|
From the
https://theisleofthanetnews.com 4 July, 2025. By Kathy Bailes.
Former ‘Desperate Dan’s’ shop in Cliftonville to become The Last
Light community pub.
The Last Light pub (Rose Exall planning application)
A new pub will be opened at the site of the former ‘Bi Polar’
charity shop in Cliftonville’s Northdown Road.
The bright pink shop on the corner of Dalby Road had been run by Dan
O’Leary who sadly passed away in 2022. Prior to his bi-polar
project, it was best-known as ‘Desperate Dan’s’ second-hand shop and
was most noticeable for being emblazoned with images of his son
David who was gunned down in 2008.
Dan (pictured) campaigned relentlessly to find the man responsible
for David’s death but no-one has ever been charged.
Now the building, which was also once a bank, will become ‘The Last
Light’ community pub after Thanet council granted permission for the
change of use.
In documents on behalf of applicant Rose Exall it says: “We live and
work in Margate and want to help Cliftonville thrive by creating a
genuine community asset.
“Our modern take on a neighbourhood pub won’t be solely focused on
alcohol—we’ll offer a range of low and no-alcohol drinks alongside
light snacks.
“We want the space to be welcoming and useful for a wide range of
community and local groups. Our proposal includes plans for
wheelchair access, an accessible bathroom, and will be a breast
feeding-friendly space with baby-changing facilities.
“By improving the environment and public space, we hope to
contribute to a better experience for the people who live here.”
The architectural features, including its windows and window
surrounds, the large corner entrance and the interior mosaic floor,
will be reinstated. The pink will be removed and replaced with a
brown exterior and gold leaf lettering.
The new pub will have indoor seating for 75 customers and outdoor
seating capacity at removable bistro tables for 20.
The plans say the ground floor will have a central bar and multiple
‘seating zones.’
There will be space for exhibitions, talks and workshops and outside
will feature downlit lighting
The project will also create jobs with plans for one full-time and
four part-time roles.
Proposed operating hours are listed as Sunday to Thursday, 11am to
midnight. However, a decision notice says: “The use of the premises
hereby approved shall not be used other than between the hours of
07:00 to 23:00 Monday to Sunday.”
Noise disturbance mitigation, including a new suspended ceiling with
acoustic mastic and 50% filled with mineral wool, will be installed.
Fire doors and fire safety systems will also be installed.
The applicant says: “We plan to actively participate in cultural
events and initiatives such as the Off Season Margate art trail, LOW
Margate natural wine festival, Margate Tap Takeover, POW, and
Margate Pride.
“Our premises will also include spaces to showcase local artists,
designers, and makers. By joining the growing number of businesses
in the area, we aim to help connect Cliftonville with The Old Town
and the Lido, making it a more attractive destination for tourists
and encouraging day-trippers and holidaymakers to explore Northdown
Road’s independent shops and venues.
“We’re committed to collaborating with local businesses through the
Northdown Road Business Group, where we’re already members as
existing business owners.
“Additionally, the new skate park at the other end of Dalby Square
will further help to link and activate the surrounding areas.”
Rose and Magnus Alanko already run the Picnic Deli (formerly
Stingray) in Prices Avenue.
|
