A little way up a narrow old street called St James’s, off the Old
Steine (Brighton’s main thoroughfare) and opposite the Royal Pavilion,
Redroaster, an original and independent coffee house, has been embedded in the heart of
the city for many years.
Single origin
beans from Indonesia, Africa, Central America, India and beyond, are
still small-batch roasted on the original red roaster behind the counter.
Roasting dates and prices are chalked up on a blackboard. Larger
batches of the Brighton cafe's own House blend, certified Organic blend and
Decaffeinated coffee are freshly roasted at their own roastery
in Kemp Town.
Redroaster
coffee beans are delivered wholesale to over 40 local
businesses including the famous Infinity Foods, Terre a Terre, Real
Patisserie and Komedia, as well as hairdressers, language schools, the
University of Sussex students union and local brewery Dark Star, which
uses Redroaster’s coffee for its Espresso Coffee Beer. More than just a
cafe, in the evenings Redroaster transforms into a licensed venue hosting a regular tango-dancing club, poetry and spoken word events, plays and book launches, as well as touring and local
musicians (Kate Nash has played there).
During
the day, pots of Redroaster leaf tea, a
locally famous rich Italian hot chocolate, fresh
juices, smoothies, ‘awesome
cheesecake’ and cakes are on offer, as well as the coffee. There is a freshly prepared light lunch menu of
grilled ciabattas and baguettes filled with everything from free range
Sussex ham to locally smoked salmon, grilled red peppers, homemade
hummus and avocado, Greek and mixed salads with a large range of
cheeses.
The coffee house is airy and spacious with high vaulted
skylights in the ceiling which light the changing exhibitions of artwork
on the walls. There is outside seating for people-watchers and the
front of the cafe opens up in summer. National and local newspapers are
freely available to read.
Skilled volunteers are welcome to play on the piano, donated by a loyal
customer. The cafe is wheelchair-friendly and has a convenient
downstairs toilet especially for the disabled. There is even a vast collection of coffee pots and coffee grinders through the ages if you look up high.
Gabrielle Farah's photographs, Awesome Paradox, will be exhibited in the cafe from 8 January to 5 March. Gabrielle says: ‘I drew inspiration for these images from “The Sublime” period and the artist John Martin. I wanted to convey a sense of simple magnificence which conspires to reflect the awesome power and the beauty of our natural world." ...Read More >
First event of the year at Redroaster for Brighton Dancing's tango club. Beginners welcome. Experienced tango teachers are on hand.
