Top Instagram-Worthy Cafes in Brighton for Perfect Photos

Brighton, a vibrant seaside city, is not only known for its stunning beach views and quirky culture but also for its thriving café scene. Among the endless options, some cafés stand out not just for their delicious coffee and food but also for the aesthetic charm that makes them Instagram-worthy. From pastel tones to bold and edgy designs, these cafes provide the perfect backdrop for your social media posts. Here’s your ultimate guide to Brighton’s most photogenic Happy Hours cafés.

1. The Rocksalt

Location: Bay Street Brighton

With its minimalist design and rustic charm, The Rocksalt is an Instagrammer’s dream. The café’s neutral tones, wooden furnishings, and perfectly presented baked goods create a serene yet stylish setting for your snaps. Capture their artisanal loaves, flaky pastries, or colourful salads alongside their signature coffees. The natural light streaming through the windows adds an ethereal touch to every shot.

2. Trading Post Coffee Roasters

Location: Ship Street, Brighton

Trading Post Coffee Roasters combines industrial chic with cosy comfort, making it a perfect spot for Instagram photos. The exposed brick walls, sleek furniture, and coffee roaster in the background provide a unique setting. Their latte art is a masterpiece in itself, and their breakfast boards are as visually appealing as they are tasty. Don’t miss the rooftop seating area, which offers beautiful views of the city.

3. Starfish & Coffee

Location: Queen’s Park, Brighton

Starfish & Coffee is a colourful gem near Queen’s Park, boasting vibrant interiors and beautifully presented dishes. Their creative menu features delights like the famous red velvet pancakes and chorizo hash, which look incredible on camera. With its cheerful vibe, quirky artwork, and pops of colour, this café is guaranteed to brighten up your feed.

4. Pelicano Coffee Co.

Location: Sydney Street, Brighton

Nestled in the heart of the North Laine, Pelicano Coffee Co. is a rustic haven for coffee lovers. Their earthy tones, wooden accents, and greenery-filled interiors create a warm and inviting space for photos. The latte art, paired with one of their decadent cakes, makes for a picture-perfect post. The outdoor seating area adds an urban edge to your shots, with colourful Brighton streets as a backdrop.

5. The Set Café

Location: Regency Square, Brighton

The Set Café, located within the Artist Residence Hotel, is a hub of creativity and charm. The café’s interior features eclectic art, cosy furniture, and an industrial yet chic vibe. Their menu offers stunningly plated dishes, perfect for food photography enthusiasts. The nearby Regency Square gardens and sea views make this a prime location for extending your Instagram shoot.

6. The Garden Café

Location: St. Ann’s Well Gardens, Hove

For nature lovers, The Garden Café offers a serene escape with a picturesque setting. Surrounded by lush greenery, this café’s outdoor seating area is perfect for candid shots. Their seasonal menu features beautifully arranged dishes, from vibrant salads to hearty breakfast options. Pair this with the natural light and the garden backdrop, and you’ve got yourself an Instagram goldmine.

7. Bond Street Coffee

Location: Bond Street, Brighton

Bond Street Coffee is known for its sleek and minimalist aesthetic. The café’s clean lines, neutral colours, and focus on high-quality coffee make it a popular spot for Instagrammers. Their pour-over setups and perfectly brewed flat whites are ideal subjects for your photos. The friendly baristas might even help you perfect the shot!

8. Kooks

Location: Gardner Street, Brighton

Kooks is a trendy café in the North Laine that oozes personality. With its bold yellow exterior, funky art pieces, and stylish interiors, this café is brimming with photo opportunities. Their dishes are as vibrant as the décor, featuring colourful smoothie bowls, loaded sandwiches, and indulgent desserts. The laid-back vibe makes it a great spot for a leisurely photo session.

9. The Plant Room

Location: Dukes Lane, Brighton

A haven for plant lovers, The Plant Room lives up to its name with an abundance of greenery adorning its interiors. The earthy tones, combined with modern design elements, create a calming yet photogenic atmosphere. Their vegan-friendly menu features colourful dishes that are as healthy as they are Instagrammable. Don’t miss the matcha lattes, which come in vibrant shades of green.

10. Café Coho

Location: Multiple Locations

Café Coho is a Brighton institution, known for its welcoming vibe and beautiful interiors. The café’s mix of vintage furniture, warm lighting, and quirky details makes it a versatile spot for photos. Their brunch options, like smashed avocado on sourdough or poached eggs, are perfectly plated and begging to be shared on your feed. The cosy corners are ideal for capturing candid moments.

11. Moksha Caffe

Location: York Place, Brighton

Moksha Caffe is a family-run café with a vibrant and creative atmosphere. The mural-covered walls, funky light fixtures, and warm wooden accents make it a standout spot for Instagram photos. Their menu features locally sourced ingredients and includes stunning dishes like pancake stacks and loaded bagels. It’s a must-visit for foodies and photographers alike.

12. Presuming Ed Coffee House

Location: London Road, Brighton

For something a little more offbeat, Presuming Ed Coffee House is the place to go. This quirky café is adorned with eclectic artwork, mismatched furniture, and a retro vibe that screams personality. Their brightly coloured cups and vibrant menu items provide endless photo opportunities. The café’s unique character makes it a favourite among Brighton’s creative crowd.

13. Lost in the Lanes

Location: Nile Street, Brighton

Lost in the Lanes offers a sophisticated yet cosy setting, with its minimalist interiors and soft, muted tones. The natural lighting and clean design make it a dream for Instagrammers. Their menu features elegantly plated dishes, including eggs royale and fluffy pancakes, which look just as good as they taste. The chic ambience is perfect for a quiet, stylish brunch date.

14. Sugardough

Location: Market Street, Brighton

Sugardough is a bakery café with an old-fashioned charm that translates beautifully on camera. Their freshly baked pastries, cakes, and breads are as photogenic as they are delicious. The cosy interiors, complete with vintage crockery and floral details, provide a warm and romantic setting for your Instagram posts.

15. Café Rust

Location: Preston Road, Brighton

Café Rust blends rustic charm with urban cool, creating a unique atmosphere for Instagram-worthy shots. The exposed brick walls, wooden furniture, and hanging plants provide the perfect backdrop for capturing the café’s hearty dishes and artisan coffees. Their courtyard seating is an added bonus for outdoor photography.

Tips for Instagram-Worthy Photos in Brighton Cafes

Lighting is Key: Opt for cafés with ample natural light for the best results.

Angles Matter: Shoot from above for flat lays or at an angle to capture depth and layers.

Focus on Details: Highlight latte art, fresh pastries, or quirky design elements.

Use Props: Incorporate your hand holding a cup or a book in the background for a lifestyle vibe.

Edit Lightly: Use subtle filters to enhance the natural colours without over-editing.

Brighton’s café culture isn’t just about great coffee and food – it’s a feast for the eyes too. These Instagram-worthy spots combine aesthetic interiors, delicious offerings, and a welcoming vibe to create the perfect setting for your next photoshoot. So grab your camera (or phone), head to one of these cafes, and let Brighton’s charm elevate your feed!