Brighton has no shortage of brilliant places to grab a coffee, whether you're after a perfectly brewed flat white before catching your train, a leisurely brunch with friends, or to satisfy your taste for a superb quality specialty coffee.
But with so many independent cafés and coffee shops to choose from, deciding where to go isn't always easy. That's why we asked the people who know Brighton best: Southern Railway colleagues who work at Brighton railway station. From dispatchers and customer service staff to a social media executive who travels the network every day, these expert recommendations highlight the cafés they genuinely return to time and time again.
Whether you're searching for cafes in Brighton, a café near Brighton station, or the best specialty coffee Brighton has to offer, you'll find plenty of ideas and options in our guide.
Read more: How to do Brighton the non-traditional way
What are the best cafes in Brighton?
Whether you're looking for a cosy neighbourhood café, somewhere to enjoy brunch or the perfect cappuccino, Brighton has plenty of fantastic options. These are the cafes in Brighton our Southern colleagues recommend, each offering great coffee, delicious food and a warm welcome.
Milk No Sugar
- Recommended by: Tabatha, Dispatcher
- Best for: Vietnamese coffee
- Location: 68 Trafalgar Street, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4EB
- What to order: Vietnamese coffee (cold black coffee with condensed milk) and the summer rolls
If you're looking for one of the most unique cafes in Brighton, Milk No Sugar is a brilliant choice. This independent Vietnamese café is just a short walk from Brighton station and offers something a little different from your usual coffee stop.
Tabatha loves the relaxed atmosphere and says it's somewhere she happily returns to. "I really enjoy the vibe of the coffee shop," she says.
The Bystander
- Recommended by: Zoe, Competency Manager
- Best for: Lunch near Brighton station
- Location: 1 Terminus Road, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 3PD
- What to order: Americano and a jacket potato
Just steps from Brighton station, The Bystander has been Zoe's go-to café for years. "I've been going there for 20 years. It's very reliable," she says. Whether you're meeting friends, grabbing lunch between trains or simply looking for a dependable café near Brighton station, it's a great choice.
Granny’s Cafe
- Recommended by: Shayan, Customer Service
- Best for: Dog-friendly café and pastries
- Location: 59D Ship Street, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1AE
- What to order: Pistachio oat iced mocha and any of the pastries
Tucked away in the Lanes, Granny's Cafe is one of Shayan's favourite coffee shops in Brighton thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and impressive pastry counter. "All the pastries are incredible and look amazing on display," she says.
It's also dog friendly, making it an ideal stop if you're exploring Brighton with your four-legged friend.
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What are the best coffee shops in Brighton?
Whether you're grabbing a coffee before boarding your train or looking for somewhere to sit and watch the world go by, these are our team's favourite coffee shops in Brighton.
Wolfox
- Recommended by: Joe, Customer Service
- Best for: Coffee before your train
- Location: Brighton station
- What to order: Joe recommends the coffee, whatever your usual order is.
If you're searching for a cafe near Brighton station, it doesn't get more convenient than Wolfox. Located right inside the station, it's ideal if you're short on time but still want a quality coffee before your journey.
Joe says it's his go-to because the coffee is consistently good and the team always makes him feel welcome. "The coffee is great and the staff are always really friendly," he says.
Si Signore
- Recommended by: Ed, Social Content Executive
- Best for: People watching on a sunny day
- Location: 12 Sydney St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4EN
- What to order: Iced oat vanilla latte
When the sun is shining, Ed heads to Si Signore. "I enjoy sitting outside on a hot day and people watching. The coffee is strong with a good flavour," he says. If you're looking for one of the most enjoyable coffee shops in Brighton to relax with a drink and soak up the city's atmosphere, Si Signore is well worth a visit.
Where to get the best specialty coffee in Brighton
Brighton has a thriving independent coffee scene, with cafés dedicated to carefully sourced beans, expertly brewed espresso and inventive seasonal drinks. If you're searching for specialty coffee Brighton, these are the places our team recommends.
Blend & Brew
- Recommended by: Zoe, Competency Manager
- Best for: Specialty coffee near Brighton station
- Location: 44 Trafalgar Street, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4ED
- What to order: Mocha and an almond croissant
Just a short walk from Brighton station, Blend & Brew has left a lasting impression on Zoe. She first visited with her sister and has made a point of returning ever since. "The best mocha I've ever had," she says.
Zoe recommends pairing the mocha with one of the café's almond croissants for the perfect mid-morning treat. If you're looking for specialty coffee in Brighton, this independent café is well worth a visit.
Komodo Coffee
- Recommended by: Joe, Customer Service
- Best for: Independent specialty coffee
- Location: 19a Brighton Square, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HD
- What to order: Cappuccino and a croissant
Hidden away in the Lanes, Komodo Coffee is a specialty coffee shop that's easy to miss unless someone tells you about it, and that's exactly why Joe enjoys recommending it. "It's small and independent, and not easy to find. When I recommend it to people, I take them there and they usually go back themselves," he says.
Joe enjoys the range of espresso on offer but his usual choice is a cappuccino, paired with one of the croissants. For anyone seeking specialty coffee in Brighton, Komodo Coffee is a hidden gem.
The Milk Shed
- Recommended by: Ed, Social Content Executive
- Best for: Creative coffee and drinkable desserts
- Location: 13A Prince Albert Street, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HF
- What to order: Tiramisu Latte
If your coffee order is anything but ordinary, The Milk Shed is well worth seeking out. Known for its imaginative drinks, it's become a favourite of Ed's thanks to its indulgent menu of dessert-inspired coffees.
His recommendation is the café's viral Tiramisu Latte, although he says any of the drinkable dessert coffees are worth trying. For anyone looking for a fun take on specialty coffee in Brighton, The Milk Shed offers something a little different from the traditional espresso bar.
How to get to Brighton by train
Many of these cafes in Brighton are within a short walk of Brighton station, making them easy to visit whether you're spending the day by the sea, exploring The Lanes, or simply stopping off for a coffee before continuing your journey.
Southern runs regular services to Brighton from destinations across the South East, including London Victoria, East Croydon, Gatwick Airport, Lewes, Eastbourne, Worthing and Littlehampton.
Once you arrive at Brighton station, you'll find everything from independent cafés to specialty coffee in Brighton just a few minutes' walk away.
Why visit Brighton by train?
Whether you're planning a day dedicated to discovering the best cafes in Brighton or simply stopping for a coffee before heading to the beach, travelling by train is one of the easiest ways to reach this vibrant city.
Easy and convenient
Brighton station is just a short walk from many of the cafés featured in this guide, including Wolfox, Milk No Sugar, Blend & Brew and The Bystander. From the station, you can easily reach Brighton's famous Lanes, the seafront, and many of the city's other attractions on foot, so there's no need to worry about finding parking or navigating traffic.
Value for money
Travelling by train can be a cost-effective way to visit Brighton, especially if you book in advance or travel with friends and family. Kids travel from as little as £2 each, while Railcards will help you save whether you’re a student, senior, or even a couple.
A more sustainable way to travel
Choosing the train instead of driving can help reduce your environmental impact, making it a more sustainable way to enjoy a day out. According to data from the UK Government, traveling by train emits roughly 85% to 90% less CO2 per passenger-kilometre than driving a solo fossil-fuel car. So you can sit back, relax with your coffee, and enjoy the journey while someone else does the driving.
Whether you're visiting for brunch, browsing independent shops or sampling some of the best specialty coffee in Brighton, travelling by train lets you arrive in the heart of the city ready to start exploring.
