At the bustling intersection of North Road and the iconic, if somewhat squished, Kensington Gardens, sits one of the latest incarnations of the ever-expanding local chain Trading Post Coffee Roasters. They are renowned across the city for their rich, velvety brews, but does their brunch menu stack up in similar fashion? Knife and fork firmly in hand, we took it upon ourselves to investigate further…
When we arrive around 11am the Sunday morning faithful are already in full brunch flow, the gentle hubbub of coffee-fuelled conversation filling the ground floor and spilling onto the pavement tables outside. Heading up to the first floor, we find a warm brick and wood beam interior that strikes the right chord of cosiness against the wintry chill outside. There’s just enough table space on offer to allow a steady, constant trickle of diner rotation.
Although their ‘brunch’ list technically consists of only seven items, everything else is available at the same time: organic egg dishes, pancakes, traditional breakfast plates, light bites, salad bowls and enough ‘extras’ on the side to sink a battleship. Catering for the vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free crowds (this is Brighton after all), the menu really does have something for everyone. Teetering towers of maple syrup and bacon pancakes rustle up against slightly healthier versions (yoghurt & berry and hazelnut & raspberry) for those still in calorie denial. For ‘light bites’ try banana bread topped with sinfully delicious espresso-infused peanut butter (hello Wide Awake Club), or toasted homemade granola sprinkled liberally over coconut or Greek yoghurt, spooned with yet more maple syrup. Full breakfasts float past our table with all manner of breakfast meats and grilled fare, pea shoots dancing on top to give it that necessary ‘brunch’ flair.
After running our way through the extensive list, my partner and I plump for eggs Benedict and avo and egg smash respectively. Within minutes of ordering, our accompanying hits of caffeine are duly delivered by our friendly waiter. Rich, thick, and velvety oat milk latte and flat whites are deposited in delightfully chunky cups, large enough to cup with both hands for a TV-worthy inhalation of pure pleasure.
Our food arrives ten minutes later, which is not too shabby considering how rammed the place is. The avo and egg smash is utterly delightful. Smashed, almost whipped avocado is slathered generously over a toasted length of light and springy sourdough. The creamy feta is a delicious contrast to the fiery slivers of ruby red chilli, popping on the front and back of the tongue, accentuated by the sticky sweet balsamic glaze that hula hoops the plate. The poached egg, its centre orange and oozing, is just the right consistency to drip decadently over the entire proceeding.
On the other side of the table the eggs Benedict is receiving a similarly welcome reception. My poached egg was no one-off; its twin is a clone of ovular glory as the sunshine yolk drools across the almost seaweed green of wilted spinach and the pale pink of succulent ham. The muffins are pillowy soft, the entire dish draped in a blanket of smooth and creamy hollandaise, and I’m amazed my brunch-mate doesn’t end face down in the creation. Next to the eggs Benedict, from an ‘extras’ list that is as extensive as it is mouth-watering, is a curled Cumberland sausage, pierced through with a short wooden skewer, a meat lover’s lollipop if you will. It’s sticky, herby and steaming hot, and we found just enough space in our stomachs to share it between us.
Trading Post is reasonably priced for what you get. It’s £3.40 for sourdough or gluten-free toast, £4.95 for the banana bread and £12.50 for the full breakfast (which also comes with vegan and vegetarian options). They’ve really hit the brunch nail on the head here. Dive on in, Brighton brunchers, dive on in!
SERVICE: ⭐⭐⭐
MENU: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
FOOD & DRINK: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
BUDGET: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ATMOSPHERE: ⭐⭐⭐
OVERALL SCORE: 18/25
Trading Post Coffee Roasters, 40 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL
www.tradingpostcoffee.co.uk
