Monster 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.

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 ) 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 ;-)    [09 Oct 2002 20:00:05]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Avoid the muffins, eat everything else

     ­bladesman, Brighton, Brixton & Belgravia Blades   

I thought I was paying too much for a sandwich, but it was bigger than I realized, and damn good too. So I can recommend their melts to a hungry passerby.    [27 Sep 2004 13:44:52]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: melts

     ­Anonymous   

Cafe unimpressive, quality dwindles.
What a fantastic location! That is the only positive this small cafe has. Over the past months my once favorite morning coffee stop is no longer the deli it had been. The building needs a good cleaning and the food is no longer the same. The tasty sandwiches they had prepared on the premises are now bland and delivered from another kitchen, you can really taste the difference.

The staff are less than helpful, it seems many of the employees have left. The prices are still the same, too much for too little now. Yes, the view is nice but sadly, that's it. Ii do hope it returns as the cafe it once was, neglect has made this into something it formerly was - a convenient place to use the toilet.    [27 Dec 2004 23:10:38]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: none

     ­Anonymous, Brighton   

When I visited it was wonderful but aybe before the down hillness.    [16 May 2006 16:07:27]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: flapjack

     ­ANDREW, NOTTS   

frank-in-stein
Not what it used to be.
Under the previous management, it was much more friendly and customer focussed.
I was visiting this weekend and placed my order but was kept waiting for ages. Then when I enquired about my order the reply was rather abrupt and asked again, after already paying, "whar do you want"?    [23 Apr 2007 16:43:53]

Food: -   Service: -   Ambiance:    Overall: 

     ­pete