After being out of action for years, the historic Reading Room on Brighton’s seafront has finally reopened as a cafe, and it’s fair to say it’s a thing of beauty.
Part of the Black Rock renovation project, the lovingly restored refectory blends the building’s Regency past with an exciting dining experience, gorgeous interiors and vast floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to soak up those stunning sea views.
“We wanted to create a place that not only serves great coffee and cake, but also celebrates the history of the Reading Room,” said owner Karl Jones, who also owns Moshimo.
“Our aim is provide a welcoming base for the community, where locals can come together and connect with each other in an atmosphere steeped in history,” he added.
As well as coffee (from local non-profit roaster Skylark) and excellent cake, they’re serving up pastries (don’t miss the decadent Black Forest danish) and daily-changing lunch dishes (from midday), and have just launched three-course suppers (Thursday – Saturday; 7pm; £45; from 9th January; call 07776 993754 to book).
And with private chef and doyenne of supper clubs Tina Horvath behind the menu, which focuses on fresh seasonal produce to create “heartfelt comfort food”, you know it’s going to be good.
The Grade II-listed building was designed by William Kendall in 1835 for local residents lucky enough to live in the sprawling townhouses on Lewes Crescent so that they had a quiet spot equipped with sea views where they could read and reflect.
Its later less glamorous incarnations saw it used as a toolshed, a committee meeting point, an unofficial homeless shelter, and even somewhere to have an illicit wee.
So after the extensive renovations, it’s a joy to see the building restored to its former glory. And the character-packed interiors are just as gorgeous: sparkling chandeliers, book-laden shelves, artwork by local artists, industrial touches and rustic walls and ceilings create boho-chic vibes worthy of Paris’ left-bank intellectuals.
Also part of the reworking of the Black Rock area, Philip Cundall (of Kemptown’s Portland cafe) is set to open little sister The Temple as a cafe/bar next year – watch this space.
Open daily; 8am – 5pm (and for dinner Thursday to Saturday from 9th January)
Black Rock, Madeira Drive, Brighton
The Reading Room
Photo credits: Xavier Buendia
