Best independent coffee shops in Brighton

Coffeetzar

Picture wandering through the North Laine of Brighton and spotting this chic coffee shop on a pretty street corner. Situated just moments down the hill from the train station, it’s the perfect pitstop to begin your day in Brighton. If its beautiful exterior isn’t enough to draw you in, the delicious display of scrumptious sweet treats will. They serve Mediterranean delights, including beetroot hummus and avocado pitas, chilli and cheddar koulouri and vegan pizza. Their mouthwatering selection of sweet treats are not to be missed, with plenty of vegan and gluten free options available. They use Cuban coffee beans for a smooth, soulful blend and also have an impressive assortment of teas.

Stoney Point

Born out of passion for exceptional coffee and love of music, this down-to-earth spot is nestled where Brighton meets Hove. Offering a laid-back atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, it's an intimate spot loved by locals. They serve Monmouth coffee, with notes of toasted almonds and a precise brewing technique to extract the best possible flavour - coffee really is an art here. They also have a selection of scrumptious baked goods delivered from local artisanal bakeries, whilst all of their cakes, jams and chutneys are homemade with great care and attention to detail. Not to mention, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the friendly staff! 

Black Mocha

Chocolate lovers will be in their element here! Indulge in their signature beverage the ‘Black Mocha’, rich and smooth, it’s made up of 70% Madagascan chocolate with a shot of espresso. Situated in the North Laine, it's close to some of Brighton’s very best vintage clothing shops and record stores - making for a relaxing place to stop for a coffee between shopping for preloved gems. There’s a chilled vibe to this delightful little coffee shop and  almost everything on the menu, both food and drink, is vegan friendly. Pop in for brunch, indulge in one of their gooey cakes or sample their dense and complex range of espressos (which you can buy from the shop to make at home or as a gift for your coffee-loving friends). They also serve a range of hot chocolates and a variety of 17 loose tea leaves.

Bond St Coffee

If you’re after a lively and buzzing atmosphere then make your way to Bond St Coffee, where you can expect signature flavours and eye catching latte art. It’s perfect for those who like a little extra technicality in their morning brew, and one that will satisfy your caffeine fix till way past lunchtime. Bond St Coffee uses single-origin coffee beans sourced from Horsham Coffee Roasters - a local company which delivers ethically grown and fairtrade coffee beans using a zero-emission electric car. With expert baristas and the very best brewing methods and machinery, you are promised an optimum cup of joe! Be sure to pick up a vegan cinnamon bun and enjoy inside on a rainy winter morning or sit outside and soak up the sunshine on a warm afternoon. 

Fika

Situated on the beachfront, serving “filthy fried eggs and damn good coffee”, Fika is the perfect spot to refuel and get your caffeine fix after a brisk walk along the coast. You may already be familiar with the term ‘Fika’, a Swedish word to describe a coffee and cake break, however, it’s often much more than that - it's a state of mind and an essential part of Swedish culture where you can pause, refresh your mind and socialise with friends. With a trendy vibe, mouth-watering breakfast buns and sea views aplenty, it’s just the spot for Fika! They also have another cool coffee shop opposite the town hall in Hove. 

Pelicano Coffee

Effortlessly cool with a laidback vibe, Pelicano Coffee is a much loved favourite for both locals and visitors to Brighton. There's a unique style and rustic feel to the place, with its black exterior featuring  a cartoon man drinking coffee on the front and bare brick walls inside. There’s two floors so you can enjoy your brew inside on their rustic wooden tables, in the garden soaking up the sunshine or out in the Lanes, a prime people-watching location! Their main shop is situated on Sydney Street, but they also have two others in Brighton. Now onto the coffee. Pelicano uses their own ethically sourced beans, which are roasted in store. They even sell their own blends inhouse, so you can take a little bit of Brighton home with you. Not to mention, their sweet treats are utterly mouth-watering - the topless blueberry and lemon cake has to be our favourite! 

17 Grams

“Coffee, brunch and good vibes” are what you can expect at 17 Grams. Their coffee shop is sleek and stylish - black with their signature pop of pink. If you’re visiting the Royal Pavilion, be sure to pop into 17 Grams for a casual coffee or bite to eat. They roast their own coffee in their North Laine Roastery, offering blends from Kenya, Rwanda and Mexico. Their brunch menu is both hearty and healthy, perfect for fuelling a day of exploring Brighton. Their veggie burrito is delicious and for those of you with a sweet tooth, be sure to try their brioche french toast with maple syrup, bacon, and a cornflake coating. Or simply pop in for a takeaway coffee, served in their signature pink cups, to take with you on the go!

Blend & Brew

Situated just minutes from the train station, Blend & Brew is the perfect pitstop to welcome you to wonderful Brighton. Its interiors are inviting with warm lighting, exposed brickwork and flower murals. Bringing a taste of Italy to the south coast through the owner’s Italian influence, their coffee is rich and smooth, with a smokey edge. You can expect their espressos and cappuccinos to be full-bodied and they also have a variety of colourful drinks on offer, including a turmeric latte, beetroot latte and matcha latte, all packing a punchy flavour and vibrant colour. You won’t be disappointed by their extensive food selection either, again boasting the owners' Italian influence, from pizzas to paninis, and our personal favourite - the tasty pot lasagnas! 

Cafe Coho

This trendy spot boasts two locations in Brighton, one near the train station and one in the heart of the Lanes. Their vibe is casual, warm and friendly, with beautiful exposed brickwork and plenty of vintage furniture. The train station café is perfect to stop for a casual brew, whilst the Lanes location is a little more lively. During autumn and winter, it’s a lovely hygge hideout, with twinkling fairy lights, seasonal latte art and hot chocolates to warm the soul, while in summer, there’s plenty of outdoor seating and freshly squeezed juices to quench your thirst. They specialise in dark-roasted coffee with blends from smallholder farmers in Costa Rica, Sumatra, Guatemala and Rwanda. They also have a variety of homemade cakes and artisan sandwiches available. If you want to let your hair down, the venue on Ship Street also serves cocktails and hosts bottomless brunches. 

Laughing Dog

If you’re looking for a spot away from the city centre, head to Laughing Dog, located in the heart of Brighton Marina. The marina offers boat tours, independent boutiques and plenty of dining options, with Laughing Dog a firm favourite. They have spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas and a stunning gift shop selling plants, homeware and stationary all from local, independent makers. Their outdoor seating is situated around the Marina’s fountain and is an idyllic spot for an iced latte, ice cream or even a beer. Their vegan soft serve ice cream is not to be missed, with biscoff, mango, lemon and so much more, which you can enjoy in a tub, cone or as a milkshake. They have a range of hearty brunch options, healthy smoothie bowls and their coffee is a dream come true. Not to mention, your four-legged friend is warmly welcomed here too! 

Staying near Brighton 

Our wonderful Sussex hideaways are perfect for those wishing to explore the vibrant city of Brighton, but are seeking somewhere peaceful to retreat to at the end of the day. From a colourful shepherd’s hut with a wood-fired hot tub to an enchanting treehouse nestled in the forest, our hideaways are just the tonic for a much-needed getaway, where you can spend time in nature, explore west Sussex or enjoy a day at the beach.