Viva Brighton Issue #65 July 2018

FOOD
........................
Between Two Thorns
Coffee in the canopy
For me, the thought of combining coffee with buying
plants conjures up images of soulless cafeterias tacked
on to edge-of-town garden centres. But a visit to
Between Two Thorns could not be more different.
The florist-turned-houseplant-shop on Upper North
Street doubles up as a small café.
I arrive on a sunny Saturday and am instantly
intrigued by the forest-green shopfront with its
array of ferns and bizarrely named umbrella, cheese
and money plants. Inside, succulents and leafy
philodendrons hang from the ceiling, while other
varieties line the walls. After contemplating the jars
of regular and herbal teas, I decide I’m in need of a
caffeine hit. The usual line up of cappuccinos, lattes
and Americanos are available, and I consider indulging
in a hot chocolate or slice of homemade cake but, in
the end, I opt for my
usual flat white.
Taking a seat at a
marble-topped table by the window, I ponder over an
assortment of terrariums and notice that, down some
steps at the back, there’s a workshop, where you can
sign up to make moss balls, bouquets and hangers.
The coffee arrives in a (suitably greenish-blue) cup
and saucer. It’s strong, and the resulting buzz mixed
with the jungle-like surroundings sparks a desire
to buy something for my gardenless flat. My new
houseplant hoard now stands at five, including a
prayer plant, two ferns, a philodendron, and a little
coffee plant – though it’s unlikely to provide me with a
morning brew anytime soon. Sophia Imeson
67 Upper North Street
EARLY
BIRDS
SAVE 20%
CHILLIFIESTA
10-12 AUGUST 2018
Live Latin music and dancing | Vintage funfair | Cookery demos from top chefs | Chilli displays and plant sales
Gardening talks and demos | Outdoor cinema | Over 140 shopping stalls | Family friendly camping | Fireworks
www.chillifiesta.co.uk
West Dean Gardens, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0RX
Viva Brighton 128x94mm v2.indd 1 11/06/2018 13:19:21