Cafe Rust in Brighton and Hove

It has been a long time since I last visited Hove museum which is where this particular cafe happens to be located; and I have to say, it's just as good as it ever was. Apart from the special exhibition which is currently running (a display of very charming automotive contraptions by various artists) the place hasn't changed a great deal which Is all to the good - why change perfection? What is new, however, is the cafe. This used to be very basic and unremarkable with bland food and coffee, but today I was very pleasantly surprised indeed! When I entered the small but well appointed cafe, I was greeted warmly by a friendly lady and shown to a table. I opted to go to the counter to order my drink but could equally have remained seated. The waitress brought me a menu and a bottle of water and a glass. I ordered a brunch of eggs royale which I didn't have to wait long to receive. The service was very attentive but not overly fussy. When I finished my meal (which was good) I was asked if I would like anything more to which I replied that I was going to look round the museum but I would return afterwards for another coffee and something to take home for my wife. After a very enjoyable hour or so I was back as promised and was very impressed that the chap behind the counter remembered my previous order and asked me if I wanted the same again. I also ordered a pain au chocolate for my wife and was impressed to find it in a bag on the table when I sat down for my drink. All in all, I spent a very satisfying couple of hours and bumped into some very nice people as well. I can safely say, it won't be long before I return.

Disappointing Experience, having been here twice before during the summer and really enjoyed it. I was somewhat disappointed with the experience last week I was promptly seated order was taken quickly. Coffee arrived and was delicious. However the music in the café was at a much higher level than it needed to be , breakfast arrived but it wasn’t as hot as it could’ve been . The bacon although I asked for specifically to be crispy it wasn’t , nobody came over to check and when I asked for the bill I still wasn’t asked. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t tip but like one of your previous customers has said it’s quite intimidating having that screen on the terminal when you would prefer to leave a cash tip. On this occasion I didn’t tip for obvious reasons it’s basic customer service to check to see if your customers are happy. I’m not saying I won’t return but there are plenty of other choices in the area.

I went for breakfast today with my daughter, the food was good but expensive, a there was a very nice young man serving but the older woman working there needs to improve her customer service. We won’t be returning as there is plenty of choice in the area.

Enjoyed a perfect cortado coffee. Lovely outdoor spot on George Street to enjoy the sunshine.Served by Anna who was efficient, polite and made us feel welcome..thank you Anna!

May have been expecting too much as the decor was nice, and the cafe seemed to have a buzz to it but for £9 Welsh rarebit was really disappointing. With so many cafes in the area we wanted an independent but we'll go elsewhere next time. And the "optional tip" on the card reader should be abolished. There was a slightly intimidating feeling to me removing it, which made me feel awkward but I prefer to leave cash when I tip, not put it on a card.

I have been coming to Rust, Hove since it opened. In my opinion, they had the best breakfast in all of Brighton and Hove. It was never the cheapest but the little extra on price was worth it for the quality of food and drink. I appreciate that rents, energy, labour, food etc have risen but on my last visit I was very disappointed that the prices had been hiked up - for food and drink - and the quality had dropped considerably. A Rust breakfast was £15. Served on a couple of slices of sourdough, whereas before there would be a large flat mushroom, perfectly seasoned, this time, half a mushroom appeared. Similarly with the halloumi on the Vegetarian breakfast. If you grill halloumi and it’s too thinly sliced, it just goes hard. The small piece served on this occasion was barely edible. Clearly another cut-back. So, what used to be a really special and quite unique breakfast experience appears to have turned into a mediocre and very expensive outing. Two breakfasts and four coffees cost two of us just shy of £50. The service was impeccable. What a shame the food didn’t match. I’ll not be returning.

Superb breakfast we had the Avocado eggs which were divine! Also had the Cafe Rust which was great. Loved the tomato/baked bean mix. Definitely recommend.

Exceptional service from the moment we walked through the door. Managed expectations, the kitchen had just closed. Sell what you have, wide selection of cakes. Choice of tables inside and out. Table service. Will have to return!

5 stars breakfast, we always pass over there and we gave a chance today and was amazing.. First the AMAZING waitress showed us upstairs and we decided to stay outside cus the sun was shinning 😅 and she was very sweet. Coffe and drink just normal, but food OMG. FULL BREASKFAST simply fantastic, baked beans super tasty, bacon crispy, eggs running, I can't define in words just go and try. I'll come back definitely.

My favourite brunch spot in Hove, great menu options, lovely food, good service. What's not to like

What an amazing place!!! My daughter hired the whole restaurant for the reception after her civil wedding for 25 people. The staff could not have been more accommodating, friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble and the staff were so helpful and attentive. The food was exquisite - the vegetarian option was divine and I’m told the lamb was superb too! The decor was relaxed and intimate. If you are thinking of a small wedding - this is the perfect place - enough space for drinks and speeches at the front of the venue and plenty of room in the seating area - but still having that cosy dinner party vibe. The manager was so helpful and kind- thank you so much!

Best cafe in Hove… Visited yesterday with a friend and as always so impressed with cafe Rust. We sat upstairs and outside on the lovely roof terrace which I always forget they have so that was a lovely surprise. We had a great choice of healthy food and chose the vegan breakfast (I’m not a vegan) but it was full of taste, texture and looked absolutely amazing 🤩 I also had a a fresh lemon and ginger tea - bliss then finished with a chocolate brownie we’d planned to eat at home but it was so delicious (salty and not too sweet) we ate it there and then… The quality of ingredients was amazing and staff were really friendly and very helpful. It was the perfect lunch for us in every way. The only thing I would suggest is that i feel they do not market themselves well; the menu on the door is very small and easily missed ( menu typeface could be larger please! )and there are many specials that I was unaware of until I came in. I think the quality is standout for George St but this isn’t clear when walking past. Its low key stylish presence maybe needs to be less low key! Will be returning soon…

My fav cafe in Hove....visiting often...friendly staff, delicious coffee/cakes.....great terrace upstairs...dog friendly....happy customer 🙏

I had the vegan breakfast here. The cafe was quite cold but the food was nice if quite small for the price you pay. The staff were nice and it has nice decor. I did want to do some letter writing but the signs written on brown paper bags all over the place demanding people only stay for a set time did make me feel like I had to rush. Nice to just pop in though if passing.

After coming to this cafe for years I was extremely taken aback and upset to literally get kicked out of the cafe by whom I can only assume is the very inadequate manager. I regularly go for a coffee and breakfast on a Saturday morning and complete about an hours work on my laptop- which has always been fine after checking with the wait staff for WiFi password etc. I was very rudely and abruptly told I need to finish up and go as he needed the table and I shouldn’t be working there. I confirmed I had several times worked on a Saturday morning over breakfast and it had never been a problem, to be told ‘I don’t care’ he needs the money. I could understand if he came with a nicer attitude and I had been there for a long time but this was totally unreasonable and completely embarrassing. I won’t be returning which is a real shame as the rest of the staff are so lovely, what a pity they have to work with such an insufferable man who wouldn’t know customer service if it slapped him over the head.

Regular breakfast/brunch menu has many options. There are very few for vegans and they all contain garlic. Many places do this and i don't understand it. You'd never make scrambled egg with garlic, so why does it need to be in tofu scramble? Tomatoes, mushrooms, veg sausages...???? I don't want garlic in my breakfast. What does that leave me with - insubstantial avocado and toast? That's not fair if others have so much choice. Am I really alone in this? Waiting staff were unhelpful. The one who took my order told me that tofu scramble contained garlic but that avocado and tomato on toast didn't. When it arrived, it did. I took it back and asked the same staff member what else I could have. I ordered a vegan sausage sandwich. Soon another staff member came out and told me vegan sausage contained garlic and would I like tofu scramble?! She asked me if I were allergic to garlic! I said I just didn't want garlic for breakfast. No member of staff offered to make me anything else. Supermarkets everywhere (inc huge Tesco five minutes' walk away!) have loads of vegan breakfast foods. I'd have had beans on toast even. My husband already had his meal and it was really embarrassing for him. But I was by now very hungry and said I needed to eat somewhere else. I went home and made myself a vegan sausage sandwich. My experience here was unacceptable. Pros: Few vegan options Cons: Most vegan options include garlic

We hired Cafe Rust for a private party, and it was wonderful. The Manager Anna and the 2 bartenders worked flat out all evening to ensure that our guests enjoyed their evening. We had pre-ordered a finger buffet. The food was plentiful and delicious. We were allowed access to the venue early in order to decorate which was helpful and we supplied our own playlist. With the location on George Street, we were also able to have some outdoor tables for those guests that wanted to smoke or a bit quieter atmosphere. I would certainly use the venue again. Highly recommend.

What has happened to Cafe Rust ? I’ve just had the salad for £11 and certainly not worth the money and so small . Better value elsewhere . Staff friendly as always !!!!

Really tasty brunch. We had a mix of vegan and vegetarian food and all four of us were impressed. Efficient service and a nice atmosphere despite being busy over the Easter weekend.

unfortunately didn't get a chance to sample the food as was left sitting waiting for a menu for 20mins, we asked the same waitress 3 times for a menu! ended up having to leave to eat elsewhere! After reading the other reviews i can safely say we won't be returning :(

The relaxed and friendly atmosphere is due to the incredibly wonderful staff. Love to visit and am now a regular. Highly recommend food as beautifully cooked and presented, staff all wonderful, and never feel pressured and always made to feel at ease.

Definitely one of my favourite spots in all of Brighton, the staff are super friendly and helpful. There’s a wide variety of delicious food, cakes and drinks. They have a lot of gluten free and vegan/vegetarian options too. Can’t recommend it enough!

this is our favourite cafe; incredible food (the rustic vegan is so delicious), lovely atmosphere and surroundings, but for me the staff make the cafe. friendly, chatty, and remember you! couldn’t ask for a better experience.

We clearly should have read the reviews in advance. The service in this cafe is absolutely awful. Having reserved a table we waited over 30 minutes this morning to then watch the waitress take orders from customers who had just walked in off the street....

Please don’t listen bad reviews. This cafe is absolutely amazing! I had a lunch with my family today and customer service was super quick as they have ben very busy. We had a wonderful waitress and she had a dark hair I think her name...

Waited half an hour at a table without an order being taken or, at the very least, drinks order being taken. The table behind, who arrived immediately before we left (who were clearly friends of the waitress) had menu's given to them, told what they...

Everything is made from scratch,the food is freshly prepared. The staff is working hard under difficult time due to reopening with covid19 extra procedures and didn't expect to be so busy,introducing table service in a place that makes cafe takings so can't afford too many...

Great food, great service. Sat outside on the terrace upstairs on a beautiful sunny day and was delightful

Excellent coffee and lovely cake, friendly staff and nice, light interior. A million times better than the major chain coffee places on the street. Only drawback is they don’t take cards but there’s a cash point just outside.

Visited Sat lunchtime and cafe was busy. Good range of food. Veggie breakfast was delicious but a little over priced, would be better value on 2 slices of bread. Service friendly. Would visit again.

While in Hove for a few weeks during January, I ate lunch several times at this cosy cafe. It was Veganary month in the Uk and they had several vegan offering which I enjoyed very much. Their cauliflower croquettes with spicy chutney was delicious. Definitely...

Looks modern and clean but the food was expensive and overcooked, I could not pick bacon up with fork as it shattered over plate, poached eggs were hard, spinach tasted oily, I asked for toast to come separately but came with breakfast piled on top,...

Relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and a very nice and casual roof terrace to go with friends or solo. It's a small cafe but doesn't feel overcrowded. Some people working on their computers, feels very homely.

Nice inside and bigger than it looks from the outside! Upstairs is another seating area with a nice outside area as well. Food was great. Would recommend for breakfast or a hot drink/slice of cake. Dog friendly.

Great setting and an ever improving menu of snacks, meals and drinks. Now becoming my favourite place to grab a delicious sandwich or filled croissant on George Street while competitors reduce their menus , Cafe Rust keeps pushing forward, no wonder always appear busy. Great...

Brighton and Hove isn't exactly bereft of places to get good veggie and vegan food, but walking through George Street, we came upon Café Rust. At the time we visited Café Rust, I was unaware that it is one of three such Cafes in the...