Named from the Old Ship Inn, Ship Street was developed from around the start of the 17th century and was known as the ‘street of the Hempshares’ in old documents.
By the mid eighteenth century it was the most prosperous street in the town, and with the economic boom that followed the establishment of the health resort, it became a centre for professionals, especially solicitors and lawyers who remain in large numbers today.
With many fine examples of Georgian town architecture, Ship Street remains one of the most elegant street in Brighton and there are a large number of listed buildings along its length, mostly dating from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
52 Ship Street is the site of the original Post Master's cottage dating back to the 1870s. In more recent years, the building was home to several different types of businesses including a fashion and textile company, an artist studio and a coffee shop.
In 2020, the building was bought by its current owners and work started on transforming it to its present state. It was agreed the history and heritage of this landmark property should be honoured and preserved. And so the name Post House Café was chosen.
