Former ‘Desperate Dan’s’ shop in Cliftonville to become The Last Light community pub

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.