EXCLUSIVE

Fatboy Slim sells the Big Beach Cafe in Hove Lagoon.

An globally famous DJ has sold his café. Norman Cook, well known by his stage as Fatboy Slim, has announced that he and business partner Daniel Stockland will hand over the keys to the Big Beach Café in Hove to new owners on December 1.

The couple, who owned the café at Hove Lagoon in Kingsway for 13 years, said in a joint statement, “We have indeed come a long, long way together – through the hard times and the good…”

“… after serving over two million clients with nearly a million hot drinks, half a million ice creams, 50,000 cheesy chips, and nearly 100,000 doggy sausages, it’s time to hand over to a younger staff.”

Mr Cook stated that with Mr Stockland and his “right hand man” Pete retiring, he does not have the time to spend to the cafe due to his day job.

The pair expressed gratitude to their customers and employees. “We have loved our seaside adventure, putting our own stamp on this iconic venue, which opens its doors every day of the year and stands at the heart of our bustling community in wonderful Hove Lagoon,” they told me.

We’d want to thank all of our tremendously devoted clients, with whom we’ve shared numerous life events. “To our amazing teams over the years, including managers, baristas, cooks, back and front-of-house staff, and random volunteers along the road.

We have taken great delight in employing scores of college students for their first taste of working life, with a special mention to Bhasvic.

“We’ve loved hosting all your birthday parties and raucous evenings, musical happenings, and fund-raising events, from LagoonFest, School’s Out and Sunset Vibes to Snow Dogs and local choirs.”

Mr Cook stated that the cafe’s new owners are Kash Miah and his sons, who already operate many restaurants on the beachfront, including Off the Hook on Madeira Drive and Off the Cone near the marina.

Mr Miah will change the cafe’s name to ‘Off the Beach’. “They are committed to maintaining the philosophy and homely, community feel that we have fostered,” said Mr Cook and Mr Stockland. “We know that very little will change for our tremendously supporting regulars.

“They will retain our staff, menu and price point, but some new ideas and youthful energy will benefit the café moving forward into the future.”

Mr Cook bought the cafe in 2013 from former model, businesswoman and animal rights activist Heather Mills. The ex-wife of Beatles star Paul McCartney ran the vegan café V Bites for four years.

“The café vibe has been enhanced by commissioned street art of local artists, the playground pirate ship, our own unique, giant seagull, and now a thriving new skatepark to add to the family attractions of our good friends of Lagoon Funland,” said Mr Cook and Mr Stockland.

“Danny and Pete (Dan’s right-hand man throughout the journey) are both retiring from the seafront life but will never be far away. “Norm will of course continue to be the world’s second greatest DJ, popping in from time to time.”

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