Where do Brightonians get all their energy from? Is it that healing sea air? The adrenaline from keeping a watchful eye on where the next seagull will swoop from? Perhaps, but the most likely answer is that it’s just from a good old-fashioned cuppa joe.
The residents of this seaside city spend more per head on coffee than anywhere else in the UK, so no wonder they’re all so wired. But take a stroll through the Lanes, the Fiveways or pretty much anywhere in Hove and you’ll realise why. The coffee scene here is the best in the country, and there’s a thriving scene of independent businesses grinding, churning and pouring coffee from all over the planet, as well as from local roasteries. So, with so many to choose from, here is our guide to the best coffee shops in Brighton.
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This article was recently updated by Liv Kelly, a writer from Brighton. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Why go? Laid-back charm away from the bustle of the city centre.
Serving Monmouth Coffee from a hatch on a pretty residential street where Brighton meets Hove, Stoney Point is the ultimate spot for true coffee lovers. Grab a seat on the pavement and watch the world go by.
Why go? Excellent coffee in a kooky little setting.
Presuming Ed’s Coffee House is definitely the place to try if you're after a whacky hidden gem. Their coffee is supplied by Cast Iron Roasters, and the team will brew you a great cup, be it early in the morning or late into the evening. The place also functions as a bar, pub, live music venue — basically, whatever you want it to be. Make sure you don’t miss this place.
Why go? Brighton’s swishiest bakery does great coffee, too.
Since its opening on Sydney Street in 2012, Flour Pot Bakery has expanded to having 11 locations across Brighton, as well as a couple dotted around Hove, Worthing and Portslade. Stop here for a latte and you’ll see why this local chain has become so popular – they offer an excellent array of pastries (including some vegan options) plus breads, conserves, cakes, sourdough pizza-base kits and, of course, some delicious coffee which is all locally made using traditional techniques.
Why go? Well away from the touristy parts of town, Tilt is a local favourite.
With local art on the walls and a cool, stripped-back aesthetic, Tilt has carved out a reputation as one of the best places in Brighton to get a coffee. Not only are the drinks super, the food here is excellent as well. Stop by at lunch time and you won’t leave disappointed.
Why go? Small local chain which mixes carefully crafted coffee with Brighton’s best cakes.
Pelicano has a number of locations across Brighton. Its Sydney Street outpost, in the heart of hip North Laine, is our favourite. Taking advantage of this part of the city being pedestrianised, its seats stretch out across the road from its small shopfront, making it a great place to people-watch while enjoying a cup.
Why go? North Laine favourite where getting a caffeine fix is a way of life.
Bond St Coffee is run by Black Rain Coffee, which roasts its own, ethically grown beans on a low-emissions roaster and delivers them using a zero-emissions electric car. The care that goes into the coffee here is legendary, with single origin brews from all over the world available. The vegan cinnamon bun is a must with any purchase.
Why go? Brilliant brunch spots all over the city.
Since Trading Post Coffee Roasters was founded in 2017, the little string of cafés have become one of the city's success stories. The original location on Ship Street is a bustling go-to for tourists and locals, and is usually packed to the rafters with people sipping their delicious selection of blends, or enjoying their tasty brunch. They also have spots in the North Laine, Brighton Station and Lewes, so be sure to swing by one of them during your visit.
Why go? Hip Kemptown spot in a new location close to the beach.
Ground moved along St George’s Road in 2020, opening in a new spot that feels more cosy than its former location in the heart of Kemptown village. The coffee comes from Pharmacie Roasters in nearby Lewes, with a few seats for sitting in and soaking up the vibe. Grab a takeaway, though, and you can be on the beach within five minutes.
Why go? The perfect place to stop while shopping in the North Laine.
Black Mocha’s location close to Brighton’s best vintage clothes shops, record stores and antiques emporiums makes it the ideal place for refuelling while on a shopping spree. The coffee here is excellent, but the cakes will ensure you also get a much-needed sugar fix before scouring for a new outfit or the latest limited vinyl release.
Why go? Great coffee from a family-based roastery.
Mojo Coffee is little spot in what is fast-becoming Brighton’s student area, but which remains a secret of the locals. Run in partnership with a family-based roastery who prioritise ethically sourced ingredients, you can practically taste the care that goes into their coffee. They’ve got cracking sandwiches too.
Why go? A gorgeous café with great twists on coffees.
Redroaster St James Street is one of the most glamourous spots in the city to enjoy a cuppa Joe. This place is Brighton's oldest roastery, and most celebrated café who can rustle up a great brunch to go alongside their drinks. As well as serving up great americanos, flat whites and lattes, they have a few quirky coffee creations, too.
Why go? A Hove newbie with a friendly vibe.
The Hove end of Western Road is home to some ace restaurants and in Dharma it now has one the best coffee shops in the area. The oat cappuccino here is particularly good, while there are tables with power points for those looking to get their head down and do some work. Personally we’re more into the outdoor tables – perfect for watching the world go by.
Why go? An underrated coffee spot tucked away in the King's Road Arches.
Yes, you read that right. The Brighton Fishing Musuem Coffee Shop is one of the best coffee spots in town, which remains relatively undiscovered. Fancy a breezy wander along the front, but full up of fish and chips? This place has you covered, with great coffee, and excellent bakes and pastries to be enjoyed — perhaps even in the sun, if you're lucky.
Why go? Swedish-inspired spot with an excellent brunch menu.
FIKA, named after the Swedish concept of taking time for breaks during the day to enjoy a coffee, is a cool coffee spot opposite Hove Town Hall. Its coffee comes from Back Yard in Ditchling, which is a co-owner of the space, while its fried egg sandwiches, by Cracked, are the stuff of legend. Purge a hangover or fill up after a bracing walk along the coast.
Why go? Unpretentious coffee at a decent price.
As you walk from London Road towards North Laine you’re basically headed towards café heaven, but you’d be a fool to overlook this little spot which is popular with the not-so-trendy, old Brighton type locals. Tasty, reasonably priced coffee and absolutely enormous breakfasts mean this place is busy from open til close, and stopping for a cuppa makes the trendy, bare-brick coffee shops of the centre of town feel miles away.
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