Urban Ground is Eastbourne's finest independent coffee shop.

Thats their words, not ours. But we have to say that they're not far off the mark with their claim.
Having tasted 'more coffee than they want to remember' as research into their house blend, they settled on our Revelation espresso blend.

As well doing the coffee justice, they bake their own cakes - old favourites like Victoria Sponge and Chocolate Brownies - and some unique hand-crafted delights like their Lemon Polenta cake.

Watch this space for more from Andy and Michele at Urban Ground, including insights into their business and what gets them up in the morning.

Urban Ground, 
2A Bolton Road,
Eastbourne,
BN21 3JX 

David Littlejohn, owner or LJ's Coffee House tells us his secrets and passions.

Q What do you love most about your job?
Being involved in so many peoples daily lives. I get to meet lawyers, doctors, sex workers, police, media moguls and TV execs! It's very interesting listening to their stories and their day to day lives.

Q …And loathe the most?!
Dealing with red tape and unnecessary hurdles - especially from the local council!

Q       Time in the industry, and why coffee?
I've been in hospitality for 12 years. I 'found' Union when working for Amano on the South Bank and fell in love with real coffee and decided from then that I wanted my own coffee shop.

Q       Favourite coffee?
If its filter I really enjoy Panama - I'm looking forward to February/March time when I'm hoping to see the return of Panama Emporium - a stunning micro-lot full of strawberry flavours - the best cup of filter in the world! I'm also a big fan of Rwandan Coffees - this is definitely a region on the up and up.

Q       You’re in a very competitive area, how do you attract customers, and then retain  them – with the lure of the high street chains ever present?
I hope it's because we offer more than just great coffee. It's about the whole experience . I'd like to think that we are an extension of our customers living rooms. A place to relax. It's also important that they trust us. They know we're sourcing great coffee and serving it perfectly every time.

Q       Biggest business challenge at the moment?
Convincing people that quality coffee is worth paying that little bit extra for - especially in these tough times.

Q       Who is your most famous customer?
There have been so many! James McAvoy, Nigel Harman, Lindsey Marshall, David Suchet, Zoe Wanamaker, the fabulous Alfie Boe, Matt Lucas and yes, Peter Andre!

Q       Filter or espresso?
Tough call. But if I had to choose - filter. I think you get the full complexity of flavours in filter coffee. Of course it really depends on the bean you're using - but as a rule a quality filter would be my first choice.

Q       Is there a particular coffee which sells better than others?
Anything from Brazil. Bellos Horizontes is also always very popular. I think customers are comfortable with ordering a coffee from Brazil - the two are quite synonymous.

Q What slogan / strapline would be on your advertising campaign?
Coffee as it should be. That and proud to serve union Hand Roasted. Consistent quality throughout the entire range of beans - thats what makes serving Union a real pleasure.