Grounded at the Forge - Coffee Lounge

I spend a lot of the time in the Forge, both working “from home” and taking time away from work to recharge, recuperate and revel in the chilled, friendly atmosphere. First, the coffee is excellent. As a black coffee drinker, there is less room for error, but the blend and its preparation are always excellent. Second, the staff are friendly, open and responsive, identifying your needs and meeting them promptly and with enthusiasm. The team has a family feel about it. Finally, the food is eclectic enough that there’s something for most people, with generous portions and careful presentation. The Forge has ruined me for mainstream coffee chains. It’s a lovely place to work and just be. And all a few hundred yards from my front door.

Surprisingly nice coffee, lunch and afternoon tea in this lovely setup place. Great for a nice coffee (also take-away), or just to meet friends. I’ve seen even people with a laptop there, working, using the free WiFi. Kind and fun staff.

What a find!! Recommend to me, I spent a couple of spare hours here having brunch & coffee whilst clearing my emails. In my opinion it serves the best Welsh Rarebit outside of Wales, and the two creamy cafe lattes were just perfect. The staff were friendly and attentive, but not overly so, anticipating my need for a second coffee instinctively! Parking available, lots of seating inside to groups of all sizes and tables outside for better weather. Well priced food and a calendar of events throughout the year.

I have to admit this is one of my favourite places for coffee, cake or a light lunch. Especially coffee. The staff are always welcoming and seem genuinely interested in me as a person not simply as a paying customer. There is seating outside and inside and plenty of parking. What is there not to like?

I've been coming here once or twice a week for over two years, so i can certainly say it's one of my favourite local cafes. It looks so reserved from the outside, but is stylish and cosy inside. Pros: - Delicious coffees - Food is a good mix of healthy and sinful - Menu gets new options regularly enough to stay interesting - Cakes and pastries are always fresh - Friendly staff, make an effort to remember regulars - Car parking right outside - Background music just right, not too loud - Outdoor seating and shade in summer Cons: - As a historical building it is a little chilly if you're by a window, but they have dozens of soft blankets for chilly knees - Popular enough to be busy, so you might get a sofa seat that's a bit tricky to eat at if you want a meal.

A great place! First time here and we’ll definitely be back. Food delicious and they make the best milkshakes too. Loved the decor!

Four of us stopped here during a bike ride around Sussex and I’m glad we did. With a great menu, a vast selection of cakes and very good coffee, it was the perfect pit-stop. The boys who had the smashed avocado on toast had no complaints and the sticky toffee biscoff cake slice was very good. One of the boys was vegetarian and had no issues ordering something he liked. In addition, the staff were extremely welcoming and friendly. If you are in the area, I highly recommend stopping here for a bite to eat or a quick espresso.

Often pop in after a dog walk with friends. Staff are always very friendly. Service is swift and efficient, lovely chilled atmosphere. We usually stop for coffee and a scone/teacake (cheese ones are particularly good) something like that. Dog friendly environment with a pupachino available for our four legged friends. Early evening events are also worth a visit.