The closest you'll get to a Parisian style cafe in Brighton, The Dorset has occupied the same corner spot in the North Laines for years and it's not about to lose its popularity any time soon.

The Venue
Set on one of the busiest corners in the North Laines, The Dorset is a very popular French-style brasserie with a bar at the front and dining at the back. With its pale exterior and hanging baskets stuffed full of bright splashes of flowers it has a down-to-earth atmosphere.

The bar opens early for coffees, teas and breakfasts and, due to the preponderance of shops, it's one of the best places to people-watch in Brighton throughout the day and well into the evening.

The People
It's always been popular with the student crowd and Brighton's older bohemians. Nowadays, it's even more continental than it used to be with smokers taking up even more space at seats on the pavement terrace.

The Food and Drink
There is only Kronenbourg and Guinness on draught, although there's a wide range of bottled beers and ciders incluing Corona, San Miguel, Budvar, Bulmers and Breton. And, of course, there's a healthy range of French red and white wines to choose from. The food is French-oriented and there are both light and heavier dishes such as a cold meat and cheese platter for £5.25 and moules et frites for £8.95.

The Last Word
A bit of an evergreen, The Dorset's popularity is not set to wane any time soon. A fact well worth drinking to.