Jellybean Queen

Window display in Fizziwiggs Finest Sweet Emporium, Brighton Lanes.

Time Out

02/06/2010 Time Out Cafe, 3-4 East street, BN1 1HP.

Another breakfast close to the sea, though this time at the Palace Pier end of the promenade.  Time Out is a fully licensed Cafe/Restaurant specialising in English breakfasts. There is space for eating outside but it is too cold and windy for that so we opt for a nice table by the window indoors. East Street is a busy place for shopping and can get quite crowded on Saturday afternoons but there is a nice relaxed feel to this cafe. Inside is softly lit and painted in muted orange and blue, with faded prints and large spider plants lining the walls.

Specials of the day include Fresh Mackerel or Sardines griddled in oil and seasalt and served with fresh veg and potatoes and salad for £6.95 or Broccoli and Stilton soup served with croutons and garlic bread for £3.95.

There are also a range of homemade cakes, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas and other luncheon treats on offer as well as an evening menu that starts at 6pm. We of course stick to breakfast. This time D decides on the Vegetarian, unable to resist the promise of a giant yorkshire pud, and I opt for the 100% Healthy Option, complete with grilled bacon, potato and scrambled eggs.

Both breakfasts come with drinks and toast. The coffee is hot, strong and filtered and service is good. As you can see from the photo’s, breakfast was a treat – and tasted as good as it looked, brimming with lovely home cooked flavours and textures. Extra nooky points awarded for the fantastically presented vegetarian – a cornucopia of goodness nestled in the most yummy giant yorkshire pudding we have ever had the pleasure of eating this far south of the border.

Modern Art

Somewhere in an alley in Preston street.

Pebble Art

Somewhere along the beach in Hove

West Beach Rock Cafe

30/01/2010 West Beach Rock Cafe, 135 Kings Road, BN1 2HX.

The West Beach is a great place for a fry up with a view. This south facing cafe is just one big window that lets in all of the sun but none of the blustery sea air, so you can sit and bask in the sunshine while enjoying views over the West Pier.

Inside is crispy clean and brightly decorated in yellows and reds with various pictures of rock gods adorning the walls. There’s a flat screen telly (channel 4 + 1 with the sound down) for those who prefer soaps to seaside, and the chunky pine tables and chairs are comfy and homely.

To the left is a bar and a games room with more seating, big sofa’s and a pool table. Wi-fi is also available.

Background music is a selection of modern pop (Dido, Kylie, Rhiannon etc) which is a little disappointing as from the name we would have expected something a little more, well, rock. The menu is a mix of lunchtime grills, main courses, salads and snacks, with a range of breakfasts on offer including French (with crepes) and Spanish (potatoes and omelette). There is also the All Day Special for £5.90 with drinks included. I opt for the Veggie and D the Meaty All-Dayer.

Service is very good, despite the place being busy. Tea and coffee arrive first in big white mugs. The coffee is hot and strong so I’m happy – and the tea looked good too. And the food? Well this is our first fry up of 2010 so expectations are high. Luckily the West Beach doesn’t disappoint and breakfast is a treat. Everything tastes fresh and flavourful and is served piping hot. Bacon was crispy and home cooked tasting and D was especially pleased with his three sausages. As for the veggie – what can I say? The omlettes here are the best in Brighton I reckon  – chunky and cheesy with just enough gooiness and none of the stodge.

We like coming here for a nice relaxed breakfast by the sea but the West Beach also functions as a bar, restaurant and private hire venue. To have a look at their menu and check out what else they do, you can visit their web page at – www.westbeachrockcafe.co.uk