Historic Coffee Spots and Hidden Cafes in Brighton

Brighton’s coffee scene is often defined by its modern specialty shops, but there is a growing trend of enjoying a brew within the walls of the city’s most historic structures. A recent highlight is The Temple at Black Rock, located at 1 Madeira Drive. Originally built in 1835 as a decorative garden folly for the residents of Lewes Crescent, this building served as a military lookout during the Second World War before falling into disrepair. Following a restoration project, it opened as a coffee shop on September 23, 2025. The space now features a paved terrace and large windows that look out over the sea, serving coffee from Red Roaster and pastries from Real Patisserie. It opens from 7:30 am on weekdays and 9:30 am on weekends, closing in the mid-afternoon.

For those who prefer a setting with a deeper connection to the city's social history, The Cricketers on Black Lion Street stands as Brighton’s oldest pub, with roots dating back to 1547. While primarily known for its Victorian interior—complete with red velvet seating and dark wood paneling—it has become a spot for a weekend coffee or a drink in a space famously frequented by author Graham Greene. The upstairs 'Greene Room' now operates as a cocktail and wine bar, but the building’s history as a planning site for Jack the Ripper suspect Robert Donston Stephenson remains a point of local interest. The pub opens daily at noon, with the kitchen serving until 8:00 pm, providing a different atmosphere compared to the standard high-street cafe.

Another survivor of Brighton’s past is Belchers Cafe at 9 Montpelier Road. This traditional 'greasy spoon' has occupied its building since 1890 and retains its original Victorian shopfront. It is known for its straightforward approach and was even used as a location for a Vogue photoshoot with Kate Moss. It operates on a cash-only basis and closes at 2:00 pm daily, remaining closed on Sundays. Similarly, the Pavilion Gardens Cafe has been a fixture of the Royal Pavilion Gardens since 1941. Originally a wooden kiosk from the beach, it moved into its current Art Deco-style building in 1950. It is particularly known for its homemade rock cakes and remains open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

While many historic institutions like Cafe Arcadia or the Mock Turtle have disappeared, the city still supports long-standing independent businesses. Red Roaster at 1D St James's St has been operating since 2000 and is recognized as the oldest independent coffee roaster in Brighton. This mix of newly restored landmarks like the Black Rock folly and established spots like Belchers allows for a weekend coffee circuit that covers several centuries of local architecture. Newer award-winning spots like Starfish & Coffee, which was named Best Cafe in 2026, or Moksha Cafe, continue to evolve the local scene while these historic locations provide a sense of permanence in the city's landscape.