Q: Holly, please tell us about your café.

HOLLY: Food is our passion and we pride ourselves on serving traditional home-made, hearty food with a modern twist. All our coffee is freshly made, of course, but whose isn’t? Really, it’s all about the food. Our menu offers something for the whole family and can be adapted to suit all dietary requirements – from gluten free breads to gooey vegan donuts to a comfort bacon sarnie – we strive to be absolutely inclusive.

Q: I’m salivating…What inspired you to open your own café?

HOLLY: My boyfriend Josh and I had been managing cafés in London along the river in Richmond for years. My parents have always wanted to open a little venture such as a coffee shop or guest house and we were all keen to leave the bussiness of London for a more stress-free lifestyle. Mine and Josh’s experience in catering meant it felt a natural step to go into business with my parents and set up a Holly’s Kitchen.

Q: Why did you make Dukes Lane your home?

HOLLY: We visited a few different prospects but we just fell in love with Dukes Lane as soon as we walked into the courtyard. Dukes Lane has such a peaceful vibe away from the hustle and bustle of the main town – it felt like home away from home.

Q: What do you love about Brighton?

HOLLY: Brighton is such a vibrant and liberal city – it has everything you need and so much going on every day of the week. We are always seeing bands play in pubs or in summer, there are non-stop festivals  – you could never get bored in Brighton. I also love how friendly and creative the people are; I have so many interesting conversations with my customers about everything, including their tattoos!

Q: In that case…Tell us something interesting about you?

HOLLY: I’m obsessed with animals. We’ve made the café dog (or any pet!) friendly and will provide a water bowl and treats for our furry guests. Our customers love that we make both them and their dog feel really special.

Show Holly and her wonderful team some love and vote for Holly’s Kitchen for this year’s Brighton Restaurant Awards. Head across to www.brightonrestaurantawards.co.uk to vote and be in for a chance of wining £200!

You can find Holly’s Kitchen at 10 Dukes Lane (four-legged friends welcome!)

Follow Holly’s Kitchen on Instagram @hkbrightonoffical