A business moving into the former Browns Brasserie site in Duke Street, Brighton, has applied for planning permission to make changes to the shop front and awning.
Wineify, which operates Vagabond, has applied to Brighton and Hove City Council for permission to repaint the shopfront in the brand’s signature burgundy, fit wall lights and an internally lit menu display and replace various signs.
The company also wants to add a retractable canvas awning bearing Vagabond branding at the premises, at 3-4 Duke Street.
The site is near the grade II listed Victory Inn and, although the old Browns building itself is not listed, it is described in the application as “a positive building” within the Old Town Conservation Area.
The application said: “The physical alterations to the building are limited, retaining the existing shopfront composition while providing a refreshed identity for the incoming occupier.
“Collectively, the proposals will support the continued vitality and attractiveness of this prominent commercial premises, representing an investment in the ongoing occupation of the unit while preserving the significance of the surrounding heritage assets.”
Browns closed in May 2025 after operating on the site for 52 years.
Vagabond is owned by the Majestic Wine group and the new brand has several branches across London and one in Birmingham.
To view the planning application, click and search for BH2026/01771.
I hope the illustration is inaccurate as it shows them fencing off and taking over the entire pavement…
That’s exactly my thought and observation. I thought pavements and roads were for everyone to access, not grabbed as a free extension to every business.