Chris' Guide to Brighton's Best Independent Speciality Coffee Shops
Brighton has one of the most exciting speciality coffee scenes in the UK. I've been working in speciality coffee since 2011, first as a barista, then running cafes, roasting coffee, and now operating Freda Coffee and Bond Street Coffee.
This isn't a list of the biggest chains or the most Instagram-famous spots. It's my personal guide to my favourite truly independent coffee shops that have helped shape Brighton's speciality coffee community and continue to make it one of the best places in the country to drink coffee. These are places you'll often bump into the owner working behind the bar still!
Bond Street Coffee
Of course, I'm slightly biased, but Bond Street Coffee has been part of Brighton's speciality coffee scene for over a decade. What started as a small independent coffee shop has evolved into a space focused on great coffee, friendly service and homemade food.
We serve speciality coffee roasted by Freda Coffee (me!), sourced through trusted importers and roasted in Sussex. Whether you're looking for a carefully brewed filter coffee, a silky flat white or simply a relaxed place to spend an hour, Bond Street Coffee remains one of Brighton's longest-running independent speciality coffee shops.
If you're visiting Brighton and want to experience the city's speciality coffee culture, we'd love to welcome you.
Coffee At 33
Coffee At 33 holds a special place in my heart because it's where my speciality coffee journey really began.
Back in 2011, I started working there with Taras and Ame, who were pioneers of Brighton's speciality coffee scene long before speciality coffee became mainstream. They introduced many people, myself included, to the idea that coffee could be something more than a caffeine fix.
Today, Coffee At 33 remains one of the city's most respected independent coffee shops. Their commitment to quality, hospitality and consistently excellent coffee has made them a Brighton institution.
Ikigai Coffee
Located on Queens Road, Ikigai has quietly become one of my favourite places to drink coffee in Brighton.
The team consistently brew some of the most delicious pour-over coffee I've tasted anywhere in the city. Their attention to detail and careful approach to brewing allows the character of each coffee to shine through.
If you're interested in single origin coffee and want to experience just how vibrant and expressive speciality coffee can be, Ikigai is absolutely worth a visit.
Loam
Loam is run by Francesco, who many years ago worked alongside me at Black Rain.
Seeing him build his own coffee business has been brilliant. He's an exceptional barista with a deep understanding of coffee, and Loam reflects that passion in everything they do.
The shop has a calm, welcoming atmosphere and his design of the place is impeccable! He consistently serves some of the best speciality coffee in Brighton. It's the sort of place where you can tell every detail has been considered carefully.
Triple Point Coffee
Triple Point Coffee is owned by Stu, who also spent time working with us at Bond Street before opening his own shop.
What I love about Triple Point is Stu's relentless focus on quality. He makes some truly exceptional espresso and has recently started roasting coffee himself, adding another layer of craftsmanship to the business.
For anyone interested in Brighton's growing independent coffee roasting scene, Triple Point is a fantastic example of how much talent exists within the city.
Casco
Casco occupies a building that means a lot to me personally. It's the space that was once Brewed and later Black Rain before Luciano took it on and created something entirely his own.
Luciano previously managed Bond Street Coffee and has built Casco into one of the most welcoming independent cafes on Lewes Road. While the coffee is excellent, I'd argue the real star is his focaccia, which has developed quite a reputation among locals.
If you're exploring Brighton beyond the city centre, Casco is one of those neighbourhood spots that's well worth seeking out.
Komodo Coffee
Hidden away in Brighton's famous Lanes, Komodo Coffee is my favourite place to disappear for an hour when I need a little peace and quiet.
The shop feels tucked away from the bustle of the city, making it a perfect escape while still being right in the heart of Brighton. Great coffee, friendly people and a relaxed atmosphere make it one of the city's hidden gems.
It's the sort of coffee shop that reminds you why independent cafes are so important.
44 Poets
44 Poets sits slightly outside the city centre, but it's absolutely worth the journey.
Everything they do reflects a genuine passion for speciality coffee, from sourcing and roasting through to brewing and service. The quality of the coffee is consistently outstanding and the team have built something that feels unique within Brighton's coffee scene.
If you're visiting Brighton specifically to explore independent coffee shops, make sure 44 Poets is on your list.
Stoney Point Coffee
Stoney Point is one of those coffee shops that proves you don't need a huge space to make a big impact. Tucked away in a residential part of Brighton, it's a true neighbourhood coffee spot and a perfect example of how speciality coffee can become part of everyday local life.
Primarily a takeaway-focused coffee shop, Stoney Point serves consistently excellent coffee to a loyal community of regulars. It's the kind of place where the staff know their customers by name, and where grabbing a morning flat white feels more like visiting friends than stopping at a cafe.
If you're exploring Brighton beyond the city centre and want to experience a genuine local independent coffee shop, Stoney Point is well worth seeking out. Great coffee, friendly service and a strong sense of community make it a fantastic addition to Brighton's thriving speciality coffee scene.
Why Brighton Is One of the UK's Best Coffee Cities
What makes Brighton special isn't just the quality of the coffee. It's the people behind it.
Many of the cafes on this list are connected through years of friendship, collaboration and a shared love of speciality coffee. Baristas become roasters, managers become cafe owners, and the community continues to grow. I am so proud to have been a part if it for so long!
Whether you're a local resident or visiting the Sussex coast for the weekend, Brighton offers some of the best independent speciality coffee shops you'll find anywhere in the UK.
And if you happen to see me sitting in one of them with a filter coffee in hand, come and say hello.