The 10 best coffee shops in Brighton

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. Stoney also has a new spot just off St James' St in Kemptown.

Why go? An oasis of calm on a usually hectic stretch, Twin Pines serves up coffee to die for.

St James’ Street is alive with bars, clubs and pubs and can often feel hectic. But at Twin Pines, the chaos melts away as soon as you step inside. The basement is chock-full of comfy chairs and mid-century furniture and being below ground, phone reception is patchy at best. That makes it the perfect place to escape, even if it’s just for a few minutes. The coffee here is first-rate, and arguably the best in Brighton.

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 Horsham Coffee Roaster, 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? A short walk from the station, this is the place for pre-travel treats.

Tucked away down Trafalgar Street and less than five minutes from the main station, Coffee@33 is the ideal stop-off for those who want to take a taste of Brighton with them on the train. Killer cups of coffee, whether you want a filter, Americano or something milky, plus savoury croissants to die for.

Why go? Hip Kemp Town 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 Kemp Town 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? 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? 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.