Dune Café

On the corner of Bridge Street and Estuary Road in the heart of South Brighton, you’ll find Dune Café. This is a true community hub: the cafe is mostly frequented by loyal locals and offers a place for neighbours to chat across tables; it is, in fact, also connected to the Bridge Hub, a community centre that offers plenty of activities for the good people of South Brighton.

Surrounded by a sunny courtyard complete with bike parking, dog bowls, a children’s play area and the beach a few blocks down the road, Dune offers a welcome pitstop for families, walkers and bikers alike. You can just about get a glimpse of the dunes out the gate and smell the salt in the air while sipping your caffeine hit of choice. 

Inside, a beachy atmosphere continues. Rattan furniture, boundless indoor plants, vintage couches and local artwork create a space full of personality and comfort. The cafe epitomises what South Brighton is about – relaxed, friendly, casually cool and at the heart of it all is a love of settling by the seaside. 

Everything on the menu and in the cabinet is made by hand right here, except for some of the breads that come from Bellbird Bakery. Expect your common cafe goods, such as scrummy scons, cakes, scrolls, and cookies, plus plenty of hefty savoury goodness to fill a hole in your puku. A brunch menu brims with more goodness, and a specials board offers ever-changing options for lunch.

Dune takes sustainability seriously and offers a good discount for those who bring in their own take-out vessel, be it for coffee or kai. Any leftover food is carried over to the local food bank, the rooftop is clad in solar panels, and even the loos attempt to avoid water wastage. 

Every now and then, Dune hosts events, especially during the summer months. Check the cafe’s socials for current information on any upcoming happenings.