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.

Maps: tinyurl.com/5ajz5n
tinyurl.com/5wfnen

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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