Brighton and Hove’s diverse cafes offer a cup of Joe (or tea!) for every kind of mood. Whether you’re working from home, looking for the best brunch in town, or searching for a cosy spot to unwind, there’s a plethora of independent cafes waiting to be discovered. Here is our list of the top 20 independent cafes in Brighton and Hove.
Independent cafes in Brighton and Hove
| Salvage Cafe | An intimate cafe serving fair trade coffee and tea, and a vegetarian menu with cakes, all adorned with purchasable antiques. |
| Munchies Craft Cat Cafe | Brighton’s first Cat Cafe and Tapas Bar, with cocktails and cat-themed art exhibitions. |
| Laughing Dog | A cafe with a resident dog serving vegan options and a separate kid’s menu. A great place to study or work. |
| i360 Cafe | A cafe with an ocean view offering coffee, pastries, light bites, and a private event hosting space. |
| Garden Cafe | A cafe surrounded by plants with a picturesque aesthetic, fresh cakes, salads, and a daily brunch on offer. |
| Moksha | A family-run cafe renowned for its brunches made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. |
| Baked Cafe | A cafe with seasonal ingredients, three seating areas, and a wide beverage selection. |
| Starfish & Coffee | Award-winning cafe with exceptional brunch made from local, sustainable ingredients. |
| Metrodeco (TEMPORARILY CLOSED) | Warm cafe offering afternoon tea, tarot sessions, and brunch. |
| Oeuf Cafe | Instagrammable cafe with beautifully presented meals and a variety of dietary options. |
| Pavilion Gardens Cafe | Family-run outdoor cafe in the Royal Pavilion Gardens with homemade cakes and dishes. |
| Post House Cafe | Vintage-inspired cafe with brunch, small plates, Sunday roasts, and evening desserts. |
| Artbox Cafe | Europe’s first changing theme cafe. Currently, the theme is Hello Kitty treats, and the menu is vegetarian and vegan. |
| Coho Cafe | Two locations offering coffee, food, brunch (including vegan options), and “invisible toast” charity donations. |
| Redroaster | Stylish cafes with an Instagrammable interior. Offering drinks and dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. |
Salvage Cafe
Within a building in Hove, designed in Georgian architecture, lies Salvage Café. This intimate cafe has walls adorned with an array of antiques, which are available for purchase.
The coffee on offer is organic and fair trade; they have an array of loose leaf teas to choose from and a great food menu.
Whether you’re craving breakfast or lunch, Salvage Café’s vegetarian menu offers something for everyone. If you’re craving dessert, they even have a selection of handmade cakes.
I would definitely call this one a hidden gem that is adored by locals and a great place to hang out with friends, read a book, or write.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? No
Outdoor seating available? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes
Wifi available? Yes
Power outlets? No
Wheelchair? No
Address: 84 Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1JB
Website: https://www.facebook.com/salvagecafe/
munchies craft Cat Cafe and Tapas Bar
Munchies’s Craft has been one of my favourite cafe bars in the city and has now transformed into Brighton’s first Cat Cafe and Bar.
Their resident cats officially arrived in June, and the cafe bar is open for visitors to book to sit in the cat area and try some of their tapas and cocktails.
The cafe’s commitment to the local creative community continues, with a rotating display of artwork from emerging talents in the local area. As Munchies’s Craft begins this new chapter, artists are encouraged to submit their cat-themed art to be showcased around the cafe.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? Yes – giving you the opportunity to book tables for cat areas for cheaper
Outdoor seating available? Yes
Dog friendly? Potentially yes in general areas but not in cat areas
Wifi available? Yes
Power outlets? No due to the health & safety of animals
Wheelchair? No, as the space is small and toilets are accessible by stairs however outdoor area would be wheelchair friendly
Address: 19 Market St, Brighton, BN1 1HH
Website: https://munchiescraft.co.uk/
laughing dog
At Brighton Marina, you will find Laughing Dog, open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekdays and until 5 p.m. on weekends.
Bean, the Chocolate Labrador, is the resident café dog, ensuring to bring a smile to visitors’ faces.
Laughing Dog has a study space that offers plush cushions and high-speed plug points, making it a great cafe for students and people who work from home.
In terms of food on offer, the café has a range of great meals, with vegan options available. Food choices include toasties, salad bowls, and bagels, as well as a range of drinks to choose from. They even have a kid’s menu!
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? Unsure
Outdoor seating available? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes
Wifi available? Yes
Power outlets? Yes
Wheelchair? Yes
Address: 31, The Octagon, Mariner’s Quay, Brighton Marina, Brighton, BN2 5WA
Website: https://www.laughingdogbrighton.com/
i360 cafe
Located in the i360 is the i360 Café, the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee with a view of the west pier and the ocean. As well as coffee, you’re able to get pastries and light bites, all sourced from local Sussex suppliers.
They offer indoor seating and a sun terrace, making it the perfect cafe to visit all year round. What’s more, you’re also able to host private events here, ensuring they are an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Additional information –
Loyalty program for regular customers? Yes, they have stamp cards, and every 10th hot drink is free. In addition, Brighton i360 Resident Members are entitled to 10% off at the café.
Outdoor seating available? Yes, they have a beautiful sun terrace
Dog-friendly? Yes
WiFi? Yes
Power outlets? Yes
Wheelchair accessible? Yes
Address: Lower Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2LN
Website: https://www.brightoni360.co.uk/eat-drink/i360-cafe/
garden cafe
On the corner of Brighton’s North Laines lies the Garden Café. The café’s interior is packed with greenery sourced from its sister plant shop, offering customers the opportunity to purchase some plants to take home.
Whether basking in the sunlight of the indoor-outdoor brick patio or seeking shelter indoors, the Garden Café invites guests for a drink or food all year round.
With its picturesque aesthetic and food offerings, including fresh cakes, salads, and artisanal coffee, Garden Café promises an experience as pretty as it is delicious. They even have a brunch menu on offer for those who come extra hungry.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? No
Outdoor seating available? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes
Wifi available? No
Power outlets? No
Wheelchair accessible? Indoors no but outdoor seating available in the garden area and street
Address: 29 North Rd, Brighton, BN1 1YB
Website: https://www.instagram.com/gardencafebrighton
moksha
Moksha, a family-run café near London Road, has been renowned for its brunches since 2007. Located adjacent to St. Peter’s Church, this cafe is walk-in-only, and with its growing popularity, getting a seat can be hard.
The cafe is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or 5 p.m. on weekends). Their commitment to freshness is evident in their locally sourced ingredients, with a menu that works for any dietary preferences, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Beyond this, Moksha offers unique coffee blends and an extensive drinks menu, with cocktails on offer too. Moksha won Bravo’s Best Brunch in 2023, and the cafe continues to stay dedicated to quality and customer satisfaction.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? No
Outdoor seating available? Yes
Dog friendly? Not inside but welcome in the outside seating area
Wifi available? No
Power outlets? No
Wheelchair? Yes
Address: 4-5 York Pl, Brighton and Hove, BN1 4GU
Website: https://mokshacaffe.co.uk/
Baked
Situated on the corner of Church Road in Hove, Baked offers three seating areas, including a covered, heated terrace.
This cafe uses seasonal ingredients, ensuring every dish is fresh and filled with flavour. From healthy, freshly cooked meals to an array of cakes, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Beverage options include specially roasted coffee, premium teas, fresh juices, and smoothies, along with a carefully curated wine selection and an ever-changing cocktail menu.
Baked has also been celebrated with the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence annually since 2015 and boasts a consistent 5-star food safety rating.
Guests are invited to visit from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? Yes, they have an app customers can download where they can collect points on all food and drinks. The points can be redeemed for free hot drinks or money off.
Outdoor seating available? Yes, they have a large terrace that can seat 45.
Dog friendly? Yes, and they offer free locally baked dog biscuits from Snaffles.
Wifi available? No
Power outlets? No
Wheelchair? The terrace and ground floor are. The toilets are down 10 steps.
Address: 69 Church Rd, Hove, BN3 2BB
Website: https://www.baked-hove.co.uk/
Starfish & Coffee
Near Queens Park lies Starfish & Coffee, a multi-award-winning neighbourhood gem celebrated for its exceptional brunch. Locally sourced ingredients, including free-range eggs from Holmansbridge Farm and milk from Sussex & Surrey Dairies, show their commitment to quality and sustainability.
Their partnership with Skylark Coffee, Brighton’s only non-profit coffee roasters, ensures that every cup of coffee supports worthy causes such as the Knepp Wildland Foundation and The Stumping Project.
Open daily (except on Fridays) until 3 p.m., Starfish & Coffee invites you to try their food and beverage offerings.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? Yes
Outdoor seating available? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes
Wifi available? No
Power outlets? No, this is a laptop-free cafe.
Wheelchair? Yes, but there is a slanted step at the entrance.
Address: 32 Egremont Pl, Brighton, BN2 0GA
Website: https://starfishandcoffee.cafe/
Metrodeco – TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Metrodeco has been running in Kemptown since 2009, offering a warm atmosphere and amazing afternoon tea. Beyond this, they also have an extensive brunch menu with classic favourites.
If you’re spiritual or looking to try out tarot, Fiona Coffey hosts regular Tea and Tarot sessions here. You can expect to learn about tarot and try your hands at it while enjoying tea and cake. If you’d like to find out more about these sessions, check out our review here.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? No
Outdoor seating available? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes
Wifi available? Yes
Power outlets? No
Wheelchair? Two steps at the entrance but the cafe has a ramp available (toilets are downstairs so these would not be accessible for a wheelchair user)
Address: 38 Upper St James’s St, Kemptown, Brighton, BN2 1JN
Website: https://metro-deco.com/
Oeuf Cafe
Tried and tested—other than Moksha, it’s no secret that this is one of the top cafes in Brighton. Third Avenue in Hove is where you will find Oeuf. With a pink and green pastel exterior and black and white tiles, this is the perfect spot for Instagram-worthy photos.
Don’t get us started on the food. Your food will arrive beautifully presented, and you won’t be able to resist taking photos of it. They have an array of sweet and savoury meals to choose from, and they offer their infamous Frumpets (crumpets made like French toast). But of course, as the name of the restaurant suggests, you’ve got to try a dish with eggs.
Vegetarians and vegans are spoilt for choice here, and they cater to a range of dietary requirements. The dishes on offer change depending on the season, so you can expect new specials here and there.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? No
Outdoor seating available? Yes both terrace and garden seating are available
Dog friendly? Yes
Wifi available? Yes but it’s not a laptop-friendly cafe as it has more of a restaurant vibe
Power outlets? Yes but not for laptop use
Wheelchair? No
Address: 8 Third Ave, Hove, BN3 2PX
Website: https://oeuf.cafe/
Pavilion Gardens Cafe
Royal Pavilion Gardens is home to The Pavilion Gardens Café, a family-owned cafe that has been around for over 80 years. They offer a range of homemade cakes and dishes, including sandwiches and jacket potatoes.
If you’re enjoying the pavilion gardens and looking for somewhere to relax and grab a bite, this will be the perfect place for you.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? Yes
Outdoor seating available? Yes, all seating is outdoor
Dog friendly? Yes as this is an outdoor cafe
Wifi available? Yes
Power outlets? No
Wheelchair? Yes
Address: Royal Pavilion Grounds, New Rd, Brighton, BN1 1UG
Website: https://www.paviliongardenscafe.co.uk/
post house cafe
On Ship Street, near the south lanes, you will find Post House Café. Once the Post Master’s cottage, the building is now home to this vintage-inspired café.
They offer an extensive brunch menu, with small plates and desserts available for evening guests. On Sundays, you can treat yourself to a Sunday Roast, with both meat- and plant-based options available.
Open seven days a week, Post House Cafe caters to every craving, from breakfast and brunch to dinner and drinks.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? Yes, their loyal customer and a local business discount scheme has a Dear Neighbour card where customers get 20% off drinks.
Outdoor seating available? Yes, they have a garden area.
Dog friendly? Yes, dogs and cats are welcome and they have free treats for them.
Wifi available? Yes
Power outlets? Yes
Wheelchair? Unfortunately not. This is an old building and there are steps to get in and out. Their garden is wheelchair accessible and you are welcome to come when the weather is good.
Address: 52 Ship St, Brighton, BN1 1AF
Website: https://www.posthousebrighton.com/
Artbox Cafe
In the South Lanes area of Brighton, you will find Artbox Cafe, Europe’s premier themed café and boutique, which is especially loved by tourists. The current theme of the cafe is Hello Kitty and Friends, but you can expect a change of theme once in a while.
This multi-story establishment offers a store and takeaway cafe on the ground floor. The cafe serves drinks and ice cream to go. It is also possible to get a seat in the upstairs cafe, which serves Hello Kitty-themed food with sweet and savoury options on offer. The menu at the Artbox cafe is entirely vegetarian and vegan.
It is a popular destination for both families with children and adults. It is best to book in advance, as getting a seat on the day may be a challenge. When booking, a £10 deposit is required per person, but this is taken off your bill.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? No
Outdoor seating available? No
Dog-friendly? Yes – small and well-behaved dogs
WiFi? No
Power outlets? No
Wheelchair accessible? Ground floor yes and if you would like to dine at the cafe they are able to set up a table on the ground floor
Address: 5-6 East St, Brighton, BN1 1HP
Website: https://www.artbox.co.uk/brighton
Cafe Coho
Café Coho was established in 2010 and has two locations in the city, one near the station and one near the beach.
Their central location is a three-floor espresso bar and café with a rustic interior. Their station location, on the other hand, is more simplistic and perfect for those travelling to or from Brighton.
On top of great coffee, they also offer a range of delightful food, from sandwiches to cakes and other treats. What’s more, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., they serve brunch, which includes vegan options as well.
Have you ever heard of invisible toast? Yes, you read that right! For just £2.50, you can order a portion of invisible toast, and here’s why you should—it acts as a donation to the Clock Tower Sanctuary, a Brighton-based charity that provides hot lunches to homeless and sleeping rough young people aged 16–25.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? Yes, buy 9 get 10th free.
Outdoor seating available? Yes
Dog-friendly? Yes, well-behaved dogs are allowed in their back rooms and upstairs at Ship St.
WiFi? Yes but not at weekends.
Power outlets? No.
Wheelchair accessible? Yes
Cafe Coho Brighton Station: 83a Queens Rd, Brighton, BN1 3XE
Cafe Coho Brighton: 53 Ship St, Brighton, BN1 1AF
Website: https://www.cafecoho.co
Redroaster
Redroaster has been hand-roasting and retailing their own coffee beans for over a decade, which are available for purchase at their cafes and online. Each of their cafe locations offers an extensive coffee menu as well as a range of teas and other drink options.
The interior of the cafe is stylish, and their Kemptow location is especially Instagrammable. The New York Times has named this café a must-visit destination.
Redroaster is rated among the top 20 sustainable businesses in the UK. If you’re looking to support an independent cafe that helps to make a positive social impact, then a visit to Redroaster is what you need.
They’ve recently opened their third location at the Brighton Dome, offering food options from breakfast to dinner. But that’s not all—in the evenings, their Kemptown location transforms into Lucky Khao Thai BBQ, offering dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, organic meats, and high-quality Asian flavours.
The menu at all their locations changes with the availability of local ingredients, ensuring a fresh dining experience. Fancy a Bottomless brunch? From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., any day of the week, they have a great bottomless brunch option on offer with organic eggs, creamy avocados, vegan burgers, and so much more, along with unlimited prosecco, bloody marys, custom mimosas, aperol spritz, or even wellness cold-pressed juice flights.
Additional information –
Loyalty programme for regular customers? Yes
Outdoor seating available? Yes
Dog friendly? Yes
Wifi available? Yes
Power outlets? Yes
Wheelchair accessible? Yes but access to toilets requires stairs
Redroaster (& Lucky Khao): 1D St James’s St, Brighton, BN2 1RE
Redroaster Brighton Dome: 29a New Rd, Brighton BN1 1UG
Lucky Beach: Kings Road Arches, 183 Kings Rd, Brighton, BN1 1NB
Website: https://www.redroaster.co.uk/
