The Old Rec Café

Hove Recreation Ground, Shirley Dr BN3 6FU, United Kingdom
$$$ Cafe
(40 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Old Rec Café, a delightful gem tucked away in the scenic Hove Recreation Ground, perfectly positioned for both locals and visitors seeking a cozy retreat with an inviting atmosphere. If you’re looking for a café that embraces the essence of community spirit while serving up exceptional coffee and baked goods, this charming spot is a must-visit.

As you enter The Old Rec Café, you’re welcomed by the warm smile of Leah, the owner whose commitment to her craft is evident in every aspect of the café. The café boasts a friendly and relaxed vibe where patrons often comment on how it feels like a second home—“Arrive as a stranger, leave as a friend,” as one delighted customer put it. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, you can sip your favorite drink while enjoying the lovely surroundings of the park, making it an ideal place to unwind after a brisk walk or a day out with family and friends.

Stephanie Butcher, a regular customer, raves about the “outstanding service” and the “delicious coffee and tasty treats.” One treat you absolutely can’t miss is the famed rocky road; customers have claimed it's the best they’ve ever tasted. In addition to this crowd-pleaser, you’ll find other homemade options and generous sandwiches that reflect Leah’s passion for quality and customer satisfaction.

Coffee lovers will be thrilled to hear that The Old Rec Café serves a splendid array of brews, including expertly crafted iced coffees that are perfect for those warm afternoons in the park. With every sip, you’ll experience the distinct flavors that come from Leah's careful selection of quality beans, beautifully complemented by the harmonious environment around you.

The café is also notably dog and family-friendly, making it an exceptional spot for Sunday outings with your little ones or a leisurely afternoon with your furry friends. Leah’s engaging and bubbly personality ensures that everyone feels welcomed and appreciated, reaffirming why this local establishment is cherished by the community.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning patron, The Old Rec Café is not just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s an experience filled with friendliness, community connection, and great taste. So why not take the time to explore this hidden treasure in Hove? With wonderful coffee, homemade goodness, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a place where memories are made, and friendships are nurtured. A visit here is sure to be a highlight of your day!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

40 Reviews
Rebecca Butcher

15 Sep 2025

I have been in Hove for a few years now, and I have never stumbled across such a lovely gem of a cafe as this! Leah is thoughtful and kind and provides outstanding service, delicious coffee and tasty treats. Best of all, this is a local community run cafe. Rocky road is the best I've tasted.

J m

05 Sep 2025

Had a delicious iced coffee here today, couldn’t have asked for more from my visit. Good coffee, beautiful weather & amazing service

PV123 -g

26 Aug 2025

Great cafe tucked away in corner of park. Owner friendly and bakes great cakes. Well worth supporting small local business's like this rather than going to boring large corporate chains that have no individual character. Handy for walking the dog or exercising the kids in the park.

Paul Cotton

23 Aug 2025

I take my children to Hove rec every Sunday. Whilst my son is busy playing rugby I treat my daughter to the most amazing hot chocolate and a rocky road. Leah is really friendly, bubbly and makes us feel very welcome

Holly Whyte

15 Aug 2025

Amazing cafe. Wonderful and welcoming owner, makes you feel like you're her best friend. Homemade food, lovely coffee, reasonably priced, dog and family friendly. 100% recommend a visit, much nicer than the Hove Park one!

Alison Dean

10 Aug 2025

Compact cafe in the southeast corner of Hove Recreation Ground. Hatch service, with some seating under cover and also outside tables and chairs. Generous sandwiches and good coffee. Friendly and helpful staff.

Helga Starup Williams

22 Jun 2025

This place is a little gem. Real people real food and amazing coffee. The lady working here takes so much time to talk to the customers, and that’s also why people keep coming back. We call it the fairy-caf and have been coming for years . We love an independent business and we love this place Leah your an important lady to this area you make people smile every day.

Jo Thornhill

02 Jun 2025

A total haven for great coffee and a friendly chat. Someone else has already compared this place to Cheers and that’s exactly how I feel about it. Arrive as a stranger, leave as a friend. Thanks Leah, you’ve created something really special!

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