As the name might suggest, this café-cum-bar is hidden away between the lanes in one of Brighton’s buzziest areas of the city. Fortunately it’s not actually lost though, in fact it’s very much trackable thanks to its reputation (and Google Maps). This is a chef-led eatery where all ingredients used are both seasonal and from trusted local producers, with a menu that changes weekly. The café itself exudes calmness, with a warm golden glow from low hanging bulbs, and its minimalist decor throughout.
The menu serves as proof that good things come in small packages, with compact breakfast, lunch and dinner menus available, but the focus here is on quality not quantity. Local produce is often merited throughout the menu, such as Sussex honey and Steyning streaky bacon, sourcing produce from within the county. With a choice of sweet and savoury breakfast, you can expect everything from pumpkin and coconut porridge, through to the ‘Butchers’ full English complete with sausage and potato hash. As for lunch, there’s a good balance of vegetarian and meat based products like smoked haddock kiev croquette, squash & sage ‘kofte’ and wild mushroom lentil risotto.
To go with the coffee, there are plenty of milk alternative options, including oat, almond and coconut, catering to every diet. For those looking for something a little stronger, there’s white, red, rose and sparkling wines to ease you into the afternoon, as well as a selection of cocktails. Giving a refreshing twist to some classics like the ‘Smoky Margarita’ with mezcal, tequila, jalapeno liquor, orange liquor, lime and black salt, or the ‘Mediterranean Mary’ with vodka, malbec wine, olive oil, homemade sauce, tomato, tabasco and rosemary. Lost in the Lanes also doubles up as a great party venue which is available to hire out for 60 seating and 100 standing.