Brighton prides itself on being a hotbed of independent thinkers and artistic souls and the Cowley Club Cafe plays host to them all.

The Venue
The Cowley Club Cafe sits at the beginning of London Road, juxtaposed alongside stores like Iceland supermarket and Peacocks. Forming part of the famous Cowley Club social centre, the cafe is only open for limited hours every day to everyone, with the evenings restricted to members only. The slender venue is a mish-mash of different chairs, sofas and tables, bookshelves and a long bar. The array of furniture gives the venue a relaxed and unpretentious vibe, where you while away the hours drinking herbal tea and reading radical books and pamphlets.

The Atmosphere
The Cowley Club Cafe attracts liberal, independent-thinkers, who want a simple meal or drink and conversation. A wide variety of ages, including families, gather at the Cowley Club to meet friends or catch up with some reading. The volunteers who work at the centre are friendly and chatty and laid-back about service. The lack of a hot drinks menu adds to the informal vibe of the venue, but the tea leaves are on display so simply ask the staff members. Customers order at the bar and if you’re after food, it will be brought to your table so you can get stuck into that book without looking up every couple of seconds wondering where your order is.

The Food
However, the food menu is fairly limited. During lunchtimes there is a choice of homemade soup of the day or the dish of the day such as Indian or Thai curry. What’s refreshing about the Cowley Club Cafe is that the small bill reflects the price of the ingredients so new customers will be pleased to discover that they can enjoy a meal and drink for under £5. There are no snacks available, so maybe bring your own biscuits if you want a dunking session with your tea.

The Drink
During cafe hours, there is a huge array of herbal and fruit teas, including Coca tea for those who may have discovered the beverage in South America. Tea is served in a charming battered tea pot, which looks like it is just back from a camping trip. The raspberry tea is well worth trying as it's refreshing and at under £1, a bargain. In the evening – provided you are a member or guest of one – there is a small choice of alcohol available, including cider, ale, lager and wine.

The Last Word
If you want a side order of social conscience with your drink or lunch, expand your mind at the Cowley Club Cafe.