Surprising stuff can happen in everyday life, particularly stuff which challenges our pre-conceived ideas of the world.
One notion, which persisted for years mostly among ageing aunts and uncles, was that somehow restaurants near mainline railway stations were best passed by.
Why this should have ever been a thing is unclear.
Perhaps such outlets were deemed best for a medium sack of chips or a large pouch of kebab at midnight and not for sober citizens in daylight hours.
But Eastbourne is a civilised town where even the seafront shelters are thatched and mock-Tudor so it’s reasonable to assume that the ‘station proximity-ometer’ may not apply here.
Directly opposite the glory of Eastbourne station (above), is Honeybee Donuts.
So, it sells doughnuts (or donuts) you’re thinking. Correct.
However … someone said they had eaten a great brunch there so, ever eager for late morning food intake, I investigated further.
There is an unexpectedly relaxed vibe for a place in the heart of town with taxis, buses and delivery vans creating a non-stop flow of noise outside.
Slow jazz plays and the stripped wood tables line up along a cream banquette.
A striking mural on the back wall depicts a chap pouring coffee next to, you guessed it, a cascade of doughnuts / donuts and a hovering bee.
Presumably the insect is inexorably attracted to the bright colours and sugar. Me too.
A friendly, professional member of staff immediately brought over a large carafe of water, packed with cucumber, mint, orange and lemon. It was temping to think that was four of my five a day sorted.
This is a small touch but it makes a big difference rather than always having to ask for ‘a glass of tap water, please’. So, a big initial tick.
The same chap then quickly rustled up my eggs florentine in the small kitchen behind the counter.
They came, unsurprisingly, on doughnuts rather than the more usual muffin or thick toast.
This was a pretty good version though, despite my trepidation at such an apparent fast-and-loose approach to my usual conception of brunch.
The plain doughnuts were soft and dry with a faint sweetness which went well with the sharpness of the hollandaise, the spinach earthiness and a pile of crunchy vegetable crisps on the side.
Pomegranate seeds added a smattering of colour and texture to brunch proceedings.
My only regret is that, even though the doughnuts were light, they left insufficient stomach room for a shiny pink or yellow version with a face on it.
I even returned another time for coffee and a croissant, leaving few edibles unturned in my quest to write a comprehensive review. Reader, the coffee was a delight – strong and tasting very clearly of coffee, not the bland milkfest which often pretends to be a caffeinated beverage.
So make a beeline (sorry) to this café any time of day – and admire the late-Victorian delights of the station clock tower across the street as you refuel.
Honeybee Donuts, 18-22 Terminus Rd, Eastbourne BN21 3LP
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I eat in here all the time, it’s amazing. As you say, the fruity water is a lovely touch and the food is delicious and inventive. The staff are professional and kind and it’s done out really nicely inside. There is a play area (soft play) downstairs for the yummy mummies too!