Here in beautiful Brighton, we’re fortunate to have a plethora of fantastic independent cafes to explore. Amidst the vibrant energy of the historic Lanes, you’ll find a delightful selection of coffee shops and tea rooms where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
We embarked on a delightful journey through Brighton’s most stylish cafes, ranging from Instagram-famous favourites to hidden gems, and we’ve picked out our top 6 spots. It was quite the mission, but someone had to do it!
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Our top picks for best hot chocolate in Brighton
The Best Hot Chocolate in Brighton
The Flour Pot Bakery
- 40 Sydney Street (with seven locations in total)
- https://www.theflourpot.co.uk/
The Instagram buzz is well-deserved. The Flour Pot Bakery is a true Brighton gem, known for its Friday sell-out doughnuts, elegant marble and copper interiors, and artisan bread. While it’s renowned for its coffee and cakes, don’t overlook its equally impressive hot chocolate. Craving a milky hot chocolate with a dusting of rich cocoa powder? The Flour Pot Bakery has you covered.
Trading Post
- 40 Kensington Garden
- https://www.tradingpostcoffee.co.uk/
If you’re seeking a classic, creamy hot chocolate with no frills, Trading Post is the place for you. Expect a generous mug filled to the brim with sweet and frothy goodness.
Bread & Milk
- 82 Trafalgar Street
- https://www.breadandmilk.co.uk/
The dark horse of the group, Bread & Milk, offers a humble-looking but extraordinary-tasting hot chocolate. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised. It might not win any beauty contests, but it will surely excite your taste buds.
Pelicano
- 28 Sydney Street & 28 Queens Road
- https://www.pelicanocoffee.com/
For those with a sweet tooth, Pelicano’s hot chocolate topped with a flake and served in a rustic glass milk bottle is a classic choice. If you’re lactose intolerant, it’s worth noting that they offer oat milk as an alternative, though it may not be the creamiest option.
Bond Street Coffee
- 114-115, London Rd, Brighton BN1 4JG
- https://www.instagram.com/bondstcoffee/
Known for its exceptional coffee, Bond Street Coffee takes its hot chocolate just as seriously. If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavour without excessive creaminess, this is the spot for you. Expect a robust chocolate taste in a perfectly sized cup.
Black Mocha
- 103 Gloucester Rd, Brighton and Hove
- https://blackmocha.co.uk/
Black Mocha’s hot chocolate is so good that we had to try two! Their signature 40% milk chocolate blended with organic milk and adorned with various toppings is a crowd-pleaser. And for vegans, they offer a delightful 70% dark chocolate alternative. Black Mocha has earned a well-deserved reputation for the best hot chocolate in Brighton, and it won’t disappoint. If you’re feeling indulgent, go all out with honeycomb, marshmallow, and cream toppings!
When you step into these cafes, you’re not just getting a hot chocolate; you’re embarking on a delightful journey into the world of cocoa creativity. It’s an experience that can genuinely rival the enchanting creations of Willy Wonka.
Black Mocha, for instance, doesn’t hold back on crafting a hot chocolate that’s not just a beverage but an artistic masterpiece. Their signature 40% milk chocolate blended with organic milk and topped with a choice of mouthwatering toppings like honeycomb, marshmallow, and cream is an adventure for your taste buds.
The dedication to this cocoa concoction is so impressive that we couldn’t resist trying more than one!
For those with dietary preferences or a penchant for dark chocolate, Black Mocha’s 70% dark chocolate alternative offers a rich and decadent experience that even gained high praise from our team.
Each of these cafes, from the elegance of The Flour Pot Bakery to the simplicity of Trading Post, has its own unique charm. Whether you’re in search of a classic, no-nonsense cup of hot chocolate or an Instagram-worthy cocoa creation, Brighton’s cafes have you covered. So, sip, savour, and let your taste buds take a delightful journey!