Meanwhile in Brighton and Hove

The food is exceptional and the staff are incredibly friendly. I spend hours here drinking the best coffee, eating delicious food, and brainstorming for my thesis. The mood is relaxing and the manager and staff are considerate. Never a disruptive moment. They are also packed in winter. Arrive early if you want to find a seat. Most importantly, everything is clean!

When I read the comments under I felt I need to say the truth. I have been using this cafe for studying over two years. The staffs here are always nice and never ask me to leave. The dishes are delicious and the price of coffee is reasonable. The environment is always clean and tidy. The comments below said bad attitude or time limitation are not true. What I witnessed is a group of people who came to the cafe with their own food and didn’t order any drinks. The staff asked them to leave, so they left negative comments under. If this cafe was truly bad, it wouldn’t have many regulars, especially Brighton has many other options. I come here because of their good service, comfortable environment and the reasonable prices of their food and drinks. I do not understand how some people can masquerade as genuine reviewers and flood an honest business establishment's page with negative comments to sink its ratings.

We didn’t have high expectations for this cafe since we were staying at the adjoining hotel (Mybrighton) as part of a Virgin Experiences voucher for an overnight birthday trip to Brighton. To our surprise, brunch at the cafe was included in our stay. My husband and I are vegan and noticed there were no plant-based options on the menu. We asked if they could modify some of the dishes, like swapping eggs for mushrooms, to make them vegan-friendly. We were pleasantly surprised—the food was so delicious that we even paid our compliments to the chef. The service was excellent as well.

I've been a regular customer who enjoys the coffee and atmosphere here, but recently, I've noticed discriminatory behavior from one of the staff members, an Italian man. He repeatedly asks me to leave after one hour if I don’t place additional orders, even when the café is not busy and there are many empty seats. I usually place other orders when I stay more than an hour, but the way he pushes me to do so is annoying. He watches customers as if they are doing something wrong, and not all customers are subjected to the same rule. One day, he told me using my iPad at the table was not allowed, while others nearby used theirs without issue. When questioned, he mentioned exceptions are made for some people staying in the hotel. It seems if he likes you, you get different treatment. This behavior makes me feel unwelcome and singled out. I will never come again.

My experience is similar to other reviews already posted... I have previously recommended this place to friends. The cafe is often very quiet and in the past has been a lovely place to chill out and chat, so I made the decision to come again to do a bit of work. I sat at the bar area with my laptop where others were also working/studying. Roughly 30mins in, whilst I still had a warm coffee some man came over and said, "if you're not going to buy another drink you'll have to leave"... It was not a busy day, there were plenty of seats, therefore it came across very rude and unwelcoming. After my drink, I quickly packed up and will never be going back or recommending this place again sadly.

Nice space and friendly service, and I was so happy to see they offer bonsoy but sadly they overcooked it and my flat white was an inch of solid foam

I was really enjoying my time at Meanwhile Cafe this morning until I was told to leave after I did not want to order another coffee. We sat at the laptop bar in the window and were asked by a member of staff (who I presume is the manager) if they could get us anything else. After saying no we were told we would have to leave. I had been sitting there for 1 hour and had just finished my drink, which I had been charged more than shown on the menu. I would completely understand being asked to leave if we were taking up space which other customers could have sat at, however, there were many empty tables and seats at the laptop bar. It is unfortunate as I have often walked past Meanwhile and decided not to go in due to it looking quite empty. I enjoyed my visit today but will not be returning after being told I must leave. I hope the owners realise a busy-looking cafe looks much better than an empty one.

A really nice place to sit and study. Sadly I was working with my friends at the laptop bar and after getting 2 pots of tea at the counter and a coffee (which included service charge) we were told to leave after an hour if we weren’t ordering more right now. I still had a mug of tea that I couldn’t finish. This would make sense if it was busy but there was only one other woman and space for about 20/30 more people. I watched the same man tell a couple to leave a few weeks ago for the same reason (and no one came to take their seats because again it was empty). This unwelcoming atmosphere has put us off going or recommending it to anyone else. It also doesn’t make sense to tell people to leave if you’re not busy. We all work in hospitality and have for years, and this is not how to get regular customers. You also shouldn’t be charging service for coffee and tea over the counter. The cafe is often empty and I guess it’s because every person who tries to go there gets told to leave after 45 minutes. The staff who served us were really nice, it was just the man (assuming the manager?) who appears to have an issue with people using laptops at the laptop bar in the cafe.

I have really enjoyed going to Meanwhile in the past however, I wouldn't it to recommend to anyone as of late and I will now actively dissuade anyone from going there. This is unfortunate as the majority of the staff working there are very friendly and do make a good coffee, however, a recent experience means that I unfortunately won't be returning. I was sat at the laptop bar for around 45/50 minutes and was asked to leave if not ordering anything more - at this point I was yet to even finish my teapot that I paid more than indicated on the menu for anyway. I understand that if the space was busy or if I had been there for 2/3 hours and there was nowhere else for other people to sit then this would be completely understandable. However in a 30% full space at the designated laptop bar, because you aren't allowed to sit anywhere else if you want to use your computer, I don't expect to be kicked out after less than an hour. If this is the case, I think that this information should be readily available before actually ordering, as if i had known I would go elsewhere.

Coffee was very expensive and the price on the menu didn't include the service charge, which you had to pay even for a coffee. My friends and I worked there for 50 minutes before they asked us if we wanted anything else - we said no so they told us that we should leave then, even-though there was enough empty space for at least 25 people.

Racist staff. Awful treatment and will never go there again. They also add service charge on coffee, even if you order at the counter.

Food was good. Had a gluten free cake and soya hot chocolate. Orange and cinnamon polenta cake was so tasty. Would recommend it. Didn't find many food places that did soya milk in this location. Service was a bit slow but apart from that all good. Would dine here again.

Homemade granola yoghurt and fruit is fantastic here. As is the avo, egg etc. great atmosphere too

Lovely location, lovely staff, let down by the food. Seasonal strawberries in November with tinned fruit and a tea spoon of ‘homemade granola’ is not the one.

The cleanliness in the place is non-existent and the service is average to bad

My brother pointed this place out as his favourite cafe in Brighton, so we went in for brunch one day while I was visiting and O M G !! The cafe itself is very open and warm and cozy- I wish I took a picture to show you! Their food options were great, and at least 1/2 if not more of the menu was Veggie/Vegan, which was fantastic! I got the shakshuka + egg, a tea w/ soy milk and a banana bread and it was SO GOOD and reasonably priced too! (My picture isn't Instagram worthy, but you can see how good it looks). Shakshuka is my fave food at the minute and the chef absolutely smashed it, and the bread was to die for as well! So soft and fluffy. The banana bread was BANGING and came with chocolate on top. Which was a nice touch? The tea was also the best I've ever had in my life- idk where you guys get it but it must have fairy dust in it or something I swear! You could also get water from the end of the counter- sparkling or still, which was cool, I've never seen that before! They had 2 toilets which were lovely and clean, and had the nicest smelling hand wash and moisturiser ever- big fan. However I warn you when it comes to the cream, be sparse. I used some and I swear I was rubbing that stuff in for 15mins afterwards, could've done my legs with it too, honestly. But it smelt phenomenal so worth it 😂 Staff were lovely and so funny! I noted the area behind the counter was pretty spacious as well, which was nice to see, cause they didn't look too cramped like in other cafes. Sorry I didn't get any of your names, else I'd mention you guys here. Anyway, I'm definitely coming back here next time I'm in Brighton- I can see why it's my brothers favourite cafe here!!! Thank you!

We are staying at the MyHotel. As part of the offer for our stay we get a free coffee and pastry each. We went in to Meanwhile this morning to get our coffee and pastry. Tried to ask a staff member if it was table service and were ignored. Went to counter to be told to take a seat. Sat down to be studiously ignored for ten minutes. Staff cleaned tables around us and even put menus on tables with no one at them while ignoring us completely. After ten minutes we decided we didn’t need a free coffee that much and left to get breakfast at one of the excellent cafes nearby. Avoid!

Just one member of staff killing it all by herself, and still very friendly warm and professional. Pay rise all round

I dunno what they put in the coffee here but it's strictly good vibes x

Fabulous brunch! Stayed at MyHotel so breakfast/brunch was included & what a treat! Interesting & varied sweet & savoury choices. I had the smoked salmon option one morning & the French toast today (minus the ice cream, too early for me!) bother were delicious. Good portion size, presented beautifully. Friendly, efficient staff & relaxing atmosphere. Highly recommend.

Taking a day trip to Brighton as we awaited for a connecting flight from Gatwick Airport meant that when we arrived, we were hungry. Too early for lunch yet too late for breakfast results in a search for a good brunch stop. After a quick google and browse through the menu online, my sister and I made our way to Meanwhile. When we got there it wasn't made clear to us that you could help yourself to a table and so were left standing awkwardly in the middle of the floor for about 5 minutes without any staff attending to us. However, after ordering and our food had arrived, our trepidation was eased. Meanwhile is tranquil, cosy and definitely worth the price you pay for the food you can see being made through the gap in the wall to the kitchen. I had the peach French toast and my sister the egg and chorizo with the muffin. Both were cooked beautifully and satisfied out cravings for a hearty and tasty brunch that felt high end. The staff came across a bit abrupt and we felt they could have been more attentive. Also - bring a coat in winter as if you sit near the door you will often get blasts of cold air! Overall, a nice visit with some lovely food.

Nice iced oat latte, maybe a little on the too small side as was so good. Wishing for a slightly taller cup.

One of my favourite cafes to work in

Very chill and cosy vibe. Friendly service. Tasty pastries and coffee. Crazy fast internet (I worked for 6 hours from there, they even have plugs and an ergonomic table). Would totally recommend for working). They're also very friendly 😁

Great place to sit and chill. Completed my essays here with ease, lovely environment and lovely staff

Horrendous service. Ended up having to leave before even being able to order anything. We had booked, waited 20 minutes not being acknowledged or seated. Asked at the till to sit down and sullen nod. No one came to take drinks or food order. It was when we saw a couple who arrived well after us have drinks delivered that we went to till to order (inspite of it being table service). This now 45 mins after arriving. We asked to order and he ignored us and walked into back bar. We tried another member of staff - she did the same thing. Eventually he came back and very rudely asked what we wanted and acted like I created menu items when ordering the club sandwich listed on their menu... without word he walked off to the kitchen. So we left. We had lovely food, kind speedy service (inspite being much busier than Meanwhile and no more staff) and was far more affordable - at Wolfox Gardner Street round the corner.

Taking a day trip to Brighton as we awaited for a connecting flight from Gatwick Airport meant that when we arrived, we were hungry. Too early for lunch yet too late for breakfast results in a search for a good brunch stop. After a quick google and browse through the menu online, my sister and I made our way to Meanwhile. When we got there it wasn't made clear to us that you could help yourself to a table and so were left standing awkwardly in the middle of the floor for about 5 minutes without any staff attending to us. However, after ordering and our food had arrived, our trepidation was eased. Meanwhile is tranquil, cosy and definitely worth the price you pay for the food you can see being made through the gap in the wall to the kitchen. I had the peach French toast and my sister the egg and chorizo with the muffin. Both were cooked beautifully and satisfied out cravings for a hearty and tasty brunch that felt high end. The staff came across a bit abrupt and we felt they could have been more attentive. Also - bring a coat in winter as if you sit near the door you will often get blasts of cold air! Overall, a nice visit with some lovely food.

Serving seated customers before takeaway customers, even though they ordered long after the takeaway customers Chaos.

Completely forgot to put my order through - no service for an hour and no apology from the miserable manager. Just rubbish

Lackluster croissants and sandwiches. Place advertised freshly squeezed juice, but when I ordered lemonade I got sparkling water with a lemon flavor. Extremly disappointing for the price

My sister and I visited for brunch and were seriously underwhelmed. We were seated and then effectively left to our own devices. No-one approached our table to take our order for over 10 minutes, to the point we queried whether it was table service or if we should get up to order, all whilst multiple members of staff milled behind the bar or ported Tupperware across the cafe. When we eventually did order, we got an apple juice which looked the equivalent of 2 shot glasses of juice, all for the price of £3! We couldn’t believe the juice glasses were the same tiny ones given out for tap water which made the juice extortionately priced. We received pancakes and French toast and it was really underwhelming. The pancakes are far closer to actual cakes, zero fluffiness and genuinely are more like a Victoria sponge. We then received the bill after having to ask for it and this came with a £4.40 service charge on a £33 bill. When the waitress came to take payment, we were not even asked if we were ok with the service charge and in light of the poor service we had received we asked for it to be removed which seemed to be a shock, although I’m not sure how the service we received could have warranted any tip at all. Overall wouldn’t return given the wealth of cafes in Brighton.

Great food and excellent service. Thank you Nathaniel* for looking after me. The menu might have been “reduced” due to staffing issues but the taste and quality certainly was very high! Plus the best hot chocolate I’ve had in a long time. *I got the name off the till receipt, hope it’s the right name!

Great atmosphere with probably the best coffee I have ever had.

Popped in for coffee and cookie after the theatre today. Warm welcome and such a nice atmosphere. Lovely staff. Would definitely recommend. It was nice to have the coffee brought to the table rather than having to wait at the counter like some other coffee shops.

Nice place for coffee. And good coffee as well!

I’ve been to meanwhile countless of times now. One of the best brunch spots in Brighton. They recently launched a dinner menu (which I had twice). Some of my fav dishes: American pancakes with blueberry compote, grilled octopus & confit potatoes (dinner only).

Taking a day trip to Brighton as we awaited for a connecting flight from Gatwick Airport meant that when we arrived, we were hungry. Too early for lunch yet too late for breakfast results in a search for a good brunch stop. After a quick google and browse through the menu online, my sister and I made our way to Meanwhile. When we got there it wasn't made clear to us that you could help yourself to a table and so were left standing awkwardly in the middle of the floor for about 5 minutes without any staff attending to us. However, after ordering and our food had arrived, our trepidation was eased. Meanwhile is tranquil, cosy and definitely worth the price you pay for the food you can see being made through the gap in the wall to the kitchen. I had the peach French toast and my sister the egg and chorizo with the muffin. Both were cooked beautifully and satisfied out cravings for a hearty and tasty brunch that felt high end. The staff came across a bit abrupt and we felt they could have been more attentive. Also - bring a coat in winter as if you sit near the door you will often get blasts of cold air! Overall, a nice visit with some lovely food.

We have been here a couple of times now and it’s a lovely, casual, place where you can enjoy a wonderful coffee or sip some bubble (or both). Service is always friendly, the atmosphere is laid back and informal and the food (although not tried) look and smell delicious.

Always lovely staff with a great coffee and pastry selection. We’ve visited many times for coffee but recently had a delicious sit down breakfast. I had the best French toast of my life!

So we were staying in the hotel and thought we would pop down for breakfast - no one met us or gave eye contact - so we cleared a table for 2 and sat down to peruse the menu - after a good few minutes of being ignored I surmised that it is counter service “sorry sir we cannot take food orders for 15 mins because we are busy but I’ll get you some drinks and I’ll come and get your food orders in a while” ok do you have hot chocolate “no sorry we have run out” ok can you do a hazelnut latte “we have got vanilla syrup” - so I ended up ordering an Earl Grey and a Mint Tea. These arrived in 2 teapots but with no teabags or tea leaves in - just weird tasting mint tea-ish and Earl Grey-ish liquid i.e. pre brewed tea in a teapot??? After 30 mins with no one coming to take my order - I queued up (behind people who were allowed to order food) - I paid up and left I have awarded them 2 stars because as an ordinary middle aged couple we do appreciate that the main purpose of a coffee shop in Brighton is to give young staff the opportunity to be aloof and beautiful and naturally I am very very grateful for merely being allowed to sit in the same room as them. Did the visit help my low self esteem and improve my mental health - no. If you a masochist and being treated as worthless is what you enjoy then I thoroughly recommend this establishment!

Stay in My Brighton, have a great time eating at Meanwhile! We went to Brighton to celebrate my birthday. We stayed at the My Brighton, where we were very well received by a person of our nationality (Portugal), who recommended the hotel's own restaurant, which had opened that week. We accepted the suggestion, and were very impressed. The concept is simple: dishes to share, with acceptable quantities in order to eat several different things. We had octopus, anchovies, chorizo, pumpkin (which was divine) and many other dishes. The staff was super friendly and attentive, which made all the communication easy. Not only is the restaurant nicely decorated, but it's also a great place to hang out with friends and chat. Thank you very much for everything!

We stayed at the My Hotel where Meanwhile is located . Each morning every member of the team in Meanwhile were friendly , efficient,upbeat and present themselves so smartly. The quality of the food is superb,A very special shout out to the chef, her cooking is of the highest standard and so many items she produces from scratch, eg pancakes, beans! All in all ,Meanwhile management should be rightly proud of ALL the team! Will definitely make this a go to venue when in Brighton

Minging, cold & unprofessional It doesn’t seem hard to get the basics right when serving hot drinks, But service slow and unprofessional. Staff haven’t been trained well. Drink was cold & the dude serving my croissant was dangling all his festival wrist tassels all over it. Don’t tell me that is clean after he’s been to the toilet. Basic hygiene would be a good start. I would avoid.

Lovely breakfast. Lots of choice, quick service and tasty food.

Great coffee, great cocktails - from morning to evening they've got you covered it seems! Always friendly staff and a gorgeous, plant-filled, chilled environment.

Really nice coffee! ☕️ Bustling vibe and super friendly staff.

Great coffee very nice staff central location

One of the nicest coffees I've ever had. They use Bonsoy for the non dairy options and it tastes as creamy as old school gold top milk. I'm not even fussed about coffee but this was so delicious I felt compelled to write this review 🏆

Place itself is OK as an establishment.. But if honest regarding the product purchased as dark hot chocolate.. It tasted more like luke warm water with a splash of milk.. Was expecting something more flavoursome as visioned dark chocolate to have more concentration than white.. Glad I didn't order white as it would of been water with milk... Nice decorative space to relax and wind down, just a shame the product wasn't able to be up for standard... Will try elsewhere when next around..

Great coffee excellent food and friendly staff. Highly recommended.

Great coffee. Relaxing ambiance and background music. Very, very nice and friendly staff (at least the 2 ladies who were there at around 8am) this Thursday. I came for breakfast (I'm staying at the hotel in the same building) around 8am. Croissant was fresh. The young lady with blonde hair who served me my coffee and croissant was very pleasant and attentive. She automatically served me a bottle of tap water at my table even without my asking. Then she came back and asked if I wanted butter or jam with my croissant. Such a kind gesture. Laptop-friendly/Smart work friendly cafe. NO, they don't accept AMEX cards

Seems to be totally overlooked, nice and quiet on a Saturday morning with really good breakfast

Nothing special here. Mediocre bitter and overpriced coffee and the ambiance is hardly great, especially on the shady terrace's uncomfortable chairs.

Dreadful coffee after waiting 10 mins had to send first one away as luke warm. Croissants not great either - won’t be returning

Went in for coffee. Ordered at bar and waiter bought it over after quite a wait. It was luke warm. Went back for breakfast. The baked beans had curry powder in and were unpleasant. The rest was alright. At breakfast, menues were out on the tables and waiters were buzzing round but it wasn't clear you had to order from the bar and wait at a table for your food. One man stopped a waitress and asked if she could take his order and she was quite short with him and rude. There are plenty of much better places within a stones throw. Go there instead!

I live in the City and visited the Cafe in The My Brighton Hotel with my son for morning coffee a couple of weeks ago. When the coffee arrived it was tepid so I asked if it could be heated up please. We waited and waited and waited, my son had by now finished his. We asked when it would arrive and I could see the staff behind the counter getting quite flustered. After 20mins of waiting we needed to leave so we asked for a refund which they seemed unable to do wiht lots of whispering going on util after another 7min wait we were given 2 loyalty cards to return for free coffees at a later date. wind forward to this weekend when my son and I are out and about Sunday morning so decide to drop in for our free coffee and a pastry. I orderde my usual, flat white decaf with oat milk and I asked for it to be hot. we orderd 2 pastries and it came to £5.20 so I went to pa with cash only to be told oh no, it's card payment only. I'm sorry but what planet are we on? How many customers do you alienate because of this? If the coffees hadnt been free, I would have just taken my business else where. Suffice to say when the coffe arrived it was luke warm again. We will ot eb returning there are many other palces t have coffee int eh City but this will not be on my list again. Not everyone wnats to pay by card for many reasons and you are aleinatig them. Shame on you.

Had a long black with milk and it was very good. Staff were polite and courteous. The atmosphere was good, although it was quite dark

Excellent brunch- simple food done very well.

When I get a seat it’s lovely place with a smooth coffee and free tap of fizzy water. However, out of 5 times I’ve popped into this place recently I only got a seat once. Sooooo many people sitting with their laptops and some didn’t have any drinks. Not sure what time should I come to get a seat for a drink and a snack. :)

Great coffee shop, lovely drinks and cheerful service.

Really nice atmosphere, would recommend to do Laptop work in there :) Super lovely staff, very friendly

Great place to sit and chill. Completed my essays here with ease, lovely environment and lovely staff

Lovely coffee, great music and fantastic sericvice, Meanwhile is easily the best coffee shop in Brighton. The staff are caring and very welcoming, Laura, Zara and Lily always put the effort in to put a smile on your face :)

very vibe. The music is always good and the lighting is great. All of the staff are friendly and very helpful, the service is great and so is the coffee. Lauren, Zara and Lilly are all the best.

Great café, nice atmosphere, great coffee and kind staff, I walk past many cafés to go to Meanwhile everyday.

My favourite coffee shop in Brighton. I found this gem on my usual caffeine hunt on my work breaks, the staff are so lovely and accommodating and the atmosphere is amiable. I now come in here almost every day to study and get on with...

Meanwhile is a lovely coffee house in central Brighton. The staff are lovely and the service is quick while remaining high quality. I often come and sit with my laptop and work and it always feels like such a lovely environment. Couldn't recommend more.

We went to Meanwhile in February as we were walking the busy streets of Brighton on a weekend. We googled places that would serve wine/ cocktails & coffee (as my mother in law loves coffee and doesn't drink) and luckily found Meanwhile. The place itself...

Not sure about the negative reviews here, but they seem quite picky. I have been coming here since it opened and the coffee has only gotten consistently better. The atmosphere is lovely and open, with very comfy seats and lots of plug sockets (which makes...

I have been to Meanwhile several times since its opening - the coffee has gotten consistently better and the atmosphere is lovely! I always enjoy my time here and look forward to visiting :)

ive enjoyed many coffees from Meanwhile while it’s been open but i am always shocked by the behaviour of one staff member that comes across very rude. the one guy with short hair always comes across very unfriendly and short with me and other customers, even the other staff sometimes. wont speak to me or look at me when i’m conversing. great place but the bitterness has ruined it for me.

Great place for a coffee and cake. Reasonable prices.

I work close by so popped in to get a morning coffee. Staff were stretched which was probably due to short staffing, so it took a long time to get served, also annoying when customers who order after you (also for coffee) get their drink...

A breakfast meeting. Slow service but to be expected post-pandemic. Other customers waiting. When the food arrived, the eggs absolutely stank - to the point you wondered whether the waiter (just about the only person serving) didn't have a sense of smell. So bad! I...

Great place for studying or reading! They have one of the best white hot chocolate

To be honest . Cash is still a legal tender . Till doesn’t accept cash it has to be only by card ? Where’s the signage ? And the very rude staff said : ask the management . Like she didn’t care . Not coming back anymore !

Excellent coffee and really nice food, breakfast, brunch, lunch etc plus a tasty selection of snacks and fresh pastries. Nice vibe and very friendly staff, plus very comfortable seating. They also have some outside seating. Highly recommended.

Very spacious cafe with a chill vibe

Nice environment but the brunch was cold and I was told they would try harder next time, which I doubt. Got a complentary but tepid coffee.

This cafe is really lovely! The layout is fantastic and the staff are really really kind. Food/coffee is great too. One quick suggestion: I've been there a handful of times and the music seems to be way too loud. For such a serene and zen environment, the choice of rock/band music just doesn't align with the space. Perhaps turning the volume down a tad and committing to more to easy listening electro music would suit the place a lot better (Agnes Obel, Bat for Lashes, James Blake, etc etc). All this aside, I love this place and would rate it 10/10 if the music situation improves.

We stopped in here without properly realising it was no longer Small Batch, but really glad we did - lovely coffee and the brunch was great. We had French Toast and pancakes, both great but the pancakes especially were so so good - definitely recommend it.