About Castles of Kemptown
Castles of Kemptown is a tiny café, close to the Royal Sussex Hospital. I visited there on a blustery September morning, when the sea was wild and the wind was swirling. Inside the shop were a pair of builders the staff on shift were friendly, busily making coffee and sandwiches. Alongside the homemade sausage rolls, there was a wide array of freshly baked goods, including cakes and pies. I’d gone to Castles of Kemptown with no expectations or prior knowledge of the area but left feeling delighted, having discovered a delicious new snack to top the sausage roll leaderboard.
Address
65 St George’s Rd, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1EF
1. Appearance
Did the sausage roll look appetising? Was it lovingly displayed in the shop window?
There were five varieties of sausage rolls on offer, each piled on plates behind the glass counter case. The owner chatted me through each sausage roll and after some deliberation, I opted for pork and Marmite.
10/10
2. Price
How much did you pay for it? Was it good value for money?
I didn’t check the price of the pastry but got two cakes, a double espresso and a sausage roll for £9.25, which felt like a bargain.
9/10
3. Packaging
Was it carefully wrapped? Did it arrive home intact?
The sausage roll was well packaged, served on a paper plate and wrapped in a paper bag. I sat at the bar behind the window and ate it immediately.
10/10
4. Weight
Did it have a satisfying weight? Was it reassuringly dense?
The sausage roll had a satisfying weight; it was filling without leaving me feeling sick.
10/10
5. Warmth
Was it warm and ready to eat or cold on arrival?
The warmth couldn’t have been better and was ideal for immediate consumption.
10/10
6. Pastry
Was it buttery and flaky? Did it hold together?
Layers of buttery, flaky pastry encased the sausage meat. The cheese on top really added something and the Marmite that had leaked out, hardened to a crisp. Overall, the sausage roll had a rustic and lovingly homemade feel, very much the kind of snack that you’d expect to see in a fancy farm shop.
10/10
7. Quality of meat or filling
Was the filling substantial or did you mainly chew air?
The filling was meaty and not too finely ground. I liked that the filling retained its structural integrity throughout.
9/10
8. Flavour
Was the sausage roll delicious and well-seasoned?
The Marmite added a lovely savoury bite and the cheese added sourness. Neither of these were overpowering and I could also taste the classic sausage roll flavours of pork and sage.
10/10
9. Satisfaction
Were you left satisfied or wanting more?
This sausage roll was a complete delight. I left the shop smiling and promising to visit again.
10/10
10. Bonus Points
Did anything warrant bonus points? Eg. a little pot of mustard or friendly service from the staff?
Maximum bonus points were awarded for the joyfully friendly staff that talked up the specials. It’s a shame I don’t live closer, otherwise I’d visit most days.
10/10
Overall Score
98/100
Sausage roll leaderboard
Where do Castles of Kemptown rank on the sausage roll leaderboard?
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