A city centre pub next to the Royal Pavilion has been bought by a learning disabilities charity which will turn it into a cafe bar.
Team Dominica, which has run cafes elsewhere in Brighton, has bought the former All Bar One in Pavilion Buildings.
The venue was recently refurbished following a fire during lockdown. The bar reopened in 2022, but closed for good last summer.
The building will now serve as the new home for Team Domenica’s specialist further education college and training centre, which helps people with learning disabilities into paid employment.
The ground floor will become its cafe and bar, which will employ people helped by the college and training centre.
Team Domenica Founder & Chairman, Baroness Rosa Monckton MBE said: “This will put Team Domenica — and our candidates — at the very heart of Brighton in a spectacular and historic building.
“More than just a space, it will be a beacon of hope and opportunity, proving what people with learning disabilities can achieve when given the right support, respect, and belief.”
The sale was handled by Fleurets. Divisional director Elysia Wilson-Gunn said: “We are very pleased to have facilitated the sale of this prominent Brighton property to Team Domenica.
“Their inspiring mission will bring new life to the space. It will be exciting to see the evolution of the site and we look forward to seeing their vision take shape.”
Nick Earee, divisional director of Fleurets South, who worked alongside Elysia on the deal, added: “Having known this prime site since joining the Brighton Office in 1992 I am delighted to have been involved in this high-profile city centre instruction.”
Such a nice idea. I hope it is publicised well when it opens as I would be interested in seeing what it is like.
It’s a nice idea, the café as a business can help fund the charity’s activities, and people may choose to stop at the café specifically to support the charity.
Miss them at Hove Library where Domenica used to have a cafe. Nice cakes and lovely customer service.