Portslade Station Cafe -- near the Channel seaside at Hove

Up at 5:00 am and out the door at 5:30 heading south to the English Channel. Around the edge of London on the M25, then south toward Brighton.  We're heading to Hove, just west of Brighton where Happy Husband's favourite plastic model shop is closing down -- hoping for some sales.  We've enjoyed Linda's Cafe on the waterfront before, but today we search out a new watering hole.

We discover the Station Cafe at Portslade Station, having opened at 7:00, five minutes before our arrival.  It's light and warm inside on this brisk winter morning.  A couple pensioners are already enjoying their mugs of hot tea.  By 7:30 every table is taken. 

We split the Number 7 Full Breakfast -- two of everything and beans for Happy Husband.  The Christmas decor enhances the old photos of Portslade hanging on the wall. A classic am radio carries music from the 1980's into the dining room.  The husband and wife team have been cooking breakfasts here for 10 years.

Sated, we head out.  The Portslade Railway Station sits across the street.  As I take a photo, a work crew in a fluorescent lorry query what I could possibly find of interest to take pictures of.  So I take their photo, too.

We enjoy numerous charity shops and, naturally, the sea.  We find several re-gift items for Christmas -- treasures of Merino wool and a year's worth of Sudokus  (don't tell Happy Husband until after Christmas!)

Another wonderful Breakfast in Britain.

Breakfast by the seaside in Hove

Up in the early morning light, we head to Hove on the Channel.  The 90 minute trip (by car) is quiet, as the commuters are still asleep. 

We beeline for Linda's Cafe on Kingsway, across from the working harbour, which we enjoyed once before a couple years ago. We remember, hopefully, that she opens early. 

Sure enough, the sign announces a 6:00 am opening time.  We appreciate the endless free parking along Kingsway, dash through the damp cold, and enjoy the toasty welcoming warmth of Linda's Cafe.  Two mugs of hot brewed tea soon warm our hands and palettes. We're welcomed by Linda and her daughter, Katie:  Linda cooks and Katie serves, at least this morning that's the arrangement.  With a broad smile, Linda proudly exclaims that she's been in business 22 1/2 years. 

Happy Husband orders the "Jack Size Breakfast," as opposed to the King Size and the Queen Size.  I stick to my two soft fried eggs on toast.  All delicious!

The atmosphere is homey and friendly with most clientèle being called by name.  And the place is CLEAN!  Super clean!  We peak in the kitchen, and it literally shines.  Linda proudly explains that she's received 5-stars from the "Food Hygiene Rating" board every year since she opened.  We can see why.  Even the back garden, where the loo is located, is loved and cared for.  Impressive.

The walls are free of artwork and clutter except for a cutlery clock -- remember those from the we'll-make-anything-from-anything craft era? 

After a meal, and a couple crossword puzzles, we walk into Hove.  Offering a model shop, numerous charity shops along a pedestrian street,and a long seaside promenade, Hove remains one of our favourite day-out destinations.  

On our way back to the car at the end of the day, we stop at the FISH shop and buy some seafood to enjoy back in the city. 

A great day in Hove, and we plan to come back!