St James’s Street, east of the Steine
St James’s Street climbs gently east from Old Steine, the bus hub. Small independent shops, cafés and bars line both pavements, and this is the strip where central Brighton turns into Kemptown. MEO sits at number 39. It’s a brunch restaurant with a strong rating that hasn’t yet picked up the crowds the seafront cafés get.
The street is the spine of Kemptown, Brighton’s long-established LGBTQ+ quarter. Locals come here to eat, drink and shop, and the cafés feel less built for tourists than the ones around the Lanes. The menu is mid-range for Brighton. It’s a comfortable sit-down brunch, not a bargain.
Getting to number 39
From Brighton station it’s about a 25-minute walk downhill. Go down Queen’s Road and West Street to the seafront, then head east. You can also walk through North Laine to the Royal Pavilion, then cross Old Steine.
- From the Palace Pier: cross the seafront road and walk up St James’s Street for about five minutes.
- By bus: ride to any Old Steine stop, then walk east.
- Driving: street parking in Kemptown is tight and mostly pay-and-display, so the Pier-area car parks are easier.
Booking and paying on St James’s Street
You’ll find a table more easily on a weekday morning. On Saturday and Sunday the whole city goes out for brunch, so a weekend late morning is when you’re most likely to wait. The doors open at 8:30am every day, and arriving at opening is the simplest way to sit straight down. If your group is bigger than four, ask ahead.
Payment in Brighton is card and contactless almost everywhere, phone wallets included. Before you tip, check the bill for a discretionary service charge. If none is added, 10 to 12.5 percent is the usual UK tip for table service. Ask when you sit down whether they take your order at the table or at the counter, because Brighton brunch places do it both ways.
Prices aren’t printed here. Check the menu itself, in the window or at the counter, for current prices.
Fitting it into a Kemptown day
Hours change through the week, so plan around them:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 8:30am to 4pm, so it’s breakfast and lunch only.
- Thursday to Saturday: 8:30am to 9pm, which makes it an early dinner option too.
Plan on about an hour for brunch. After that, a few things sit within walking distance:
- Royal Pavilion: about 10 minutes west. Book a slot after brunch so you see the Regency interiors without rushing.
- Brighton Palace Pier: about five minutes south.
- Madeira Drive and Volk’s Electric Railway: just below Kemptown. In season the railway runs along the shingle towards Black Rock.
- Kemptown’s Regency squares: Sussex Square and Lewes Crescent are further east, with the white stucco terraces the area is known for.
On Thursday to Saturday you can do it the other way round. Spend the afternoon on the beach and come back up St James’s Street for an evening table before the 9pm close.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is MEO Brighton?
39 St James's St, Kemptown, BN2 1RG. It's about a five-minute walk east of the Palace Pier and Old Steine, and about 25 minutes on foot from Brighton station.
Is MEO Brighton open in the evening?
Only Thursday to Saturday, when it stays open until 9pm. Sunday to Wednesday it closes at 4pm. It opens at 8:30am every day.
Do I need to book for brunch?
On weekdays you can usually walk in. Weekend late mornings are the busiest time for brunch across Brighton, so arrive near the 8:30am opening or ask ahead if your group is large.
How long should I allow?
About an hour for brunch. The Palace Pier is about five minutes away and the Royal Pavilion about 10, so it's easy to fit into a half-day in Kemptown.
How do I pay and tip?
Card and contactless are standard in Brighton. Check the bill for a service charge. If none is added, 10 to 12.5 percent is the usual UK tip for table service. Current prices are on the menu.
Plan your trip to Brighton
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