A new puzzle cafe spread over three floors and with outdoor space has opened.
Puzzle Bored in New Road, Brighton, opened on Friday last week and is welcoming jigsaw fans and coffee lovers alike.
Husband and wife Mark and Denise Carter, from Brighton, opened the cafe after the success of their online jigsaw shop Puzzle Bored.
Their puzzle cafe sells jigsaws with artwork by Brighton artists.
The coffee shop also sells tea, coffee, cold drinks and fresh pastries and cakes which are "unique to Brighton", Mark said.
These include savouries such as sweet potato, chickpea and feta, fruit flapjacks and even orange, polenta and marmalade cake.
"We are so pleased to finally be open," said Denise.
"Our opening party last week was brilliant, we had about one hundred people here and a DJ booth. It was fabulous."
In spite of their lively opening party, the cafe provides peace and quiet for people to relax, socialise and have a go at a puzzle away from the hustle and bustle of North Laine.
The cafe is spread over three floors with quiet space for people to make puzzles and a room for regular exhibitions by Brighton artists.
"The feedback has been so positive so far," said Mark.
"People passing by have come in and loved it. We've had visitors of all ages, families and friends.
"During the hot weather people are enjoying the outdoor space."
As well as ADHD, Denise has some autistic traits including sensory sensitivity so needs peaceful spaces to quieten her mind.
“We are not using noisy coffee machines, we will only offer feature filter coffees and herbal teas served alongside cake and pastries,” she said.
The first floor Puzzle Peace Café has been decorated with muted tones and there are noise-cancelling headphones, small puzzles, origami kits, colouring and books to use.
The couple are working closely with local businesses, offering discounts to nearby traders and planning events with Brighton institutions.
"We are in touch with Sussex University about running some events with them," said Denise.
Their jigsaw-shaped table on the top floor was made by Brighton Woodstore.
As well as this, the couple are introducing small changes to minimise the cafe's impact on the environment.
Hot drinks for customers sitting in are served in glass mugs rather than ceramic ones as glass is more readily recycled.
For those taking their drinks away they are not using plastic lids and instead offer reusable silicone lids that can be purchased and then reused time and again.
As well as catering to neurodivergent people, the cafe has puzzles that dementia sufferers can use.
Artist Hannah Thomson, from Hove, created the dual image jigsaws which have two paintings in one so dementia patients can do them facing their carers.
The pieces are large and clear to make it easier for them to use.
On the top floor, as well as offering more quiet space for puzzling, there will be regular events.
From Saturday, September 23, the space will be host to weekly children's art and puzzle sessions.
Tickets can be reserved for the first session here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/childrens-art-puzzle-sessions-tickets-694091184417
The cafe is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm and from 11am to 4pm on Sundays.
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