This quirky independent coffee house in London Road, Brighton, takes its coffee seriously but maintains a friendly, community feel.

Housed in a former HSBC bank, Presuming Ed has been open for two months.

Owner Richard Grills says: “I used to live on Viaduct Road and there was never anywhere to go. I’d been looking to get somewhere on London Road for three years. I wanted somewhere with potential where I’d get a chance to do something new.”

Like its sister cafe, The Marwood in Ship Street Court Presuming Ed is named after a character from dark comedy Withnail And I. Presuming Ed’s staff, known as caffeine ninjas, really know their beans and are trained to create an extensive range of drinks, including espresso, macchiato, cappuccino and Americano.

Colourful and less contrived, Presuming Ed is a refreshing break from corporate chains.

“Some people want to get their espresso in Starbucks time but we’re trying to do the exact opposite of that,” says Richard. “We’re still fairly quick but we take our time to get things right. If you’re in a hurry, make a coffee at home.”

The menu focuses on coffee but also offers simple yet quality food. They sell a selection of homemade sandwiches, pastries, cakes and snacks, some of which are made with gluten-free and organic ingredients.

Artist Snub23 painted the striking murals on the coffee house’s exterior but the interior decor is equally impressive.

Tables and chairs are cleverly crafted from books, annuals and even an old radiator. Magazine covered walls and 1980s themed menus, including Fraggle Rock, enhance the graffiti and comic book aesthetic.

“I think some people spend so much time on coffee they forget that atmosphere is important,” says Richard. “We wanted to create a space that was interesting, accessible and friendly, where people feel comfortable to sit on their own or have a natter to people around them. Somewhere they can meet, have blind dates, complain, procrastinate, work and all of those things.”

The relaxed atmosphere is aided by the music, which Richard describes as “Pure cheese, all the time.”

Creativity is central to Presuming Ed, which doubles up as a creative hub, of which MakersLab, S.EX and charity Audio-Active are all residents.

The cafe’s recent launch party was celebrated with the installation of a 3D printer and bitcoin ATM. Meeting rooms at the back of the cafe are available to hire, including the old bank vault.

Presuming Ed plans to host lectures, music, theatre and spoken word events upstairs and hope to build a tree house and barbecue area in the garden, as well as applying for an alcohol licence in the future.

“When we moved here everything was beige and grey,” says Richard. “The bar area was blocked in with bullet proof glass. When we took down the walls, it was almost like the building breathed out. I reckon it’s had more fun in two months than it has had since 1954 when it became a bank.”

Open Monday to Saturday 8am-7pm; Sunday 9am-7pm. Visit <&bh"http://www.presuming-ed.com">www.presuming-ed.com<&eh> 

Gemma Hicks-Logan

 

SAMPLE MENU
Drinks:
Espresso – £1.60
Macchiato, piccolo or 
   Americano – £1.80
Long black – £2.10
Flat white – £2.60
Cappuccino – £2.70

Food:
Sandwiches including halloumi, 
       sunblushed tomato and rocket; 
       smoked salmon and cream 
       cheese; and chorizo, sun
       blushed tomato, rocket and 
       mozzarella – £4.50  
Milk and white chocolate 
       brownie, carrot cake, vegan 
       banana bread or white 
       chocolate tiffin – £2/£3
Croissant with ham and 
       cheese – £3
Granola – £3.50
Nuts – £1.50