The best coffee in Brighton is easy to find if you know what to look for and exactly where to go. Brighton is mostly known as a seaside escape that's popular among travellers from around the world. However, you should also know that it is also one of the best spots to find a good cuppa in the UK.
Among the gorgeous beaches are sights like the Royal Pavillion and Brighton Pier, trendy art walks, and of course, delicious coffee.
There are many cafes in Brighton, from homestyle vintage ones to hip cafes that serve cutting-edge speciality coffee Brighton locals love. So if you're looking for a cup of the best coffee in Brighton or a delightful pastry, then here are some of the best cafes and coffee shops the region offers.
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17 Grams
If you happen to be visiting the Royal Pavilion, you may want to check out 17 Grams! It's only a three-minute walk from the Pavillion, and it also offers an excellent little selection of food and drinks that are perfect for relaxing in the morning or afternoon.
17 Grams has a welcoming vibe from the moment you walk in. Its decor is full of bright colours. Moreover, the dining area has a classic Brighton plant room in every corner, and cosy twinkle lights enhance the ambience. So the shop sets the stage for a perfect casual cup of some of the best coffee in Brighton.
The menu choices are both hearty and healthy. Their take on the Full English Breakfast includes Sourdough toast, pork sausages, hash browns, roasted garlic mushroom, vine tomatoes, houmous & house beans with poached eggs. This is perfect for a hearty meal before venturing through the town.
There are also vegetarian and vegan options for the full breakfast and most other dishes. The breakfasts differ from your average eggs, bacon, and toast plates because they can be vegan and gluten-friendly.
If you're looking for a sweet treat, try the Raspberry Maple pancakes. Their Canadian Toast is also a superstar with maple syrup, bacon, and a cornflake coating.
17 Grams Coffee
12d Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB
Blend and Brew Brighton
Originally, Blend and Brew was a small stop-in shop for people hurrying to and from work at the nearby train station. So as the Brighton cafe scene expanded and became more competitive, the shop decided to step up its game and grow. Thus, they moved across the street to a larger and more desirable location to keep brewing some of the best coffee in Brighton.
While still not a vast space, Blend and Brew have found a way to make it inviting to customers, whether they're popping in or sitting down for a relaxing cup with a view of the busy streets.
The coffee at Blend and Brew is dark, rich, and a little smoky, showing off the owner's Italian influence. You can get your standard espressos and cappuccinos, but try their tasty inventions like the coconut-beetroot latte, which boasts a pretty pink colour. It's healthy, warming and Instagrammable.
Additionally, you can expect a much more extensive food selection at Blend and Brew than at most of the other best coffee shops in Brighton. It offers a delicious array of sandwiches, pizza, salad, and pastries. Their cup lasagnas are especially delicious! Some items are seasonal, so check out the menu online or call before you visit.
Blend and Brew
45 Trafalgar St, Brighton, BN1 4FT
Bond St. Coffee
Many of the best coffee shops Brighton locals frequent use single-blend beans these days. Typical blends use multiple-origin beans. Alternatively, single-origin coffees get their beans from one source, whether that means one specific region, one particular farm, or one individual producer. Many believe that single-source beans have a purer taste.
Bond Street Coffee uses single-origin beans for all its drinks. They also use a local roastery, Horsham Coffee Roasters, located just outside of town. This allows Bond street to have some of the best coffee roasters in Brighton. Bond Street offers all the standard cafe drinks and an assortment of snacks and pastries, some of which are vegan-friendly or gluten-free.
The shop's decor is relatively barebones, using neutral colours and sleek modern lines. It also has some rustic touches, like burlap bags hanging on the walls and vintage furniture throughout the shop. In addition, the exterior is bright blue and features benches outside for those who want to sip some of the best coffee in Brighton in the fresh air.
If you do stop by Bond St. Coffee, make sure to try their lattes. They make them using local whole milk and feature beautiful latte art designs. Their black coffee is also specially roasted to bring out its natural sweetness. Make sure to try it before adding sugar!
Bond St. Coffee
15 Bond St. Brighton, BN1 1RD
Coffee At 33 Brighton
While Coffee at 33 Brighton is one of the best coffee shops Brighton can offer, the beautiful display of baked goods is the first thing you notice when walking in. Croissants, muffins, scones, cakes, and bread sit on pristine butcher blocks. Soft white lights bring the display into the centre of attention.
The shop's clean black and white colour scheme is the perfect backdrop to showcase all the beautiful things the place offers. While the shop has minimalist decor, that's made up for by their tempting foods, top-notch beverages, and excellent level of service.
The wide selection of drinks is all brewed to perfection and served by baristas who put their heart and soul into their work. So definitely try some of their slow-drip coffee or an immunity shot with special spices to boost your health. Out of Brighton's quirky cafes, Coffee at 33 is sure to be memorable.
Coffee at 33 Brighton
33 Trafalgar St, Brighton BN1 4ED, UK
Coffee Counter
The Coffee Counter is where you can go for all your caffeinated favourites, like flat whites, Americanos, cappuccinos, and espressos. However, they twist the standard cafe menu by offering a selection of craft beers if you're visiting later in the day.
The shop's Rueben Sandwich has become one of the area's most celebrated lunches. But, of course, getting a good Rueben in the UK is not always easy, as it's an iconic American sandwich from Nebraska. Yet somehow, the recipe has found its way to the shores of England in this delicious form.
The Coffee Counter is currently running out of a quaint little van, but they're looking for a permanent location. However, even without a building, they're still one of the best coffee shops Brighton has to offer. In the meantime, try their dirty chai for a bit of a kick first thing in the morning.
The Coffee Counter
25 Church Street, Brighton, United Kingdom
Coffeetzar
Picture walking down the street, searching for the best coffee in Brighton. Then, you stop in your tracks to see a mesmerizing display of baked goods and sandwiches. If this is the case, you are likely standing in front of Coffeetzar. This lovely shop sets itself apart from the competition with its extensive line of bakery products.
Gourmet cakes, pies, buns, tarts, croissants, and more sit on multi-tiered display shelves, covered with glass toppers. So you can choose from unique items like a white chocolate brownie, Mille Feuille, courgette and beetroot tart, pear marzipan tart, veggie pizza, and much more. Furthermore, there's an excellent selection for vegans and those who are gluten-free.
Coffeetzar also offers a wide range of the best coffee in Brighton. They have single-source brews, blends, and legendary hot chocolate. Of course, they also have an impressive assortment of teas. We would be remiss to leave out the places that are Brighton tea rooms.
Coffeetzar
97 Trafalgar Street, Brighton BN1 4ER England
Cafe Coho
Despite its slightly run-down, shabby-chic exterior and interior design, Cafe Coho is a trendy spot that is one of the best coffee shops Brighton and Hove have. This company has two locations in the city. One is in Brighton Lanes, with the other in Brighton Station.
Cafe Coho serves everything from your usual muffins and buns to full English breakfasts, avocado toasts, sandwiches, and vegan options. Their range of coffees, teas, and freshly squeezed juices are also great ways to start an exciting day of beach-going, shopping, and sightseeing in the area.
If you go for breakfast, try their signature French toast. Then, add Doreen's Black Pudding to your breakfast platter for a unique spin on a classic plate. For more brunch spots, check out our guide on the best brunch in Brighton.
Cafe Coho
53 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AF and 83 Queens Road, BN1 3XE
Laughing Dog
Brighton Marina is a popular spot for tourists in the Brighton and Hove area. The marina offers chartered boat tours, shopping, sightseeing, and plenty of dining options. However, if you are just looking for great coffee and yummy food - pay a visit to the Laughing Dog.
This cute shop's interior is painted in calming shades of blue and green, coaxing you to come in to relax and let the day's worries fade away. Additionally, attached to one of the best coffee shops in Brighton is a boutique where you can do some shopping after your caffeine fix.
Furthermore, Laughing Dog has an impressive menu. Their Big Dog is perfect for those who want protein. It features a hearty helping of eggs, bacon, avocado, and tomato with the thinnest and airiest pita flatbread. There are also many veggie-forward choices, so it's a more vegetarian and vegan-friendly shop than many others in the area.
Their smoothie bowls are fantastic and healthy. The Biscoff hot chocolate is less healthy but no less delicious. Whilst they offer some of the best coffee in Brighton, the sweet hot chocolate is perfect if you're not a caffeine connoisseur.
Laughing Dog
31 Waterfront, Brighton Marina Village, BN2 5WA
NECOT
NECOT, which stands for Not Everyone's Cup of Tea, is a little gem on Brighton's St. George's Rd. The cosily-decorated shop has comfortable rustic furniture that welcomes guests. It might not be for everyone, but it's still one of the best coffee shops Brighton has tucked downtown.
Espresso is NECOT's speciality, and it's on the stronger side. So if you're a big coffee fan, try their straight espresso. But you can also get a single or add lots of milk if you prefer a weaker brew. So if you want some of the strongest and best coffee in Brighton, NECOT is the place for you.
The food choices at NECOT are pretty standard but still good. They specialize in full English breakfasts in the traditional, gluten-free and vegan versions. They also have a nice assortment of baked goods to choose from. It's a revolving menu and changes slightly by the week, but old favourites will always be around.
NECOT
58 St George's Rd, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1EF
Pelicano Coffee
Between the Atlantic Ocean and the train station lies Pelicano Brighton, one of the most well-known locations for one of the best coffee shops Brighton has. The shop is identifiable by a deep tar-black exterior that contrasts with the white painting of its mascot, a chubby cartoon coffee drinker.
Walking into the store, you'll find bare concrete and brick walls and counters crowded with various scrumptious-looking baked goods. It looks like a clean but slightly chaotic fairytale bake shop with fantastic treats on display.
Pelicano's Brighton location also offers the United Nations of the best coffee in Brighton, from Congo to Columbia to Brazil. You can have it brewed any way you want, hot, cold, or in a flavoured drink. Additionally, you can even bring a bag home to brew yourself.
Pelicano's desserts are to die for! You can have treats like the Topless Blueberry Lemon cake, maple and pecan slice, or the quadruple-layer chocolate chip cake. Pair that with the friendly, down-to-earth staff and also a prime people-watching location, and Pelicano's is a must-stop spot in the Lanes.
Pelicano Coffee
28 Sydney St, Brighton BN1 4EP
Presuming Ed’s
Presuming Ed is a very different type of the best coffee shops Brighton locals love. While most local shops fall into the traditional European style shop, Presuming Ed has an unabashed boho vibe.
From the over-the-top colourful painted exterior to vegetarian and vegan-friendly food choices, the shop does way more than serve coffee and food. The owner's goal is to build a community of acceptance for everyone.
Stop in for movie night in their "secret" theatre, or join other guests in the shop's yoga space. But whatever you do, be ready for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
When it comes to food, Presuming Ed serves a wide variety of breakfast, brunch, and lunch foods, from pastries to eggs, sandwiches, and pasta. Try their beautifully-presented smoked salmon on toast or the wonderful vegan carrot cake. This quirky cafe in Brighton won't disappoint when it comes to serving the best coffee in Brighton.
Presuming Ed’s Coffee
114-115, London Rd, Brighton BN1 4JG
Rendezvous Tea House (Temporarily Closed)
UPDATE: Rendezvous is closed until further notice.
Probably the most posh-looking cafe on the list, Rendezvous lures customers with eye-catching window displays and some of the most adorable china sets in town. They also put a lot into the presentation of their food and drinks. You'll find zig-zagging squiggles of jam, chocolate, and caramel on their treats, candied fruits, flowers, and icing art.
That's not the only art you'll find at Rendezvous. The cafe doubles as a mini art gallery, showcasing its pieces beautifully in its two-floor layout. However, the dining space features decorative touches like whimsical, colourful chairs, lush wallpaper, mood lighting, and floral arrangements. So, the place feels more like a fancy living room than just a cafe in Brighton.
If you want an upscale yet artsy experience, make Rendezvous Tea House and Cafe one of your must-visit locations when checking out the best coffee in Brighton. While you're there, try one of their speciality tarts and a cup of barista's-choice brew. You'll see why they're known as one of the best coffee shops Brighton boasts.
Rendezvous Tea House and Cafe
24 Duke Street, Brighton BN1 1AG England
Stoney Point
Stoney Point in Brighton is a cafe, brunch spot, and bake shop. The cafe takes its name from an old folk song from the US's Appalachian Mountains. It makes sense because the shop has that kind of down-home appeal and an appreciation for art and music that appears in every inch of the shop.
Owner Jess Davies took over the shop in 2015, hoping to bring something new and original to Brighton. It's fair to say he's accomplished his goal with Stoney Point. The store uses only Monmouth Coffee. It is high-quality and also not easy to find in the local area. So, this sets Stoney Point apart from the sea of java joints in the neighbourhood as one of the best coffee shops Brighton has.
How else did Davies help the beanery stand out? While many of the best coffee roasters in Brighton and elsewhere pride themselves on baking their bread, tarts, and buns on-site, Stoney Point goes a different way, having their baked goods delivered in from local artisanal bakeries.
Why? Baking is a complicated and messy job, especially when baking higher-end goods for commercial purposes. By outsourcing, Stoney Point can focus its staff's attention on serving customers, brewing some of the best coffee in Brighton, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
Their Monmouth coffee is nutty and delicious, and their Prana Chai is full of exotic spices. These drinks are perfect for warming you up during a dreary English rainstorm.
Stoney Point
15 Montpelier Place, Brighton BN1 3BF
The Lanes Coffee
Are you looking for a lovely space to relax and have a cuppa with someone special, friends, or even your dog? Stop by The Lanes Coffee House and say hello! The shop is an adorable little hangout painted in light, clean colours and adorned with plants, wall art, and twinkle lights.
While it doesn't have a menu as extensive as many of the other best coffee shops Brighton's neighbourhoods have, The Lanes' straightforward, unpretentious lineup of food will appeal to people of all ages. Toasted sandwiches, croissant breakfast sandwiches, tea cakes, crumpets, and an array of sweet cakes are available daily. At this dog friendly cafe in Brighton, there are also doggie treats for your four-legged friend.
The Lanes also has a corner of the shop dedicated to crafts and homemade items you can purchase, such as soaps, soy candles, local honey, dog treats, jams and jellies, and more. It's a beautiful way to support local businesses. While you're there, check out their tomato and basil bisque with fresh bread. You also can't go wrong with one of the delicious cappuccinos.
The Lanes Coffee
59D Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AE England
Trading Post Coffee
Trading Post Coffee is definitely in the group of contenders for the best coffee shops Brighton features. This hip spot roasts its beans on-site, so guests get the freshest beans and a show! Their blends include favourites like Mono Loco, a smooth, caramel-tinged Latin American beans, the bright, citrusy Brighton Blend, and four other speciality beans.
When it comes to ambience, Trading Post has plenty going on. Its open, airy space features plenty of natural, light-coloured wood, warm white walls, and beautiful wall art. But, unlike most small cafes in Brighton, Trading Post has two levels. First, you can enjoy picturesque views of the resort town hustle-bustle below and as well as Brighton's seafront in the distance from the rooftop patio.
You're in luck if your heart is also set on food. Trading Post has some of the most tempting breakfasts in Brighton. First, try their signature Welsh rarebit, which goes way beyond the average melted cheese on toast. Instead, their version features premium bread and artisan cheese, offset with cherry tomatoes and broiled to brown, gooey perfection.
As for your drink, any of their artisanal cafe drinks is a good choice. The Mountain Water, however, is a delightful decaf blend that won't have you missing the caffeine.
Trading Post Coffee
36 Ship St, Brighton, BN1 1AB
Top coffee spots in Brighton
Wherever you decide to stop for a cup of joe, some of the best coffee roasters Brighton features can be found on this list:
- 17 Grams
- Blend and Brew Brighton
- Bond St. Coffee
- Coffee at 33 Brighton
- Coffee Counter
- Coffeetzar
- Cafe Coho
- Laughing Dog
- NECOT
- Pelicano Coffee
- Presuming Ed’s Coffee
- Rendezvous
- Stoney Point
- The Lanes
- Trading Post Coffee
Our Favourites
While many shops could be the best of the best coffee shops Brighton has to offer, a few stand out significantly. Coffeetzar's extensive and beautiful bakery line will make your mouth water just by looking at it. Trading Post has some of the best espressos in the UK, and The Lanes' atmosphere is delightful, given the wide range of plants that adorns its walls.
If you need more tips on finding the best food and drink in the UK, find us on Instagram @honestfoodtalks. Enjoy the best coffee in Brighton, and don't forget to share this article with your caffeine-loving mates!
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