Few brunch spots in Brighton & Hove have captured the city’s imagination quite like Oeuf Café in Hove. Known for its playful décor, creative menus, and loyal following, Oeuf has become a multi-BRAVO winner and one of Hove’s most celebrated cafés. We sat down with owner Amber Bush to talk about their latest award, the secret behind their enduring popularity, and what’s next for both Oeuf and her new venture, Bayon Bakery.
Congratulations on Oeuf’s 2025 back to back BRAVO win! What did it feel like to be recognised again this year?
It honestly feels amazing. Brighton has so many brilliant brunch spots, so to be recognised again makes it even more special. I think the best bit is knowing that people still are not bored of us. They are still excited to come back and that really means something after a few years in business.
You are now a multi-BRAVO winner and a real local success story. What does that mean to you and your team?
It means the world. The team work incredibly hard day in and day out, so to have that effort recognised is huge for them. For me it has always been important that they know how much of Oeuf’s success comes directly from their energy and commitment.
A BRAVO feels like something we have all won together.
How have the BRAVO Awards impacted Oeuf’s journey and growth since you first opened?
People really do notice them.
We get customers coming in and saying things like “oh we knew we were in the right place when we saw your awards.” It helps build trust instantly.
On a practical level it bumps us up in Google rankings which means more bookings and more first-time visitors. It has been a real driver for growth.
What do you love most about the BRAVOs and why do you think they are so good for Brighton’s independent food and drink scene?
It feels like a genuinely collaborative and inclusive celebration of the city.
Everyone from the smallest start-up to the big names get to be part of it.
And of course the BRAVO party at the end is wildly good fun. It really does bring everyone together.
Oeuf has such a loyal following. What do you think your customers love most about you and why do they keep coming back?
Consistency is a big part of it. Good food, good service, familiar faces. We have long-standing team members who our regulars know and love. But equally we do not stand still. We are always evolving with new menus and little tweaks to the décor. Our installation bar which is currently cherub and cloud themed keeps things playful.
Add to that our garden which people adore in the summer and I think it is a mix of comfort and surprise that keeps people coming back.
What makes Oeuf different from other brunch spots in Brighton?
We are playful with food and with our space. The décor is bold and the menu has fun twists. It all adds up to an experience that feels immersive and more than just sitting down for a plate of eggs. We have always wanted Oeuf to feel like a little escape and I think that is what sets us apart.
You have launched Bayon Bakery quite recently. Can you tell us about the idea behind it and how it ties in with Oeuf?
Bayon has been a dream of mine since I was young and it was actually a concept before Oeuf. It just took a bit longer to bring to life. The Oeuf team actually named it. Whenever we had to type “no bacon” on the till it would autocorrect to “no bayon” and they kept joking that I should call my next place that. So when the bakery finally happened Bayon felt like the perfect name. It is wonderful to have them both feeding into each other in every sense.
Is there one brunch dish on the menu that is your personal favourite or the one you find yourself craving most often?
The Hashinator. It is timeless. It is the sort of dish that is as good on a hangover as it is when you are feeling fresh. A proper Oeuf classic.
Looking ahead what can we expect over the next six months. Any new ideas, events or exciting changes on the horizon?
We are planning a full-site Christmas takeover with professional installation artists this year. We have always loved dressing the space ourselves but this time we want to go really big.
Think Cotton Candy Narnia but on steroids.
Oeuf Cafe BRAVO Accolades: Best Brunch in Brighton 2024 and 2025, Best Cafe in 2023 – see the BRAVO Hall of Fame.
