We're a traditional British family-run café, passionate about serving quality food, generous portions and outstanding customer service. Whether you're joining us for breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake or simply a proper cup of tea, you'll always receive a warm welcome.

You'll find us at 379 Seaside, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 7RP, conveniently located for both residents and visitors to Eastbourne.

Yes. There is currently unrestricted parking on both sides of Seaside, together with additional unrestricted parking in Sandwich Street, which runs alongside The Rosy Lee, so there's usually plenty of convenient parking close by.

We're open 7 days a week.

Monday to Friday: 7:00am – 2:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00am – 1:00pm
Bank Holidays: 7:00am – 1:00pm

"Rosy Lee" is Cockney rhyming slang for a cup of tea. The café already carried the name when we bought it, and we quickly realised it had become something of an Eastbourne institution. Rather than changing it, we decided to build on its character.

When we took over the café, we reimagined The Rosy Lee as the name of a legendary pirate ship. Since then, we've embraced the pirate theme with fun décor, stories and artwork to make every visit a little more memorable for both children and adults alike.

Our mission is simple: to serve exceptional food, provide outstanding customer service and create a place where everyone feels welcome, valued and part of The Rosy Lee family.

Yes! Our famous breakfasts are available throughout our opening hours because we believe it's always the right time for a great breakfast.

Whilst we offer small, medium and large breakfasts, our Medium Full English Breakfast has become legendary with many of our regular customers.

Absolutely. Every breakfast is freshly cooked to order using quality ingredients and served piping hot on a hot plate, just as a proper breakfast should be.

Without question. We firmly believe that great food starts with great ingredients. We don't aim to be the cheapest café—we aim to be one of the best. From our quality breakfast produce and homemade meals to our locally roasted coffee, we choose ingredients that we'd be proud to serve to our own family. We believe our customers can taste the difference and judging by the number of regular customers who return week after week, they certainly do.

Yes. We offer free swaps on many breakfast items, together with additional paid upgrades, allowing you to create a breakfast that's just right for you.

Yes. Many of our meals, daily specials and desserts are homemade using quality ingredients and traditional family recipes.

Yes. Alongside our breakfasts we serve a wide range of lunches, light bites and traditional homemade favourites.

Yes. We regularly prepare homemade daily specials, so be sure to ask one of the crew what's available today.

Of course! A café called The Rosy Lee wouldn't be complete without a proper cup of tea. We also serve freshly ground coffee and a selection of other hot drinks.

We're proud to support another local business by serving coffee from The Rye Bay Coffee Co.

Our house coffee is made using their Sienna Beans, offering delicious shortbread, nutty and punchy flavour notes.

For those who prefer decaffeinated coffee, we serve their Brazilian Espresso Beans, with smooth praline, nutty and chocolate notes.

Both coffees have proved extremely popular with our customers and perfectly complement our freshly cooked breakfasts, homemade lunches and delicious cakes.

Yes. We offer a range of vegetarian options and are always happy to discuss your requirements.

Yes. We have gluten-free options available. Please speak to a member of the crew before ordering so we can guide you through the menu.

Absolutely. Please let us know about any allergies or intolerances before ordering and we'll do everything we can to accommodate you safely.

Yes. Many of our menu items are available to take away, so you can enjoy The Rosy Lee wherever you are.

Certainly. Give us a call and we'll do our best to have your order ready for collection.

For larger groups we recommend contacting us in advance. Smaller groups are generally served on a first-come, first-served basis and, even if you must wait, it usually isn't for long.

Yes. We have comfortable indoor seating following our recent refurbishment, together with outdoor seating for those sunny Eastbourne days.

Yes. Although there is a small threshold step at our front door, we have had a bespoke portable access ramp made especially for The Rosy Lee. Our crew are always happy to put the ramp in place and assist you whenever required.

Absolutely! Families are always welcome aboard The Rosy Lee.

Yes. Well-behaved dogs (and their owners!) are welcome in our designated areas.

Yes. We accept both cash and card payments for your convenience.

Yes. We'd love to help you celebrate. Let us know what you're planning, and we'll do everything we can to make your visit extra special.

Only one! Come as you are. Pirates, locals, visitors, families and friends are all welcome aboard... but please remember to wear a shirt or top!

Because that's exactly what it has become. Friends meet here, neighbours catch up, new friendships are formed and everyone receives the same warm welcome. Many of our customers first met over breakfast or a cup of tea at The Rosy Lee.

Quite often, yes! One of the joys of being an independent family café is getting to know our customers personally and making everyone feel at home.

We certainly do. Many customers visit us several times every week and have become part of The Rosy Lee family.

Absolutely. Many people pop in on their own for breakfast, lunch or simply a cup of tea. If you fancy a chat, you'll usually find one waiting for you.

Very much so. We believe in supporting local people, local businesses and community initiatives whenever we can. Eastbourne has supported us, and we're proud to give something back whenever possible.

Yes. The Rosy Lee is proudly independent and family owned. Every visit helps support a local Eastbourne business, local employment and the wider community.

We believe it's our people. You're never just another customer. We genuinely care about everyone who walks through our door, we cook fresh food using quality ingredients, and we treat every customer like a guest in our own home. It's old-fashioned hospitality—and we wouldn't have it any other way.

People come for the food, but they return because of the atmosphere, the friendships, the warm welcome and the feeling that they're part of something special.

There are lots of cafés along Seaside, and we're honoured every time someone chooses us. We hope you'll discover freshly cooked food, generous portions, excellent value, exceptional customer service and a place where you'll always be made to feel welcome.

As we continue to grow, we'll occasionally need more hands-on-deck! If you'd like to join The Rosy Lee crew, simply pop in with your CV and, when opportunities arise, we'll be in touch.

Give the crew a call, send us a message or pop in for a cuppa—we're always happy to help. After all, that's what The Rosy Lee is all about!