Top : United_Kingdom : England : Brighton_and_Hove : Frank-In-Stein Deli-CafeConvieniently located half-way between the Royal Pavilion and the Pier, at the eastern end of Brightons main shopping drag, this neon lit, converted 1930s toilet block offers coffee and cakes (and sandwiches and a little more) in a 50s North American Diner style setting, playing mostly late 90s music. Thankfully they missed out the 70s ;-)A little on the expensive side, but location, location, location mediates. Watch out on windy days, the spray from the near by historic cast iron dolphin fountain can dampen your spirits if you sit out on the heated patio. The Old Stein
Brighton and Hove
England
United Kingdom
BN1 1GY
Telephone : 01273
Type of cuisine served :- Cafe / Coffee Shop
- Deli / Sandwiches
- Diner
Payment MethodsAll restaurants accept cash; additional methods of payment are :-
Alcohol : no alcohol served. Smoking : permitted. Dress : casual. Parking : pay parking. Accessibility Notes : Cafe is accessible: if wheelchair-bound use only the main counter, to order, and outside seating. Toilets are down spiral stairs so out of .
ReviewsMonster on the Stein The thought of eating in a converted toilet block may be a little off-putting to some people. Don't be one of those people. The thought of eating in a converted toilet block may be a little off-putting to some people. Don't be one of those people. This building lay derelict and unloved for many years near the Brighton icon, the Royal Pavilion. The conversion into a Frankenstein (hence Frank-in-Stein <groan>) themed cafe has removed a particularly irksome eyesore from one of the most visible areas of the City. The art-deco building (probably listed for all I know) is now a neon beacon to the young and reasonably affluent in search of a non-alcoholic drink, a decent snack and a visible place to hang out. Even on the coldest day you'll find Brighton's bright young arty types (or possibly Lichstenstinien English language students) coagulating around the dozen or so cool (and they do get very cool!) tables on the fountain facing patio - thanks to the 'steel palm tree' shaped heaters scattered around. The food is mostly cold, though I have seen the offer of jacket pots and the like, but interesting: plain fillings in garlic and herb foccacia bread - or more interesting fillings in 'doorstep' butties – plus a reasonable range of cakes and pastries. Youngest Daughter recommends the milk-shakes (strawberry or chocolate only) but cannot decide whether to sit inside and frighten the yellow frogs, in the converted gum-ball machine, or outside and chase the seagulls round the fountain! Seating is, apart from the outside tables, split into two areas, one each side of the counter: a semicircular bench with stools and matching tables at one end; high bar stools and matching shelf and table at the other. A visit downstairs to the toilets is a requisite, watch out for 'Frankie' in the prison area on the way back! Staff remind me of four month old puppies – a tendency to trip themselves up whilst trying their very hardest to be helpful and likeable: this is only the very mildest criticism ;-) Food Rating [4/10] Service Rating [8/10] Ambiance Rating [8/10]
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