Cocoa

Ooh la la! This exquisite little café & patisserie brings a touch of Parisian sophistication to an otherwise scruffy stretch leading up to Brighton station. The 'monsieur' responsible for the beautifully crafted macarons, fruit tarts & éclairs that decorate the shop window is patissier extraordinaire Julien Plumart – a handsome, well-mannered Frenchman who trained under Raymond Blanc. His elaborate sweet treats are created fresh each morning for sale in the 1930s-style tearoom, which sports silhouettes of the Parisian skyline. Try the slow-cooked apple tart or indulge in a raspberry & passion fruit délice. Quiche, tartines & baguettes keep those with a savoury tooth happy, & there's a creditable selection of coffees & teas. The slender wine list is restricted to two whites, two reds & a rosé, plus a bone-dry sparkler from the Loire Valley.