One of Brighton’s best-loved pop-up eateries has found a permanent home in the city – and it is brimming with history.
Oui Creperie’s old style Citroen food vans have become popular since launching in 2005.
And after years of searching for their forever home, owners Judy Bow and Arnold Rose stumbled across a gorgeous Georgian property on Grand Parade, Brighton, and set to work stripping back years of plasterboard to reveal a building packed with beautiful architecture and stunning period features.
“It was like peering inside Tutankhamun’s tomb when we took out the ceiling,” said Arnold.
“I put my phone in through the gap and saw lots of shiny things which got us excited. The electrician had seen it all before, but it was new to us. It’s been full of surprises.”
The couple removed panelling from walls in the basement and found a wonderful brick archway, a hidden safe, and copies of The Brighton Herald from the 19th century.
“When we were working down there, we found newspaper cuttings from 1868 which had been used to line the walls,” said Judy.
“They knew how to build back then. Behind all the plasterboard we found what we think is a kitchen cupboard and it’s fully intact. It’s fantastic to be part of such history.”
But history is just one part of what makes this project so special.
Judy and Arnold have a passion for their creperie, and time has been taken to ensure every detail oozes class and style, while remaining relaxed.
Be it the hymn board taken from a church transformed to list the current specials, or the 500-year-old pottery casually sitting next to the eggs and bananas on the shelf behind the serving counter – it is the subtle touches that really make this place.
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It would be remiss to visit this quaint cafe and fail to mention the crepes, available in myriad flavours and stuffed to bursting point with wonderful cheeses and meats. They were flying out to hungry customers throughout our visit, expertly crafted by Yuri, and were all well-received.
Seldom does a new venue perfect the recipe of success so early, but Judy and Arnold know exactly what they are doing and have now opened.
This is an exciting and long overdue venture from a city staple – and well worth a trip on a rainy morning or sunny weekend afternoon.
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