Legendary DJ Fatboy Slim has sold his beloved beachfront cafe in Hove just one year after the establishment was forced to close temporarily due to a serious rodent infestation. The music icon, whose real name is Norman Cook, decided to offload the Big Beach Cafe after 14 years of ownership, citing his age and desire for new challenges.
The End of an Era for Hove's Iconic Beach Cafe
Norman Cook, 62, and his manager Dan Stockland, who also served as head chef, confirmed the sale of the popular 'bucket and spade' diner located in Hove, East Sussex. The cafe had become a favourite among families due to its proximity to a play park and lagoon, but faced significant challenges in the past year that ultimately led to the owners' decision to sell.
Dan Stockland explained their reasoning, stating: 'I think the time is right. It's time for a new challenge. We've been running this cafe for 14 years. Neither of us are getting any younger - we're getting older. I think it's time for a fresh start.'
Hygiene Issues and Vandalism Plague Final Year
The decision to sell follows a difficult period for the establishment, which was forced to shut its doors temporarily due to a rodent infestation that prompted urgent action from food safety authorities. An inspection at the beginning of September 2024 revealed mouse droppings in food areas, presenting what inspectors described as an 'imminent risk to food safety'.
The Food Standards Agency handed the Hove Lagoon business a one-star food hygiene rating after discovering multiple violations including:
- Mouse droppings in food preparation areas
- Food stored at 15°C instead of the required below 8°C
- Unwashed lettuce being used in food preparation
- Worn chopping boards requiring replacement
- Staff not wearing appropriate protective clothing
Despite staff working hard to address the hygiene and rodent problems, the cafe required a full day's closure to allow experts to implement long-term improvements to the building.
Additional Challenges and Future Plans
The rodent infestation wasn't the only problem faced by the cafe last year. Weeks before the hygiene issues emerged, the establishment was vandalised by a gang of youths who caused over £1,000 worth of damage. Paving slabs were thrown at the cafe shutters, leaving them warped, bent and broken, while windows and CCTV cameras were also destroyed. A 15-year-old boy later admitted to the vandalism.
Regular customers expressed mixed feelings about the sale. Jim Phelan, 42, commented: 'It's a shame it's being sold but it is probably time for a change. I love coming here but it does need sprucing up and maybe the menu could be refreshed.'
Another local noted that the cafe had 'got a bit tired' and suggested that a new owner might bring fresh ideas to revitalise the popular spot.
Fatboy Slim originally acquired the Big Beach Café from former model and animal rights activist Heather Mills, who had run the premises as vegan café V Bites for four years. The superstar DJ, who bought the lease from Sir Paul McCartney's ex-wife in 2013, will remain connected to the Brighton beach scene with three massive shows planned for Big Beach Boutique 7 next summer.
The July 17, 18 and 19 performances will mark a quarter of a century since his first legendary gig on Brighton beach drew a 40,000-strong crowd, ensuring that while the cafe may have new owners, Fatboy Slim's presence on the seafront continues.
