I thought I might start a new little blog series that document my findings on the best cafe spots in the beautiful Brighton and Hove. Lately I've been doing a lot of meandering and sampling of cafes with friends and families, and countless times I have encountered a lack of online menu tasters or sound advice on Brighton's hidden treasures. I love a coffee, I love wholesome food variants, I love a walk and I love novel city treasures (see my evidential insta @a_blanx).
So here it is! A regular round-up of food, atmosphere, interior and ideal occasions of Brighton's best daytime eateries. Happy weekend-ing!
^ Previous iPhone picture snapped in central, residential Brighton near The Laines.
First up: Cafe and Salvage, Western Road, Brighton
(The end where the LOOONG road transitions into Hove, near Palmeira Sq)
This cutesy little hideaway, tucked away on the corner of the Brighton/Hove border, is perfect for eccentrics or simply those who love eccentric things. Expect hanging light bulbs draped across the ceiling, ornamental galore, a myriad of contrasting chairs and GOOD, fresh coffee. The latter is made with TLC and presented in interesting mugs. You first feel like you're walking into an intimate, second-hand auction outlet, but you're soon scooped up by the smell of cooking eggs, toast and ground coffee beans. Mmmmm.
There's plenty of light at the front on 4-man tables (my preference), or alternatively, snuggle up at the back in a 2 seater with a cuppa. Suitable for those rambling the city looking for a novel place to work that has a choice of cosy seating, or families seeking a superb brunch spot on a Saturday! They have FREE WIFI YAY and a selection of delicious, freshly-baked cakes- a speciality!
I recommend a soya mocha (really good soya milk) and a hearty book. It's a perfect little rest place, that's not yet hugely popular with the masses, has very decent opening hours so you don't have pack up abruptly by silly o'clock and set within an endlessly stimulating environment. It's unique, wholesome and you can ever buy the intriguing things within! The best part- the prices of your favourite mug beat the chain stores hands down!
Modelo, Church Road, Hove
Great for a sober (or not) lunch time occasion, with an extensive and varied menu that caters to many, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. I recommend a halloumi and sweet potato salad with a cheeky glass of sauv blanc, accompanied by your mum and/or sister! (Their basil falafel balls aren't half bad too!)
Its doors, and often its large concertina windows, are always open, giving you a gorgeous fresh air breeze in summer afternoons. Staff are friendly enough, they don't expect too much and it's all-in-all, great value for money! Stay as long as you want, starting with a stack of pancakes at brunch, and ending up with a vast selection of cocktails on your table at sundown. Its versatile, pleasant, outside the hustle and bustle of Brighton's centre, and you'll be sure to see ages from toddlers to seniors. A credible specials menu gives it an extra thumbs up!
Easy peasy lemon squeezy, perfect on a budget, with no strings attached, and nearby George Street- Hove's answer to shopping domain. The speed this end of town is slower and shops are less mainstream. None-the-less, park in Tesco free for a couple of hours, to capitalise on a relaxed eating experience.
Verano Lounge, Western Road, Brighton
(The end where it's pretty much near the heart of Brighton's city opposite Waitrose)
With an identical menu, but a completely different interior to Modelo, the Verano lounge is majestic, whimsical and versatile. I can picture it with a social atmosphere leading into the evenings of Thursdays and Fridays after work, but from personal experience, it was calming, enjoyable and bright in the afternoon of a peaceful Sunday. The inside is huge with 2 dining floors- staircases are vast and wooden, and you'll definitely be consumed by the thick decoration of picture frames, mirrors and stained glass windows all about the place. It was picture-worthy! We sat upstairs over a long lunch and talked for hours, taking in the vast natural sunlight, removed from the busy traffic-laden road beneath.
It makes more of a statement and feels more established than Modelo, but don't get me wrong- it still has the approachability and versatility factor for many ages and occasions. The menu is affordable, staff are UBER attentive and they're situated near the cross-roads near Waitrose, Taj and The Mad Hatter pub. It's a great spot before a walk down to the seafront, and even better for those who want to come away from the town centre and still be close to enough to hop on a bus home.
I noticed a younger generation in this establishment versus Modelo, ranging from mid twenties and thirties, alongside parents with young children. Those wanting to bring kids there's plenty of room, toys and high chairs to cater for everyone. Keep an eye on the specials- their menu is ever-s enticing and interchangeable!
