Early 1960s
One scheme put forward at this time was to build a long Kew Gardens-type glass conservatory between the Corn Exchange and buildings adjacent to the two phone boxes near North Street. An American millionaire was going to donate a quarter of a million pounds towards this project with Mr. T being offered an indoor spot within the conservatory. History shows this project did not leave the drawing board.
1960s
Mr. T got to know an unassuming customer who was a member of Brighton Chess Club in Pavilion Buildings. He always called in at the café for a pot of tea on his way to Brighton station. One afternoon the conversation went like this. “Are you interested in football, Mr. T, “yes certainly, was the reply. Within a few days, two tickets arrived at the café for the F.A. Cup final. Further conversations took place when tennis was mentioned. Then two tickets arrived for the Men’s final day at Wimbledon. Mr. T still wondered who this kind gentleman was. On researching Who’s Who at the Library it became clear that this man was Sir Clarence Sadd, Head of the Midland Bank, President of the Institute of Bankers and freeman of the City of London. He was also Vice President of the F.A. and L.T.A. member of MI5 and personal friend of Lord Attlee and Aneurin Bevin. This friendship continued for a number of years with many more tickets for the top sporting events to follow.
1960s & 1970s
Many large Marquees were erected on the Western Lawn linking to the Corn Exchange as this was the main conference facilities before the Brighton Centre was built. During this time, at the height of the TUC, many political heavyweights such as Jack Jones were interviewed by Robin Day for the BBC on our patio. My father Douglas once complained that the camera crews and interviewers were taken over the café all without asking permission. Mr. T also hosted many children’s parties for our family birthdays and that of our customers. One such party took place on 1st September 1966 (see photo) for Andrew Madsen’s first birthday. Andrew was Mr. T’s American grandson by his youngest daughter Ann who lived in San Francisco. 1969 Nina Tahsin started work at the café at the age of 33 and is still working now at the age of 73. Her loyal service typifies the continuity at the café.