Peter ChapmanThere are 365 pubs in Brighton, or so I’m told – one for every day of the year. So it’s no surprise that Brightonians enjoy the odd drink. Which means that on a Sunday morning, most Brighton residents (or visitors) are searching for a good solid breakfast to make it all ok!
There’s nothing more depressing than a disappointing breakfast, especially if you’re feeling a little worse for wear. So we’ve put together a run-down of the best breakfast experiences in the city, where you can be sure of a soul-healing serving of recovery on a Sunday.
7: The Mad Hatter
A lovely, quirky and colourful cafe on the corner of Western Road and Montpelier Road, The Mad Hatter serves up a range of hearty breakfasts in a cosy, relaxed setting. The Alice in Wonderland theme has been beautifully woven into every aspect of the cafe, and you do feel a little as though you’re stepping into the rabbit hole (but not too much to freak you out when you’re already feeling fragile!).
The full English is a good traditional breakfast, with everything you want cooked to perfection, with a great veggie alternative, but there are loads of other options if you don’t fancy a fry-up. The coffee is fantastic, which is definitely vital on the morning after. Plus they have yoga and meditation upstairs, so you can mend your soul as well as your body!
6: Salvage
If you want to steer clear of meaty breakfasts, Salvage is a gorgeous, dreamy venue with a predominantly vegetarian and vegan menu, as well as a wide variety of gluten free options. Everything in the cafe, from the chairs and tables to the art on the walls and the vintage knick-knacks covering every surface, is for sale so you can also get your Sunday fix of antique hunting while you eat.
The bread is amazing – the best I’ve ever tasted, anywhere. The staff are lovely, and incredibly helpful with any dietary requirements. There is a great tea selection, and even the crockery is beautiful. Everything is very reasonably priced as well, meaning you can totally justify whiling away your Sunday morning (or afternoon) soaking up the creative atmosphere.
5: Billies
One of my favourite spots in Brighton to chill out, and Brighton’s best kept secret eaterie. Set above Western Road and within walking distance of Churchill Square this place really puts on a good show as far as its breakfasts are concerned.
famous for its breakfast hash which is a plate and a half of food available in meat and veggie options but for me the real stand out is there eggs benedict with home made Hollandaise. Bright and airy considering its overall size too.
4: The Fountainhead
There are a few bottomless boozy brunches around town, but The Fountainhead is the most reasonably priced at £12 per head, and probably the best. They do a fantastic full English, but the Eggs Royale was the winner for me. And who can complain about unlimited mimosas from 11am to 1pm?!
They’re not stingy with the booze either, so this might be one for a Saturday morning rather than a Sunday, unless you’re very brave about your hair of the dog! The staff are incredibly friendly as well, and go out of their way to make your meal a good one. A great way to kick off the weekend!
3: Cafe Venus
Not a venue that gets shouted about much, Venus is a fairly average looking cafe on Western Road, but my wife and I have become completely addicted to it. The reason? We just can’t get through Sunday without their breakfast baguette. It might look like a normal greasy spoon, but the food in Venus is prepared with love and attention, and that shows when you sit down to eat it.
Hearty, satisfying and top quality, made by a warm and friendly team, this will put you back together when you wake up broken. Plus they offer a 20% NUS discount, so students can be put back together at even better value!
2: Kensington Cafe
Considering the vast number of tourists and Sunday antiquers swarming down Kensington Gardens in the North Laines, you could easily overlook Kensington Cafe. Behind an unassuming door, sandwiched between busy shops, lies a staircase that makes you feel a bit as though you’re wandering into someone’s home.
And the cosy setting upstairs doesn’t completely dispel that feeling! Space is at a premium at the Kensington Cafe, especially if the weather’s not so good and the balcony is off the menu. So get there at a reasonable time to stake out a table – it’s well worth it. The food is fantastic, and very reasonably priced. You order by name rather than table number, adding to the personal, intimate vibe. A great spot to kick-start your day. Try the pancakes!
1: Red Roaster
No wonder this gets recommended by none other than The New York Times. Kemp Town’s bright, open and botanical delight is topping my list of breakfasts in Brighton.
What originally started as a roastery for the coffee fanatics of Brighton soon became a place that was being sought out by the breakfast fanatics too. Not surprisingly when you look at the amazing menu available.
The locally sourced and organic produce make everything from their sandwiches to their full English takes exquisite with my own personal favourite being Crab & Avocado benedict.
The wonder of this place continues into the evening when it transforms itself into Khao, a beautiful Thai restaurant.
By Peter Chapman