Kenny’s Rock and Soul Café – Brighton

Let’s revisit Kenny’s Rock and Soul Café in Brighton’s North Laine, because I’ve been back—multiple times—and I’ve got some updates. The first time I went with D, F, and A, we somehow managed to avoid eating entirely, opting to survive on milkshakes alone. Which, looking back, was probably the most ridiculous decision we could’ve made. I mean, the milkshakes were thick enough to sustain us, but by the time we stumbled out, I was 80% sugar and 20% regret. Spoiler alert: that’s not a great ratio.

But, being the sensible adult I am (sometimes), I’ve since returned to Kenny’s, and this time, I actually ate something. And let me tell you, the food is pretty damn great.

The Return: Actual Food Edition

So, the next time I wandered back into Kenny’s, I wasn’t going to repeat the same mistake. No, this time I ordered from their legendary breakfast menu, and honestly? Why did we ever skip this?! The Soulful Meat breakfast is exactly what it sounds like, everything you need to fuel a day of questionable decisions or recover from one. Crispy bacon, proper sausage, hash browns that hit just right, mushrooms, beans, a fried egg, and toast. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, which, let’s be real, was exactly what I needed after a long night pretending I’m still in my twenties.

They’ve got plenty of vegetarian and vegan options too, because this is Brighton, after all, and it wouldn’t be Brighton if you couldn’t order your breakfast without meat and still feel smug about it. But really, it’s the kind of food that makes you feel like you’re cheating on your diet but in a way that your stomach will thank you for.

The Balcony: The Summer Vibe

Now, here’s the pro tip: if you’re lucky enough to go to Kenny’s on a rare sunny day in Brighton, the balcony is an absolute shout. It’s a prime spot to sit back with your coffee or, let’s be real, another milkshake (because we never learn), and watch the world go by. The Laines are bustling, but from that balcony, you can just observe it all from your safe little perch, sipping your drink and feeling far superior to the tourists struggling with their Google Maps below.

It’s peaceful, but with just enough of Brighton’s quirky chaos to remind you where you are. Seagulls might swoop in, hoping to snag a bit of your toast, but that’s just part of the charm. And honestly, if you’ve never fought off a Brighton seagull while listening to Bowie in the background, have you even lived?

Rock ‘n’ Roll Nostalgia with Food on the Side

Kenny’s still has that unbeatable rock and soul vibe—walls covered in the best musical memorabilia, vinyls, concert posters, and all the classic rock icons that make you feel cooler just by association. It’s the kind of place that transports you back to a time when music wasn’t just another thing to scroll past on TikTok. Every time I’m there, it’s like getting lost in a time warp where Hendrix is still shredding, and Blondie’s still the coolest person in the room (and I’m still trying to figure out if I’ve ever been that effortlessly cool).

The music is always on point, everything from Aretha Franklin to Fleetwood Mac, and it just ties the whole experience together. You could be eating a full breakfast or just sipping on a classic chocolate milkshake, but it doesn’t matter, you’re there for the vibe as much as the food. And trust me, that vibe is undefeated.

So, here’s my updated verdict: Kenny’s is a must. Sure, my first trip was all milkshakes and no meals, but I’ve seen the light (and the food). Whether you’re there for a cheeky breakfast, a caffeine fix, or just to hang out on that balcony in the summer, you won’t regret it. Just maybe make sure you don’t skip the food like I did the first time. Your future self will thank you.

Also, let’s be real—the next time I’m there, I’ll probably still order a milkshake, because who am I kidding?

Aaron Mouland

Quit drinking on 23 July 2021 after a two-day bender and swapped bars for border crossings and 12-step meetings. Three sober years, 36 countries, 113 travellers (totally dry), fuelled by street food, jelly babies, and a broken Google Maps app. Wandersober is my journal, my SEO lab, and my mission. Featured in GQ, Mirror, Evening Standard, MarketWatch, and more.

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