Duke's Delicatessen & cafe — Restaurant in Eastbourne

Mid to late August 2024, after an exhilarating but tiring return cycle along the Cuckoo Trail, followed by the traditional fish supper on the pier (don't try if you like good quality fish and chips!), I was then in need of a nice coffee, and maybe dessert! Terminus Road is close by, just off the Prom (promenade to the uninitiated) and is a pleasant (semi-pedestrianised in summer season) street, soon hopefully to be fully pedestrianised year-round, according to the owner. In London, (and more specifically the Royal Borough of Greenwich where I live) I'd have had real trouble finding somewhere open at this hour (around 6-7 pm). But the doors of Dukes were wide open and inviting, and I wondered whether the name made it a place worthy of a 'Duke' to visit! Doggies are welcome- and with a free treat so I see from previous pics! And so possibly Duke is the name of the owner's canine friend (or was?). Cycles, however, were not so welcome ha ha! When you study Marketing, you're told that 'the customer is always right!' But that isn't always the case. Quite rightly the owner said outright, "sorry, but I have a new flooring to protect from such potential risks, which includes large buggies. And so I chained up outside- the bike that is (here's where my Londoner by birth exposes itself, as the owner quickly said "oh no you don't need to lock it up, this isn't London here haha"!) Nevertheless old habits die hard. So, as a venue I was pleased to get a decent coffee so late in the day, and it was a VERY decent coffee-full marks (having had one on the prom that morning which failed the grade). And we have a fair number in the city to compare it to, but this was nice, and I chilled in a comfortable relaxed environment. Seating was plush and very clean for a coffee house as well. I love indies when they chat to locals, and friends and family pop in. That's something again which London is short of. I see the reviews are currently 4.9, which is exceptional on Google, but here is well deserved. I review quite a lot (which the owner had no knowledge of). We chatted casually, whilst she looked out for other customers and kept an eye on a younger family member outside happily playing in the traffic-free street. Shelves were neatly packed with a variety of food and drink. It appears licensed for both on and off premises which is handy. Some decent craft alcoholic bevvies seemed nicely displayed and inviting, and I was sorry to be cycling at this point, or would have enjoyed 1 or 2! Both hot and cold food offerings, judging from previous pics/reviews, seem high quality. But I was too relaxed now to need more than my coffee and a comfy chair! Long may places like this continue in the battle against the large Corporate. It's a special place, give it a go when you're in Eastbourne, which itself has a lot of charm. Keep it up boss, it's hard running a small business but especially so in a holiday resort. Four years in you've kept a high standard up. And you were right... I didn't need the bike...

Dukes Delicatessen is one of those places that feels like a proper local favourite — warm, welcoming, and consistently excellent. I’ve known Laura, the owner, for many years, and if there’s one thing she’s always known how to do, it’s make a seriously good coffee.

There’s a real charm to the place. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a cosy vibe that makes you want to sit and stay a while. The coffee is always spot on — smooth, well-balanced, and clearly made with care. Pair it with one of the fresh cakes or pastries and you’re onto a winner.

The service is exactly what you want from an independent café: genuine, familiar, and full of personality. Whether you’re a regular or just passing by, you’re treated like part of the community.

If you’re in Eastbourne and fancy a proper coffee made by someone who really knows her stuff, Dukes is the...

Had a Coronation Chicken sandwich and a Latte. Both were absolutely perfect and delicious. The portions are excellent too. Service is fantastic and friendly. I was especially impressed with the wide selection of essential available to buy. We hadn't expected it to be so sunny and therefore hadn't put suncream on my very fair daughter. They had both factor 30 and 50 available, such a good idea to have nearby the seafront. We had tried a local convenience store, which...