A Lewes brewery is planning to open a taproom and pizza restaurant next to the Prince Albert.
Abyss Brewery says it hopes to open the new venue at 47 Trafalgar Street in the autumn – subject to planning permission.
The future of the site in Trafalgar Street has been the subject of fierce controversy, with thousands of people objecting to proposals for shops and offices above.
These were rejected by Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee, but subsequently approved on appeal.
However, a meanwhile use as a street food market was also proposed. The site was sold in February for more than £1,500,000 – and its new owners appear to progressing these plans instead.
A spokesman for Abyss said: “At its core, Abyss brings together a mix of independent standout food concepts, alongside a wide-ranging drinks offer – from Abyss beers and collaborative brews to local wines and low- and no-alcohol options.
“It’s supported by a programme of events and creative activity that keeps the space evolving. Designed to balance scale with intimacy – a space with energy, but still room to find your corner.”
A planning application from Jersey-registered company Chatham Commercial Properties Ltd asks to tweak the street-food market permission.
The application, written by Lewis and Co, says: “The previously approved plans showed one large hospitality space, with three separate small food-hall kitchens and coffee bar to the east side of the room, a bar running the length of the south side of the room and customer toilets and cold store, back of house staff rooms, waste storage and WCs behind the bar area.
“The proposed floor plan has been augmented to divide the space into more distinct zones, spaces and booths which can be opened or closed off by staff depending on customer levels.
“This will avoid the space feeling cavernous and empty at times of low customer numbers but will enable full use of the floor when busy.
“The plans provide for a main pizza kitchen, a second kitchen which will rotate the food offer to local startups or guest kitchens, and separate combined bar and coffee servery.
“A mezzanine level above the south part of the ground floor is proposed which will provide toilets, staff room and offices above the servery kitchens at the back end of the ground floor space.”
Abyss Brewing is based in Daveys Lane, Lewes. It was originally based at the Pelham Arms but moved to its current home in an old maltings building in 2021.
The new venue will be available for private hire.
