The transformation of the former ‘Bi Polar’ charity shop in Cliftonville’s Northdown Road into a new pub is now complete.
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.
But now the property has a new lease of life as The Last Light pub serving up keg beers, wines and plans to hold exhibitions and more.
In her planning application co-boss Rose Exall said: “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 new pub has indoor seating for 75 customers and outdoor seating capacity at removable bistro tables for 20.
There is space for exhibitions, talks and workshops and outside features downlit lighting.
The project was earmarked to create one full-time and four part-time roles.
Rose and Magnus Alanko already run the Picnic Deli (formerly Stingray) in Prices Avenue. They have now teamed up with Tim and Sienna O’Rourke to run The Last Light.
Opening hours are Wednesday and Thursday 4pm to 11pm and Friday to Sunday 11am to 11pm.
The outside of the old bank looks wonderful, unfortunately the inside is such a let down. It could have been so nice, if they had restored the vintage architecture. Wetherspoons clearly have an in-house team who celebrates the history of many of their acquiredd properties.
Be grateful for small mercies? That the outside now looks lovely?
Opening hours are Wednesday and Thursday 4pm to 11pm and Friday to Sunday 11am to 11pm.
So what changed in the planning documents, which apparently said opening was going to be opening Sunday to Thursday?
What pub wouldn’t want to open on a friday and saturday evening? If what you say is true, it was a ludicrous plan that should’ve been questioned.
Presumably there was an error in the planning documents. They are licensed for every day and these are their current times
“Contrary to how it was previously reported, opening times will be Wednesday to Sunday” might have been a good start!
Pubs don’t usually, if ever, have bathrooms for their clientele.
A fair few of your comments are to ask other people exactly what they mean when they have commented on something & you have questioned me on a phrase I have used in the past. Bathroom is an acceptable substitute for toilet in English.
Could I ask what part of Wales you come from originally & is English your first language?
By asking I am implying nothing & before you accuse me of being something I’m not. I would like to point out that I am writing this from the Bala area where I am visiting family.
Ignore her. She’s not very well travelled.
Peter C. (currently house hunting near Rhyl).
Mr Brown -“Bathroom” is an American word for toilet /lavatory/loo. It’s not “an acceptable substitute” as far as I’m concerned.