Run by its founder Isabela, the interior blends muted shades with warm orange tones from its copper table tops. Quotes from Rudyard Kipling's popular poem If, trail across the walls and the kitchen has been left open to the dining area, making it easy to strike up a conversation about the food on offer.
Outside a couple of tables and chairs on the pedestrianised Nile Street, have been placed just opposite the equally Instagrammable Quince florists. On the wall to the left of the counter hangs a list of hot drinks and includes one, curiously named Unicorn Latte.
I had arrived at brunchtime to meet the cafe's owner Isabela and I naturally ordered the unknown Unicorn Latte without hesitation.
In addition to this, I was also offered avocado on sourdough toast. Chef Claire Drabble, who trained at a Michelin restaurant in London explained that she is passionate about foods that are good for us, including fermented foods, macrobiotics and probiotics.
My vegan plate of smashed avocado and tomato concasse on sourdough toast arrived, topped with breakfast radish, toasted seeds and, in tune with what Claire had been saying, included was a small bowl of pickled carrots. Gut health is certainly gaining a lot of attention. Linked by the enteric system, our gut talks directly to our brain, and it not only affects our appetite but has also been linked to affecting our moods.
To the side of the pickled carrot was half a lime covered in poppy seeds, which as I squeezed released the juice and seeds evenly over my avocado. A simple idea and really effective. Every aspect of this plate of avocado tasted delicious, including the sourdough toast which had been drizzled with an organic olive oil direct from Greece. I'd highly recommend this dish.
Once I had enjoyed this plateful I was also given another dish to try. Next was a ridiculously pretty and petite bowl crammed with goodness. Originating from Brazil the acai bowl is a smoothie topped with homemade granola made with apple extract and nuts, plus an edible flower, frozen fruit and bee pollen that you eat with a spoon, rather than drink. It looked so pretty I could have looked at it all day.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen three big bowls of colourful salad were nearing completion and Isabela told me of her plans to start stocking Jarr Kombucha a Japanese raw fermented tea that is gaining in popularity.
As I continued to chomp my way through these delicacies Isabela shared a little of the ethos behind Lost in the Lanes. Isabela wants to create a haven for everyone. A place that offers succour to those that need it and for everyone to feel welcomed. It's a lovely idea echoed by the rousing sentiments of Kipling's poem.
This is truly a lovely central spot worth discovering and while you're there maybe you'll be tempted by the Unicorn Latte too.
With thanks to Lost in the Lanes for the complimentary meal, opinions 100% my own.
Lost in the Lanes, 3 Nile Street, Brighton, BN1 1HW
Happy Brunching
Sarah xx
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Sarah Agnew
Blogger, Modern Bric a Brac
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