Brighton: The Joker announces opening date for new roof terrace

Work on The Joker's new terrace in Preston Road, Brighton, began back in April. 

The terrace, which is due to open later this month, will seat 50 customers on an extended flat roof with fencing and a retractable canopy.

Nathan Moseby's company El Comodin bought the pub, formerly called Circus Circus, two years ago. He said the pandemic has increased the demand for outdoor space at pubs and restaurants. 

"We have always been a successful pub but our existing outdoor area is on the busiest junction in Brighton," Mr Moseby told The Argus. "It is not the most relaxing environment. 

"We have a really good looking pub on the inside so it is nice to finally have a space that will match."

Mr Moseby said when the terrace is finished, it will host a range of events as well as being a "sun trap" for cocktails in the summer. 

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According to the planning application the terrace will be “enclosed by a physically and visually lightweight timber pergola set in timber planters placed round the edge of the flat roof”.

The plans also include a detailed acoustic report to deal with potential concerns about noise disturbing neighbours.

"We employed a local company called Seventh Wave Acoustics and they came in and recorded the sound on the roof terrace for two weeks," Mr Moseby said. 

"It is already a really busy junction but we are mitigating disturbance wherever possible."

While the plans allow Mr Moseby to have customers on the terrace until 11pm, he said he intends to shut it earlier - around 10pm or 10.30pm - on weekdays. 

The space has been designed to reduce the effect of noise in the area. 

"We are trying to do our bit and we have invested a fair bit of money by building the acoustic fence panels a metre higher than needed," he said. 

"They separate the terrace from the residents and we have been advised that they will block noise."

The roof terrace will feature a living wall and Mr Moseby hopes to grow herbs there including lavender and mint for the cocktails.

The terrace will open on Friday, June 23.