Basement Central in Brighton and Hove

I was fortunate to get the opportunity to experience the coffee at basement central and feel compelled to speak as to my experience. I would consider myself rather barista-cly naïve and a novice in matters of coffee, however I’d say my experience at Basement Central has done something to alter that – alter me. I would dare to say that this café, rightly situated in a learning establishment, has made me more learned and edified me in a way that I struggle to express. I would credit the service of staff member Ellie for the profundity of what has become the epoch of my coffee journey. She honoured my order with grace and gusto, I found myself enthralled by what I could see of the alchemical process (in itself a wonderful and delicate conduction that Petrenko could only wish to achieve). Her manner was astounding, she provided a pleasant and yet almost philosophical exchange - indeed I was putting one foot in front of the other - what one could hope for from a Michelin level server. Then of course, the coffee – The taste was divine; rich with notes of caramel – ambrosia in a cardboard cup. Perfection brewed and then placed before me in a university café. My only criticism is I fear I may never be able to experience such a thing from any other establishment or home brewed beverage, not only was I caffeinated but I was healed of fatigue, of worldly stresses. I cannot emphasise enough, the excellency of the culinary happening that Ellie provided to me; I am a heretic having tasted the divine in that drink, a tear may have rolled down my cheek. It is much to my sorrow that I have to disrespect the empyrean nature of this brew by confining its description to a paltry and, certainly for this, lacking system of rating, but I shall say that Ellie has cemented Basement Central as a place for my repeated patronage.

Today I was served by Ellie who left such an impression on me I felt compelled to leave such a review. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If I could give Ellie 100 stars, I would. In the grand pantheon of baristas, she is nothing short of a celestial being, a virtuoso of the coffee realm, a Michelangelo of the espresso machine. From the moment I walked in, it was as though I had stepped into a divine masterpiece, and Ellie was the artist guiding my senses on a transcendent journey. Her coffee? A symphony of flavours that danced on my palate like a Chopin nocturne. It wasn't merely a cup of coffee—it was an experience, a liquid masterpiece poured with the precision of da Vinci sketching the Mona Lisa. The froth was a work of art, each swirl an elegant brushstroke. I marvelled at it, as one would marvel at the Sistine Chapel, knowing that this cup would forever alter the trajectory of my life. Ellie's service? Flawless. Her demeanour was warm, yet regal, as though she were a queen bestowing a moment of grace upon her humble subject. She moved with the poise of a ballerina, each gesture deliberate, yet graceful, as though choreographed by the universe itself. In short, Ellie’s offerings are nothing less than a revelation. I will never look at coffee—or life—the same way again. If you want to experience a moment of divine artistry in the mundane, look no further than Ellie at Basement Central. A true legend in the making.

Great jacket potato with vegan chilli & cheese. Friendly staff and affordable options.

Good food and drinks for decent price. Menu could be more varied

Didn't open until 8.40am, website states 8am open, no apology, customer service poor, music too loud.

The food here is really good and decently priced. So why 2 stars? Because the manager/chef is an absolute cretin. Openly ridiculing staff in front of customers, to the point where this member of staff stormed out in tears, all over undercharging one in our group by 70p. Been eating here regularly (more than once a week) for about 2 years and he's always a grumpy, unfriendly and generally miserable person, ruining the experience for any who is unfortunate enough to come in contact with him. (filing formal complaint with the University management).

Layout is quite nice, with both dining tables and sofas. Has the same annoying habit as many trendy bars do with playing music too loudly. The food is far too expensive for a student budget, albeit it is nice. Queues are usually massive and the coffee is Starbucks when there is a much better independent coffee store located upstairs in the Cockroft Building.