51-55 Brunswick Street,
East Hove,
Brighton,
BN3 1AU
0872 148 6440
The ViewBrighton Review
Locals attempt to find their inner peace and harness calm at The Sanctuary Cafe where the number one priority is to look after your wellbeing through a variety of good honest produce. They also serve a pretty mean glass of organic wine.The VenueA short ten minute walk from the beach (perfect for all those deep, cleansing breaths, you'll also get a decent workout as you walk up to the cafe thanks to the steep road. Inside the cafe there is a really homely feel which is reflected in the care and attention to detail that goes into all the vegan and vegetarian dishes. Spread across three rooms the rustic tables are sized for several to share and even the walls are a source of conversation thanks to the eclectic mix of art hanging from them. Check out the 'Cella' room downstairs, the scene of many an event including stand up comedy and poetry nights.
The AtmosphereA broad range of people frequent the Sanctuary, treating it as much as a haven as a healthy cafe. Friendly laid back locals and businessmen and women all power suited and booted happily mingle, admiring each other's plates of food.
The FoodThe Sanctuary benefits from having an international team of chefs from corners of the world as diverse as Italy and the Far East who each bring their own unique style and experience to this menus. The focus is on well balanced, seasonal food not forgetting attention to people’s dietary requirements. Try one of the copious salads with fresh grated carrot. The lettuce is crisp and the dressing is light and fresh which sounds simple enough but for an extra touch add their homemade houmus which is delicious with a slight drizzle of olive oil. Other dishes include quiches and pates which are freshly made daily on the premises. The pastry is delightfully soft and smooth and not at all crumbly and flaky. At weekends, freshly caught fish also makes its way onto the menu.
Desserts include a bountiful selection of vegan and vegetarian cakes and brownies. Try either the white chocolate or the more adventurous raspberry brownie which are both soft and have a gooey centre which will melt in your mouth and address the calorie deficit after one of their healthy salads. The banana and coconut cake in particular is highly recommended.
The DrinkThe range of organic juices and smoothies is impressive as is the variety of organic wine and beer. The organic Rioja is particularly well worth trying for its deicious full bodied ripeness.
The Last WordVegans and vegetarians are well catered for and the tranquil atmosphere ensures that after spending a short period of time here you'll leave having found your equilibrium.