Last night, more than 200 guests gathered to celebrate the official opening of The North Star, our brand-new, groundbreaking pub designed to prepare young people with learning disabilities and autism for employment.

The star-studded celebration saw our Founder and Chairman, Baroness Monckton, joined by BAFTA-winning actress Marisa Abela and food writer Nigella Lawson. Together, they raised a toast to The North Star and declared it officially open.

A pub with purpose

The real stars of the evening were our Team Domenica candidates who worked throughout the event, greeting guests, serving drinks, and demonstrating first-hand the skills and professionalism at the heart of our mission. Two of our young people also gave touching speeches to attendees, describing their journeys from first joining our programmes into paid job that they love.

Located next to the Royal Pavilion, The North Star represents a bold new chapter for Brighton-based charity Team Domenica. In her speech, Rosa Monckton reflected on how far we’ve come:

We started Team Domenica nine years ago, with twenty young people and one small café. Now we support over one hundred candidates, run three cafés, a coffee roastery … and now this game-changing pub. It will become a cultural landmark in Brighton and a beacon of hope for people with learning disabilities and their families.

Team Domenica Founder and Chairman, Baroness Monckton

Welcoming our new patrons

We were honoured to be joined by acclaimed food-writer, Nigella Lawson, and BAFTA-winning actress, Marisa Abela, who helped celebrate this special moment with heartfelt speeches.

Nigella toasted the occasion, saying: “May The North Star shine brightly as a pub and may those who work and train here shine brightly too.”

In her speech, actor, Marisa Abela, said “The North Star is going to bring a lot of joy to Brighton – the city will be all the richer for having this pub.”

We are delighted to announce that both Marisa and Nigella are now official patrons of Team Domenica. Their support will help amplify our mission and the voices of the young people we work with.

Designed for learning, built for the future

Above the pub, we are creating a dedicated education, training and employment centre that will combine classroom learning, enrichment activities, and hands-on hospitality experience. When combined with The North Star, this remarkable centre will work towards supporting young people with disabilities into paid employment.

All profits generated by The North Star will fund Team Domenica’s life-changing work. This includes our programmes which have led to 80% of candidates progressing into work – compared to less than 5% nationally.

Candidates will begin their training within the pub in the new year, gaining experience in food preparation, bar service, and waiting tables – skills that will prepare them for meaningful employment across the hospitality industry and beyond.

To support our work further, please visit: teamdomenica.com/donate.