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"Just the most beautiful atmosphere for poetry. Superb programming. Perfect venue. The ideal poetry evening." Hugo Williams, poet in the audience at Brighton Poetry Festival, 1 December 2011 |
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A couple of years back, the loyal customers (with Facebook page) even took on the mighty Starbucks which had illegally opened a branch on the same street. Supporters of the Redroaster and the many other independents in the area (and community in general) fought a long and interesting (but ultimately unsuccessful) battle against the Seattle chain. Weekly protests and campaigns must have brought Starbucks much more negative publicity than they had bargained for. The Starbucks has picked up some passing trade of course, but doesn't seem to do anywhere near the level of business as the Roaster.
The espresso is always fine and comes as it should, Italian style, with a glass of tap water - not many places do this as standard here. The RR even does its own unique take on English preferences on its coffee menu --‘Inglese' alongside Café au lait and the usual Italian Americano, Macchiato etc. The paninis and cakes are also delicious, and it is worth buying some fresh roasted (single-origin or blend) beans, with a board showing the date of last roast. The baristas will even help you with your Italian class homework if you get stuck! It really is the one to beat in Brighton. " Coffee Ape: Coffee bean blogging, 17 June 2011 |
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| In a slight break from our usual recommendation of places to eat in Brighton and Hove, today we suggest the best place to drink coffee in the city as the Redroaster on St James’s Street. However, while a fine cup of coffee, of which the choice is vast, is the reason to visit Redroaster the cakes on offer are also worth a mention, although be warned, it is not always easy to get a seat at this popular little coffee house, especially at peak times. It is an ideal option for all the anti-Starbucks crowd, of which there are many in and around St James’s Street, but there is no compromise on the quality of your coffee here. Redroaster, which is described as one of the best places to ‘people watch’ in Brighton, is also renowned for its hot chocolate, so if you are not a coffee aficionado you should still check out this gem of a place. News from Brighton 28 September 2010 |
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My favorite and, IMO, the best coffee in Brighton, tasty, smooth and served at the correct temperature (which is not lukewarm when you take your first sip). If you're a local, ask for a loyalty card, because they are well hidden, which will give you freebies. Check out local art work and photography which are displayed on the walls, which are also available to buy, and the CD of the week is normally located next to the counter. You'll also find possibly the most comprehensive selection of Brighton flyers, magazines and posters within the entrance. Rob Nicholls, 7 August 2010 | |
| Another of Will’s favourites was our near neighbours at the Redroaster, who have a vibrant Facebook appreciation group with 183 members, a veritable community of coffee-lovers online. Participants post photos, ask questions of the coffee house’s owners and swap advice on the best product (the Café au Lait is popular). The guys at the Roaster have learned a golden rule of social media – letting go. By that I mean they encourage conversations they do not control about their product, a clear departure from ‘broadcasting’ messages with posters, adverts and press releases. Sure, the odd unfavourable comment crops up – but most people are praise-worthy and the remarks are all the more credible because they come from real customers, not from the owners. Metrodeco teashop 29 April 2010 |
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| Serving the best coffee in Brighton, Redroaster is a fantastic, cosy, comfy place to meet your mates for a cuppa. Located at the bottom of St. James Street in what was the old Post Office, it's in a prime meeting location. The café is a really unique building with enormously high ceilings – so even when it's crowded (which it usually is), it never feels cramped. As a lover of 'people-watching', I also find sitting outside on the pavement in the sunshine, watching the Kemp Town crowds go by immensely enjoyable. As well as the coffee, they do serve food (mostly sandwiches, so no good for my wheat intolerance) and their flapjacks (plain or fruity) are pretty darn good. The absolute BEST thing about Redroaster though is their hot chocolate. It tastes literally like drinking a cup of melted chocolate. I usually eat mine with a tiny teaspoon. Yum. They also host frequent evening poetry readings (which are always packed) and display art by local artists. Definitely an integral 'community' café, I'm not sure my vision of Brighton would be the same without it. Alice Reeves, 3 March 2010 |
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One of my favourite places to sit on lunch breaks with a coffee and people-watch on bustling St James Street. Not too fussed about décor, inside is plain and simple, with off white walls and massive high ceilings, as if someone’s forgotten to finish decorating. Its scruffiness is comforting though, a no-frills café that’s not bothered about appearances. Tables and chairs crammed in, it’s always busy, and has a wide selection of free magazines to while away lunch breaks whilst supping on a cappuccino. The prices are pretty good too, and they do various snacks like toasties, cakes and pastries to munch on. A favourite for many Brightonian coffee lovers who want an unpretentious, honest and good quality place to chill. Tess Langley, 27 February 2010 |
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| "The Brighton Marathon was last week, and I had trouble crossing the street. I considered going to Caffe Nero, but that road was blocked by many (many!) marathon runners. I then wandered around and saw that Redroaster had ample seating. I had a Double Americano and this delicious cheesecake with berries in it (can't quite recall the name). They were both delicious. The only problem this time was the line-up was tremendously long, and it took awhile to get to the front of the line. But this was because of the marathon. On other occasions, the line-up moves along quickly, and you'll be able to enjoy your coffee and cakes in a very pleasant atmosphere." Ronaldo A. Burnaby, Canada, 24 April 2010 |
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| All I can say that the hot chocolate here is AMAZING! No joke, it's how hot chocolate should be made everywhere! I come to Redroaster on a regular basis to go to the legendary evening that is Floetics - a wonderfully creative evening of performances from poets, musicians and story telling, an open mic night filled with Brightonesque charm and talent. Redroaster coffee house lets Floetics hold this evening here once a month and the staff are always very friendly and put on a great service as it gets very busy. This little coffee house is small and welcoming, located at the entrance of Kemp Town's St James Street. There is a seating space to sit outside and is a very popular way absorb the quirky hustle and bustle of Kemp Town during the summer months. Overall, this coffee house is not just about the coffee. It's got such a laid-back and cosmopolitan vibe going on - it pretty much defines Brighton in a nutshell. Helen C, Brighton, 23 April 2010 |
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...Oodles of nice coffee beans, always a good citrus or berry tart and most of the time you can find a seat. Redroaster obviously have it right as it's always packed. The notice board is one of the most useful around, there is often a queue for coffee but the staff are super quick and it goes down fast, they change art on the walls every month or so and its always pretty nice stuff. What else do you need? Oh yeah, the odd event. Redroaster has lots of interesting nights from live music to art presentations, never quite raw enough for me but right up a lot of people's cultural alleyways, it's the kind of stuff where you go yep, that's definitely culture. Sam R, Brighton, 27 February 2010 |
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| Redroaster is an institution in Brighton, and introduced me to fine coffee. The baristas are international and often Australian, the coffee is truly brilliant -- going back to mass chains, the coffee tastes thin and artifical. The coffees are presented beautifully - see here. The scruffy, relaxed ambience and chilled attitude isn't for everyone but personally I like a place where the quality and delivery is good and quick, and where I'm left alone to get on with my business. Definitely part of the real Brighton, in my opinion, and loved by worshippers of coffee and people watching. Will McInnes, 11 October 2009 |
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The Find: This place is one of the best places to get a coffee in Brighton. A plain and simple decor with seating arrangements that are hardly cosy (unless you bag yourself one of the few sofas!). However, who cares about such things when you can experience coffee like this! The staff here certainly know what they're doing when it comes to coffee. With an in-house micro-roastery where they roast all their own beans, you can't go far wrong. Queues can form quickly in this place and when they do, staff can be short and snappy. But if you can handle this style of service then your experience shouldn't be half bad. If coffee isn't your thing then try their hot chocolate, it's divine. Sit outside on the "terrace" and watch Brighton's eccentric world go by... I bet you won't move for hours.... The Cafe Hunter, July 2009 |
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| Brighton is from my perspective, a wicked little place on the coast, with enough independent shops and energy to grant it a double thumbs up! It reminds me a lot of Cape Town, and that reminds me even more of friends, family and the journey! We stumbled upon the Grapevine, super cool place if you’re ever in the area! Found an independent roasting house: Redroaster - Gold in an airtight bag. Jarrad, South Africa, 21 June 2009 |
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