Cafe Rust Hove — Restaurant in England

I recently visited a local cafe on a weekday and had an experience that left me with mixed feelings. The cafe is popular among families, and this was immediately evident upon my arrival. I initially planned to sit upstairs, but the staircase was crowded with children whose parents didn't seem concerned about clearing the path. While this isn’t the cafe’s fault, it did make accessing the seating area a bit challenging.

Once I made it upstairs, I found a cozy spot in the inside area, which features a couple of comfortable corner sofas. These were a nice touch, providing a relaxed atmosphere. I ordered a latte and the ‘eggs your way served on sourdough toast’ with an added sausage. Unfortunately, the food didn’t quite meet my expectations. The meal was rather ordinary, and I was surprised to see only one small slice of sourdough toast. Given that my meal, including the drink, came to just under £15, I expected a bit more in terms of portion size and quality.

However, the most concerning part of my visit was when a lady, part of a family seated downstairs, came upstairs to use the restroom with her toddler. After discovering there were no changing tables, she decided to change her child’s soiled nappy on the sofa right next to me—while I was eating! I was too shocked to say anything at the time, but this was far from hygienic and really disrupted my meal. While I understand that this was the mother's decision and not directly the cafe’s fault, it is worrying that there were no proper changing facilities available, especially considering that the cafe seems to cater heavily to families.

In summary, while the cafe has potential with its cozy seating and family-friendly vibe, there are some issues that need to be addressed. The food was underwhelming, and the lack of changing facilities is a significant oversight, particularly in a place frequented by families with young children. I hope the management will consider these points to improve the overall experience for...

After coming to this cafe for years I was extremely taken aback and upset to literally get kicked out of the cafe by whom I can only assume is the very inadequate manager. I regularly go for a coffee and breakfast on a Saturday morning and complete about an hours work on my laptop- which has always been fine after checking with the wait staff for WiFi password etc. After about 45 mins I was very rudely and abruptly told I need to finish up and go as he needed the table and I shouldn’t be working there. I confirmed I had several times worked on a Saturday morning over breakfast and it had never been a problem, to be told ‘I don’t care’ he needs the money. I could understand if he came with a nicer attitude and I had been there for a long time but this was totally unreasonable and it felt completely embarrassing. I won’t be returning which is a real shame as the rest of the staff are so lovely, what a pity they have to work with such an insufferable man who wouldn’t know customer service if it slapped him...

Have been here several times as it offers great food and a lovely outside terrace upstairs so is a great place for lunch. Food is amazing especially for the plant eaters amongst us. Sadly the service has deteriorated to the point where I don't think we will come here any more. On our last visit a week ago the staff were clueless - didn't know which tables ordered which food so had to wander around asking every table. Our food came upstairs then downstairs then back upstairs before they finally asked us if it was what we ordered by which time the food was cold. Not once did they apologise or ask how our food was. When I went downstairs to pay the ground floor was empty - so they can't say they were too busy ! Plenty of other cafes and restaurants around to try so we shall probably try Oeuf in Third Avenue next time... Shame as Rust was our "go to" place for...