The Argus: Going Out Award

The Going Out Awards

The UK high street has been transformed by the growth of cafe culture over the last decade.

Where once there was just the traditional greasy spoon or chain outlets offering a choice between white, black or cappuccino, now coffee drinkers can choose where their bean comes from and accompany their lovingly created drink with a variety of home-cooked speciality snacks or lunches.

We’re looking for cafes across Sussex with that bit extra – the best coffee, a friendly atmosphere and a variety of food options.

THE SHORTLIST

Small Batch, across Brighton and Hove

SMALL Batch Coffee has been something of a Brighton success story over the last five years.

Having started out supplying coffee to some of the city’s best cafes they decided to cut out the middleman and open their own outlets.

Now there are five Small Batch coffee shops across the city: in Brighton at myhotel in Jubilee Square, Seven Dials and Norfolk Square; and in Hove Goldstone Villas, and the recently refurbished Wilbury Road cafe.

And commuters can often be seen crowding around the ever-popular coffee carts at both Brighton and Hove railway stations.

Carats Café Bar, Southwick

BASED in Basin Road South – behind Shoreham harbour and not far from Millionaires’ Row – Carats Cafe Bar is something of a well-kept secret.

The biggest attractions for the word-of-mouth hit are the view over the sea from the conservatory and a cracking full English breakfast.

This summer saw the opening of Southwick cafe Carats’ new evening restaurant on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Moksha Caffé, Brighton

MOKSHA means the liberation of the spirit in Sanskrit.

As such the family-run independent café, established in 2007, aims to provide liberation, total satisfaction and peace for its customers.

The café serves its own blend of coffee, and homemade cakes, breakfasts and lunches, all made on site – from jacket potatoes and fresh made sandwiches to salads and quiches, with daily specials available.

Moksha is also fully licensed, and regularly hosts exhibitions by local artists.

Beach Café, Shoreham

LOCATED in Ferry Road on Shoreham Beach, the Beach Café is another unassuming hidden gem in among the central row of shops.

It offers a laid-back environment for all the family, with daily specials, homemade cakes and brownies and free wi-fi – plus a distinctive conversation-starting fish tank coffee table.

Located just across from the footbridge the café is licensed, offering beach-themed booths for large groups to get away from the bustle of the town.

Blackbird Tearooms, Brighton

FRIENDS Matthew Adams and Hannah Nwogu created Blackbird Tea Rooms to reflect the sort of pre-war venue to be found on high streets across England.

Based in Ship Street, the café’s vintage look is accompanied by a wide range of teas, classic cakes, including coffee and walnut and gluten-free orange and almond, and savoury treats available for breakfasts and lunches.

Seating is across two floors with a hidden courtyard garden at the back for the summer.

AND THE WINNER IS... The Argus: Beach Cafe, Shoreham Beach Cafe, Shoreham

When Beach Cafe owner Sean de Feliz turned his back on the circus and returned to Brighton, he cooked tapas at The Prince Albert and did the roasts at the old Belle Vue pub.

But things fell into place when he opened Shoreham’s Beach Cafe, which is now a favourite community cafe and a family business, with his mother, sister, children and nephew all helping out.

Famed for its homemade soups, Irish stews and ring-a-roast, Beach Cafe is a hub for Shoreham and he believes the award is recognition for its friendly atmosphere.

“It is amazing news,” he says.

“People come back because they enjoy the food and the atmosphere – we are chatty and child friendly and people can bring their dogs in.

“It has been a good year since Shoreham footbridge reopened and we are looking forward to 2015 when we will be able to have more tables outside when the road is pedestrianised.”

THE SPONSOR - CWM Roofing

We are members of the Federation of Master Builders and the European Builders Confederation. You can be assured we are regularly inspected by federation officials.

  • Full insurance including the use of heat
  • 24 hour call out in Brighton
  • All roof repairs and renewals in Brighton
  • Small building works undertaken in Brighton
  • Friendly reliable service in Brighton
  • Free estimates and advice in Brighton
  • 15 years experience
  • All work guaranteed

    We are specialists in residential roofing repairs in Brighton. We have the expertise and experience to solve all your roofing problems.

  • Roofing Repairs Brighton
  • Renewal & Replacement Brighton
  • Guttering Installation Brighton
  • UPVC Fascia Boards Brighton
  • Velux windows supplied and fitted in Brighton
  • Chimneys in Brighton
  • Lead Work in Brighton
  • Firewalls in Brighton
  • Flat Roofs in Brighton
  • Roof repairs from £25 Brighton

    Contact us

    Call: 01273 278 266

    www.cwmroofing.co.uk