In the heart of Brighton’s North Laine, standing snugly amongst vintage shops, bookstores and craft suppliers, lies Bill’s Cafe – my absolute favourite place to get something to eat after a hard morning searching out bargains. Opening daily with their award-winning breakfasts at 8am, Bill’s combines friendly staff and tasty food, making for an experience that I love to repeat again and again.

From the crab, salmon and chilli fishcakes to my personal favourite, halloumi and hummus, the food is fresh, local and delicious, and served with a smile. The restaurant itself is bright and airy; full of wooden tables and chairs, colourful displays of seasonal vegetables and shelf upon shelf of fresh produce. During the warmer months, the front doors are flung wide and the restaurant opens onto the street, leaving the sun to stream right in.

As well as serving mouthwatering food, Bill’s also acts as a produce store, selling almost everything you can think of – from a wide range of jams and chutneys to biscuits, sweets, oils and beer. I can never leave without a jar of the thick cut marmalade, some rhubarb and ginger jam and a bag or two of sweet treats – nothing goes hand in hand with strolling along the beach or wandering around the shops quite like a packet of buttons or bonbons.

Image courtesy of Bill’s