Temple at Black Rock transformed into a coffee shop
– 2 min read
Kemptown coffee shop owner Philip Cundall has recently opened the renovated and repurposed Temple at Black Rock as his second venue in the city.
Philip has run Portland in Kemptown for the past eight years and has now taken on the lease of this historic building overlooking the beach, reimagining it as a coffee-shop.
Designed and built in 1835 as a ‘garden temple’ by William Kendall, the architect who laid out Madeira Drive and Esplanade and designed the nearby Reading Room, the Temple has been restored as part of the Black Rock Rejuvenation Project, led by Brighton & Hove City Council, with funding from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership.
With the structural works completed in early 2025, including glazing, re-roofing and adding a paved terrace, Philip organised and managed the fit-out of the internal space early this summer.
Food and drink can now be enjoyed throughout the day on the paved terrace overlooking the sea. Where possible, Philip is using local and small-scale suppliers including Brighton-based Red Roaster coffee, Real Patisserie bread and pastries, Sussex-based milk, ice cream, snack and soft drinks suppliers.
Philip said: “I’m excited to have the opportunity to repurpose the Temple while honouring its past and creating a neighbourhood meeting place. I have tried to retain a sense of playfulness and a ‘light touch’ in my restoration of this unique building, creating a destination for the community to come together, meet, sit and enjoy the beautiful views, just as they did 190 years ago.
“The view from the Temple must be one of the best in the city and I am thrilled to be able to look out over the sea while establishing a new business in such a charming and unique building, with a rich and varied history.
“I have aimed for a simple and sympathetic transformation of the building, preserving original features whilst creating a finely finished interior space and an attractive outside area.”
