Fatboy Slim's Hove beachfront cafe slammed for his 'crazy' prices and 'shocking' waiting times

Daily Mail​

20 hours ago

Fatboy Slim's beachfront café has come under fire for its 'crazy' prices and 'shocking' waiting times - less than a year after it suffered a rodent infestation following it being given a one out of five hygiene rating.
The DJ, whose real name is Norman Cook, has owned the lease of the Big Beach The Big Beach Café on Kingsway, in his native Hove, near Brighton, after purchasing it from Sir Paul McCartney 's ex Heather Mills in 2013.
However, the megastar, famed for hits such as Right Here, Right Now, faced calls last October to clean up the eatery after a series of stomach-turning images showed rodent droppings and a mouse trap on the surfaces.
Despite seemingly giving the place a scrubbing up, evidenced by the most recent hygiene ratings being a much-improved four out of five, many locals and visitors are still not happy at the services being offered to them.
Reviewing his experience online, Alwyn Frank said he waited 15 minutes for 'one black Americano' coffee.
He continued: '[I] eventually asked where my coffee was and was met with a "Oh, I never got the ticket", from the person who took the order, who was standing next to her.
Mr Frank said despite being offered a refund that it was 'genuinely shocking management' and that it was 'the third order that went wrong while waiting there'.
He added: 'Any other location would have gone bust a long time ago.'
The DJ (above) has owned the lease of the Big Beach The Big Beach Café after purchasing it from Sir Paul McCartney's ex Heather Mills in 2013
Last October the cafe suffered a rodent infestation and was given a one out of five hygiene rating - it has improved now after its latest inspection saw it awarded four out of five
Another customer, Elena Spinelli, said she waited 'forty minutes for a burger and bagel', adding that the experience left her feeling 'unimpressed'.
The spot has faced many setbacks in the decade since the hitmaker took charge, with instances of vandalism proving to be a setback.
Last year's health probe also found that food was being stored at almost double the correct temperature.
While health standards have improved in the ten months since, customers have been left fuming at the level of service, which they believe falls short of the mark.
A visitor to the café, whose name was listed as Lewis, appeared to criticise the concentration of the establisment's workers who he accused of being distracted instead of making his order.
He wrote: 'I understand you need to have some fun at work but do your job at the same time. Twenty minutes waiting for a coffee.
Many customers have reviewed their visits to the Big Beach Café - reporting various experiences
'[I] could see in everyone's face waiting they had had enough. Sort it out or you'll lose your customers.'
Berengere Guery added: 'The prices are crazy, £10.60 for a black coffee and a breakfast bap.
'I wouldn't mind too much if the quality was amazing, but sadly not.'
However, not all visitors agree with the scathing verdicts of the Big Beach Café.
Evelyn Mathews said: 'Service was friendly, we sat outside in the sun and enjoyed our ice cream.'
Agreeing with that sentiment, Jewel Vogel said the shop had 'great music, lovely staff and amazing food', adding: 'I would definitely come back, I would live here if I could.'
'Great cafe in a great location,' another quipped. 'What makes this place so good is the staff and community feel.
'They make you feel so welcome. Would highly recommend!'