Carats Cafe Bar on the beach

Carats Cafe Bar on the beach is a charming and inviting restaurant situated at Basin Rd S, Southwick, right on the shoreline of Brighton. Specializing in British classics with a cozy café-bar ambiance, Carats offers the perfect setting for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and casual dining, all just steps from the sea breeze and sweeping coastal views.

This beloved spot boasts a rich menu of hearty British favorites and comforting café staples that immediately make you feel at home. Their Full English Breakfast is a standout, with options ranging from the indulgent Carat's Colossal Breakfast to lighter, equally satisfying choices like the Vegetarian Breakfast or Scambled Egg on Toast. The charm of biting into a perfectly cooked bacon bap or savoring a cheesy mushroom omelette sets a nurturing tone for the day.

The daily specials bring warmth and variety, with highlights like homemade seasonal soups paired with fresh bread, classic fish and chips with a crisp salad, and traditional Sunday roasts that delight with tender, slow-cooked flavors. Carats also serves up British favorites such as Victoria Sponge and Cup of Tea, alongside comforting jacket potatoes loaded with imaginative fillings like shrimp cocktail or tuna mayo, all made fresh for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Drinks at Carats complement the food beautifully—whether it’s a creamy cappuccino or latte enjoyed with scones, a rich and velvety hot chocolate topped with cream, or a refreshing iced frappé on warmer days. Their thoughtful selection includes teas from Yorkshire, aromatic filter coffee, and enticing milkshakes and smoothies, ideal for pairing with a light bite or a more substantial dish.

What truly sets Carats Cafe Bar apart is its unmatched location and welcoming atmosphere. As Karl Irons fondly recalls, “Great service and a nice breakfast roll. We love being by the sea on a stormy day... right next to the beach.” Whether you’re soaking in a sunny morning or watching stormy clouds roll in, the café’s beachside position offers a serene backdrop to relax and refuel. Customers often highlight the friendly, attentive staff who add to the warm, laid-back vibe, ensuring everyone feels like a regular.

Lexa Richards praises the quick turnaround on table cleaning and the staff’s upbeat energy, while Stuart Green notes the lively DJ sessions that create “funky beach vibes” to accompany your breakfast or coffee. Even long-time visitors like Andy David appreciate the dog- and child-friendly environment that makes Carats a beloved local staple. Though he mentions the need for a little TLC now and then, his overall impression is of a solid menu and a spot that remains true to its all-day breakfast roots.

With a menu that balances traditional and comforting with fresh, homemade touches, Carats Cafe Bar on the beach is ideal for those who seek a genuine British café experience by the sea. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a place where the food nourishes, the atmosphere relaxes, and the coast rejuvenates your soul.