On a grey winter’s day, nothing beats the comfort of a cosy café, a steaming hot drink, and a sweet treat to cure the cold-weather blues. Enter Honey Cake by Mary, a hidden gem that feels like a warm hug on a frosty day.
From Humble Beginnings to Local Favourite
Honey Cake by Mary opened its doors just 10 months ago, but Mary’s baking journey began much earlier. In 2020, she started running her business from home, delighting locals with her handmade cakes. After receiving rave reviews and growing demand, Mary decided to take the leap and open her own café.
Since then, she has introduced Brighton to the world of honey cakes – a treat so unique it has quickly become a local favourite. These cakes bring a creative twist to traditional bakes, with their Russian origins and delicate, layered construction making them a standout. Labour- and time-intensive to prepare, each cake is a testament to Mary’s dedication, and baked with love.
Sweet Sancturary
Honey Cake by Mary is tucked away in a quiet area, away from all the hustle and bustle of central Brighton, making it the perfect spot to escape the crowds and enjoy a well-earned treat. With enchanting décor and an inviting interior, you’ll definitely want to grab a seat and get comfortable.
The Magic of Russian Honey Cakes
If indulgent, chocolate-heavy desserts aren’t your thing, these homemade Russian honey cakes, or tort Medovik, are a revelation. Mary’s passion for baking shines through in every layer, from the honey-soaked sponge to the airy cream in between.
Using only premium, all-natural ingredients, Mary crafts each element of the cake, from the honey-soaked sponge layers to the light cream in between them, and her own personal touch, a flavoured chocolate ganache topping. Every bite is a testament to the art of baking, showcasing the quality of the ingredients and the skill behind them.
Irresistible Flavours to Suit Every Palate
The café’s shelves are stocked with so much goodness that we had no idea what to go for. Every single flavour just sounded irresistible. There are five permanent options plus seasonal specials rotating throughout the year so there’s always something new to try. There’s even a gluten-free version!
On our visit, we browsed flavours like strawberry matcha, coffee, and raspberry. Mary herself recommended starting with the original honey cake – a must-try – and the pistachio, a crowd-pleasing favourite.
Even before tasting, we could tell these cakes were going to be delicious. Each slice was a work of art: thin, uniform layers of sponge separated by light cream, with a sweet aroma of honey and cinnamon filling the air.
First Bites: Original Honey and Pistachio
We couldn’t wait to tuck in, and started with the original honey cake which didn’t disappoint. As we sliced into it, we were surprised by how effortlessly the fork glided through the layers. Fluffy and light yet satisfying, something that can’t be said for all baked goods. The notes of honey shone through with a natural sweetness. The first bite was nothing short of magical.
Next, we moved on to the pistachio. Rich and nutty with hints of honey still shining through, it offered a slightly more luxurious bite while maintaining the same lightness. For pistachio lovers, this cake is a dream come true.
The high-quality ingredients were evident in every mouthful. Unlike many rich desserts, these cakes didn’t leave us feeling heavy or overly full. In fact, we could easily have devoured an entire cake each!
Perfect Pairings for a Rainy Day
We savoured every bite with sips of wonderfully made coffee in between. To pair with our cakes, we went for a dirty chai and an iced latte, both made with top-notch coffee, very appropriate accompaniments for a sweet treat on a rainy afternoon.
The dirty chai had just the right amount of spice and sweetness to compliment the cake without overshadowing it, because the cake really was the star of the show. Meanwhile, the iced latte was smooth and refreshing, a perfect contrast to the rich, creamy cakes.
Why You Need to Visit Honey Cake by Mary
If you’re looking for a cosy hideaway to escape Brighton’s weekend crowds, Honey Cake by Mary is the perfect spot. Grab a friend or a book, order some coffee and cake, and let yourself unwind.
And why stop at just one slice? If you have an event or celebration coming up, you can order a full cake in your favourite flavour. Trust me—this is a decision you won’t regret!
