The Laurel

1 George St, Hailsham BN27 1AD, United Kingdom
+44 1323 345005
$$$ Cafe
(35 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to The Laurel, a charming café nestled in the heart of Hailsham at 1 George St, BN27 1AD. This delightful spot, once a beloved bookshop, has transformed into a cozy haven where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy delectable food, fantastic drinks, and warm hospitality.

The atmosphere at The Laurel is inviting and relaxed, with comfortable seating arrangements that invite you to linger, whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with a book. The interior boasts tasteful decor that enhances its cozy ambiance, making it a delightful retreat from the bustle of everyday life.

When it comes to the menu, The Laurel excels in offering a wide array of mouthwatering options. Start your day off right with their scrumptious brunch selections. Imagine biting into a Hand Carved Ham & Emmental Croissant (£4.50) that is flaky and savory, or indulge in the refreshing Smashed Avocado, Fresh Chilli & Coriander On Toasted Sourdough (£7.50), bursting with flavor and perfect for the health-conscious diner. For a classic touch, the Eggs Benedict (£8.50) or Eggs Florentine (£8.50) are sure to impress with their rich hollandaise sauce and perfectly poached eggs.

The café also offers a delicious selection of lunch items, including Classic Tomato & Basil Bruschetta (£7.00) and Creamy Garlic Mushroom (£7.00), that reflect their commitment to fresh, quality ingredients. Don't miss their daily specials like the Ham & Cheese Croissant with Salad or their hearty Club Sandwich.

But it’s not just the food that brings people back to The Laurel; it’s the genuine warmth of the staff. Customers rave about the friendly and professional service they receive every visit. Lord Brett McLean notes, "The staff were professional, courteous, and helpful," while Sarah Neate commends the delightful home-cooked cakes and the wonderful atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends. Rachel Tuppenney expresses her fondness for The Laurel, calling it her "go-to for lunch and meet-ups" thanks to the fantastic food and welcoming team.

Whether you are a tea lover or a coffee connoisseur, The Laurel serves drinks that perfectly complement their culinary offerings, with patrons highlighting their lovely selections in past visits. And if you have little ones in tow, the staff here go the extra mile, ensuring that highchairs are clean and ready for use, which has delighted many parents like Rachel Pont during their visits.

If you find yourself in Hailsham, The Laurel is more than just a café; it’s a community hub where the spirit of togetherness flourishes. With every bite and sip, you’re sure to create lasting memories in this delightful establishment. So take a moment to escape, unwind, and savor life’s simple pleasures at The Laurel – it’s a visit you won’t want to miss!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

35 Reviews
Lord Brett McLean

08 Sep 2025

A visit to Hailsham is not complete without a visit to The Laurels for tea and cake. Staff were professional, courteous, helpful, polite and professional. The cake was a gluten free caramel cake that was light, fluffy, tasty and quite frankly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! The venue itself was clean , tidy and boasted a great interior design. Well worth a visit. Will definitely be returning. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ all the way!

Deborah Buontempo

29 Aug 2025

Lovely cafe, that used to be a book shop, they had a small Christmas party going on when we attended. The tea and coffee was lovely, cheese straw tbh was over done and dry but tasty. Both cheese scones looked lovely, the topping was cheesy but not much taste of cheese when biten into. Will return to sample other food.

Trevor Weeks

15 Aug 2025

A nice place to sit and eat. We were disappointed at the lunch time vegan options. Great location and very helpful and friendly staff.

Rachel Tuppenney

09 Aug 2025

I absolutely love The Laurel. Definitely my go to for lunch and meet up with friends. Food is fantastic and very well portioned. Staff are so friendly and welcoming. Highly recommend!!!

Sarah Neate

25 Jul 2025

Always enjoy visiting Laurels. Delicious home cooked cakes & savouries. Great menu from breakfast to delicious lunches. Can highly recommend ploughman's lunch, jacket potatoes, soup especially with tasty homemade cheese scones. Great variety of cakes. Great staff young men always polite & helpful. Always a favourite place to meet up with friends. Please keep up the good work. Thank you

Mel Martin

08 Jul 2025

Comfortable seating with some sofas and plenty of tables and chairs. Service is always first class. Lovely staff always friendly and happy to see you. Food is very good! A great choice of hot and cold food. There are aways gorgeous cakes and pastries to choose from the hard part is decideding!

Rachel Pont

27 May 2025

Very friendly, helpful staff. Lovely cakes and lunch options. Always helpful grabbing a highchair and cleaning it down before use - it's amazing how many cafes have dirty highchairs and these guys always make the effort to make our visits as easy as poss with baby!

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