see right the way along Kensington Gardens which is particularly good on a busy weekend.
1 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN14AL
www.brightoncafe.co.uk/kensingtons
Easily the best cafe in Brighton. It is situated below The Grand Hotel between the two piers. Like any good cafe it has its own beach volleyball court in front of it. It sells Brighton very own Redroaster Coffee. The award winning cafe also serves homemade lemonade and a unique range of summertime smoothies. It has also started selling it own range of healthy sandwiches and toasties. It has the best ice cream on Brighton Beach by far (made on a farm). Its dark ice cream is the best I have ever tasted It is an excellent way for tourist to get to know the locals. As good as it gets!
Nearstest station: Brighton. Walk toward the beach, then take a right and you'll see the volleyball court.
These two cafes are open air. They give you a good introduction to the atmosphere of Brighton and Hove. They're inexpensive, the food's certainly not gourmet, but they're good places to meet up with friends, and do what Brighton does best - people watch!
The Pavilion Gardens Cafe is bang in the centre of town next to the Royal Pavilion and performers often stop by - well recommended for a free and impromptu show.
It's a tiny little tea house tucked away off the beaten tourist track in the Hanover area of Brighton, run by a couple of young gay guys, with space for 16 guests seated. Kitch and as camp as they come!
The tea room is like stepping inside a memorabilia shop, like someone's front room, with an eclectic mixture of decor dedicated to the Royals, with Union Jacks ablaze, a grand piano and pictures of Diana adorning the walls.
The house rules are hilarious (not to be taken too seriously) ie no dunking of biscuits, no clanking of spoons when stirring your tea etc!
The menu is humorous, with items such as "The Duchies Cream Tea, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth High Tea, The Lady Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales Afternoon Tea" and the unforgetable "The Julie Goodyear High Tea" (aka Corrie's Bet Lynch!) [you get the idea!)
It kind of epitomises Brighton's eclectic campness. Well worth a visit for a fun cream tea.
www.theteacosy.co.uk/
107 Southover Street, Brighton, East sussex, BN2 9UA.
Italian Cafe. Good caff snacks of the Italian variety but truly delicious, excellent quality, homemade ice cream in a multitude of flavours (try a dollop of chocolate and a dollop of pistachio.. or hazel.. the strawberry is v. good too... oh dear. I'm getting over excited!
Eating a Marrocco's ice cream whilst staring at the sea is an essential Brighton experience.
On The Kingsway Beach Front (near King Alfred Centr)e.
T-a-T is the best veggie restaurant EVER. It simply shines - I was taken there by some meat-loving friends and we now go every time there's a special occasion. It challenges every cliche about veggie food and puts the middle finger up at chefs who can't cook veggie food but pretend they can (death to lasagne, risotto & the vegetable stack). The Mock Turt has the world's best meringues and tom rarebit and has held onto its delights even after a change in long-term ownership.
Terre a Terre: 71 East St, Brighton; tel: 01273 729 051; www.terreaterre.co.uk
The Mock Turtle: 4 Pool Valley; tel: 01273 327 380
This is a great little cafe right at the top of North Laine. It's got classic tunes on the stereo - motown, soul and rock and roll - and the cash till was in Quadrophenia. In keeping with the retro theme everything is served on vintage crockery, think 50s Pyrex plates and coffee cups. They have a good range of sandwiches and cake as well as coffee and a lovely coke float. In the summer you can sit outside on the street, or on a patio at the back. It makes the walk up the hill totally worth it, and it's the perfect way to round off a shopping trip.
37 Sydney St, Brighton, BN1 4EP;
01273 604206
Upmarket greengrocers and, more importantly, cafe/restaurant. Some simple and some not-so-simple fare, prepared with the freshest ingredients; and the puddings! They look like they've been designed by an architect and are a meal in themselves. Shared tables and friendly staff mean that this is a place to meet people, eat well and go away with a little treat for later (they do takeaways too).
The Depot, 100 North Road.
tel: 01273 692 894;
www.billsproducestore.co.uk
Walk away from Brighton towards Hove along the seafront, the Meeting Place Cafe is on the border between the two. Great on a Sunday morning for watching everyone bike, blade and walk by and much better breakfasts than most of the overpriced fish restaurants along the front between here and the Pier. It's not that sophisticated (not a bad thing in Brighton) but the location's perfect.
Brighton & Hove Boundary, Kings Road, Brighton;
tel: 01273 206417;
www.themeetingplacecafe.co.uk
Located down a small alley this wee cafe serves the best cakes, especially the scones. I love the granny feel it has - particularly its odd pieces of crockery and doilies. Go there when you fancy a nice cup of tea and a treat.
4 Pool Valley, near the sea front (5 mins from Brighton Pier);
tel: 01273 327 380
Is this your business?Search Been there
