THE owner of a taproom in Lewes has exciting plans to open a new street food market in the centre of Brighton.
Daniel Tapper, founder and director of Beak Brewery on Cliffe Industrial Estate, told Lewes Times he is absolutely delighted to start the major project.
At a Brighton and Hove City Council meeting last month, councillors granted Mr Tapper an alcohol licence to set up a taproom and street food market in the former car rental shop next to the Prince Albert pub in Trafalgar Street, Brighton.
Mr Tapper said: “We have always wanted to open an outlet in Brighton.
“We were looking online for a premises and the owners wanted to sell the place. They submitted a proposal to turn it into the an office block but a lot of people objected to it, saying it doesn’t fit into the area’s culture.
“So I pitched my idea to the current owners and they agreed.
“I used to live in Italy and it’s quite normal to have a little market with five to six street food venues, and it’s pretty informal.”
Mr Tapper said he loves Brighton for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere.
He added: “Whenever I am out with family or friends, I always take them to Brighton. Brighton is a city that celebrates businesses.
“We want to have a specialty café outlet, and we want to sell 20 different beers and wines.
“We want to do something different, and I believe we are making quite bold moves. There are taprooms in the UK but not a lot of them combine it with street food.
“There’s a lot of work to do, particularly as we need to refurbish the current premises. We want to make it a welcoming community.
“We hope to open it in late winter.”
Mr Tapper’s plans have received overwhelming support, with residents publishing their views on the Brighton and Hove City Council planning portal website praising the new business as a fantastic addition to Brighton.
One resident wrote: “I’m very much in support of this application, I believe the change of use will be a really good thing. The concept should be very successful in this location which helps the area as a destination.
“We live nearby and would welcome the addition to the neighbourhood. All the local people I’ve discussed it with also thought it sounded great.”
Another published: “As a local business owner I strongly support this development, especially the fact it will be hosting other small independent food vendors.
“The location seems eminently suitable, and I have no doubt that if allowed to go ahead this will become an important part of Brighton’s thriving food and drink scene.
“This will attract more visitors to the city, especially thanks to its closeness to the station and bus links, and as such I’m sure it will have a positive impact on the city’s wider economy.”
Another resident wrote: “The redevelopment of this site provides a fantastic opportunity for the whole local community.
“The ability to provide a space for families and community to enjoy each other’s company and the increased job opportunities for the local area are both vital to my support.”
Mr Tapper added he also has big plans for Beak Brewery in Lewes.
He said: “We want to expand our current brewery and taproom in Lewes to make it four times larger than we are now.”
