The UK’s First Pub Training Young People with Learning Disabilities – Team Domenica Opens The North Star in Brighton on 19 November
On Wednesday 19 November, Brighton-based charity Team Domenica, founded by Baroness Monckton MBE, is set to open The North Star: the UK’s first pub designed to prepare young people with learning disabilities and autism for employment.
The North Star is located next to the Royal Pavilion, in the very heart of Brighton’s busy streets. The pub will offer a warm welcome and exceptional food and drink, all whilst providing real-world training opportunities that empower young people to build their skills, confidence, and independence.
“Pubs are built into the fabric of British society,” says Team Domenica Founder and Chairman, Rosa Monckton. “What better place for young people with learning disabilities to be visible, valued, and celebrated as part of their community? We want future employers to see our candidates in this environment and open their minds and doors to opportunity. Best of all, the wider world will see young people with learning disabilities and autism showcasing their talents in a professional setting.”
Our vision is for The North Star to become a staple for the people of Brighton & Hove, but more than that, it will be a beacon of light and hope for the 1.3 million people with learning disabilities in the UK – and their families .”
A guiding light for employment and inclusion
The pub’s name, The North Star, symbolises direction, stability, and guidance which reflects the charity’s mission in helping young people with learning disabilities and autism – their candidates – navigate their journey into work and independence.
The creation of this radical new pub proposition has been supported by Gavin George – Co-Founder and former CEO of The Laine Pub Company and a trustee of Team Domenica.
“We wanted a warm, elevated and stylish environment that our candidates – and the city – could be proud of,” says Gavin. “The North Star will provide the highest standard of food, drink and service, all delivered by our young people with the expert support of our hospitality team and Training Mentors. From food prep and pouring pints, to table service, they’ll be gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for meaningful employment. We must ensure that our candidates get the best experience possible, so they will begin their training in the new year once our core hospitality team have had chance to bed in.”
Crucially, all profit at The North Star goes directly towards funding Team Domenica. Not only will the pub deliver huge social impact, but it will be a new landmark in Brighton & Hove. The interior design takes its inspiration from the era in the city’s history made famous by Graham Green’s Brighton Rock, when the building was the home of the Brighton Herald newspaper. The pub offers a calm, warm and welcoming space, complementing the nearby Royal Pavilion, and providing an exciting addition to Brighton’s rich pub scene. The food will be delicious, with a hearty traditional roast on Sundays.
More than a pub, it’s a pioneering training centre
Above the pub, Team Domenica is creating a dedicated education, training and employment centre. The centre will combine classroom education, enrichment activities, and real-world hospitality experience – all part of Team Domenica’s pioneering model that has already achieved remarkable success.
Over the past decade, 80% of Team Domenica candidates have progressed into employment, and 86% have remained in paid work for over two years – a testament to the charity’s life-changing approach. This stands in stark contrast with the 4.7% of people with learning disabilities in employment across England (NHS England 2024)
Team Domenica’s candidates go on to work not only in hospitality, but also in a range of different industries, including retail, childcare, administration, beauty, and social enterprises. Over 60 businesses in Sussex support this mission, with partners ranging from the NHS and Nandos. One such partner – Hilton – have gone further, contributing funding to the renovation of The North Star via the Hilton UK Foundation.
Stephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President of Hilton UK & Ireland said: “At Hilton, inclusion and diversity are core to how we do business, and by working together with partners like Team Domenica, we can help build an inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities. Not only has the Hilton UK Foundation helped bring this pioneering North Star project to life, but we’re also really proud that the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole has welcomed Team Domenica candidates for valuable work experience – both great examples of what people with learning disabilities can achieve when given the right opportunities.”
A movement inspired by Domenica
The charity was founded in 2016 after Rosa Monckton’s daughter, Domenica (who has Down’s Syndrome and was Princess Diana’s last godchild), left college and faced a lack of opportunities typical for young adults with learning disabilities. Rosa’s response was to create Team Domenica, transforming the lives of hundreds of people in Sussex – and beyond.
Domenica herself joined Team Domenica’s first cohort in 2016, alongside 19 other young people. Since graduating, she has worked at The Grand Brighton Hotel and The Pavilion Gardens Café.
Launch and final fundraising push
The North Star will celebrate its opening with a launch party in December, with a star-studded list of attendees, including BAFTA winner Marisa Abela and Nigella Lawson – Domenica’s aunt.
Team Domenica is currently raising the final funds needed to complete the training centre above The North Star. This new venture will not only transform lives in Brighton but could become a national model for inclusive employment and social enterprise. If you are inspired to support this venture, visit www.teamdomenica.com/donate.
The North Star will open to the public on 19 November and bookings can be made at www.northstarbrighton.com
