IT SAYS a lot about a culture when it invents an entirely new meal to allow for the inebriated to enjoy more time in bed.
That’s exactly what happened in 1895, when English writer Guy Beringer wrote his famous essay “Brunch: A Plea” on the back of a hangover.
In it, he defended those nursing their health on a Sunday morning after a night on the town.
Instead of rousing people from bed and confronting them with a Sunday roast, Beringer proposed a mid-morning compromise: a hybrid meal of breakfast and dinner that could start with tea and pastries before moving on to heavier dishes.
He also believed that friends could meet and share their tales of the previous evening.
He wrote: “Brunch is cheerful, sociable and inciting. It is talk-compelling.
“It makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.”
More than a century since his essay, brunch is back bigger than ever – and we have the list to prove it, with five of Brighton’s best independent brunches in the city.
1. Compass Point Eatery
Easily the best brunch in town, say TripAdvisor, is at Compass Point Eatery. It is so popular it has had to introduce a reservation-only stance on breakfast so be sure to book in advance.
If thick, fluffy pancakes are your jam, you’re in for a treat, as this little Kemp Town venue has them in spades – with bacon, banoffee, white chocolate and even chicken goujons to accompany them.
There are also fresh juices made on site, plus reasonably priced coffee, almost a rarity in Brighton.
The breakfast menu is served via reservation only on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 1pm, however diners can also visit through the week for no-holds-barred pancakes and all sorts of American toasted sandwich concoctions.
Visit Compass Point Eatery at 19 St George’s Road, Brighton.
2. Cafe Marmalade
It's no surprise to see The Argus’s best cafe of 2017 has hit a high spot on TripAdvisor’s best brunches list.
Offering generous mugs of coffee, pastries and hot dishes, the cafe has a friendly atmosphere and is almost always busy throughout the day, despite being on the edge of town.
Its split level format make it instantly recognisable. Where else in Brighton could you sit on a balcony level eating brunch while watching diners below?
Expect home-made smoothies, bakery items galore and a whole menu of egg and bacon combinations on toast.
Visit Cafe Marmalade at 237 Eastern Road, Kemp Town.
3. Iydea
Brighton's award-winning vegetarian restaurant is Iydea-l for all meat-free brunch needs – that is, if you can find a seat.
Serving fresh and healthy food with a heart, Iydea does its best to minimise its environmental impact, and offers food to both eat in and take away.
The menu changes daily, which means diners are treated with the freshest of dishes prepared from plant-based ingredients, ranging from simple poached eggs on toast to goat’s cheese arancini and cheese stacks. It’s affordable too, with meals from £4.70 to £7.70 for a main dish, two sides and two toppings.
Visit Iydea at 17 Kensington Gardens, Brighton.
4. The New Club
Inspired by a New York diner, The New Club is the kind of place you go to when you want to impress over breakfast.
Great, honest food, plus an unparalleled view over the seafront, The New Club has something for everyone.
A vegan cooked breakfast accompanies “Mexican” eggs – basically a nacho plate served breakfast style – and there are always pancakes for the children or just those with a sweet tooth.
There’s also a menu of “hangover cures” for those who struggle through the door.
Visit The New Club at 133-134 King’s Road, Brighton.
5. Lucky Beach Cafe
DID you know this renowned burger and seafood cafe also serves up an impressive brunch?
Its take on classic eggs Benedict is a sight to behold, with apple cider hollandaise complementing the pulled ham perfectly.
Smashed peas make it feel healthier than it is but don’t worry, this restaurant will still fix you up after a nasty
hangover.
Vegetarian options include sweet potato waffles and brioche French toast served with salted caramel and banana for a summery taste of the seaside.
Add candied bacon and a duck egg for something more indulgent.
Visit the Lucky Beach Cafe at 183 King’s Road Arches, Brighton.
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