John Easterby sees 2015 as a rebirth for his café, bar and venue The Verdict – after a nightmare year.

Having managed the café for a year he took on the full lease in 2014, five days before extensive roadworks began on Edward Street.

“I’ve lost 60 per cent of my business since the roadworks,” says Easterby, who gave up a career lecturing in photography to take the café on.

“I see myself now as starting the business afresh after a year of purgatory when jackhammers were pounding outside in the middle of lunchtime. It nearly brought me to my knees.”

The 53-year-old was carried through the hard months with the support of his wife Anna and sons Jamie and Gabriel who all took turns behind the counter.

The first evidence of Easterby’s new vision can be seen with the café’s newly refurbished front. Easterby hopes he can carry this on throughout the venue during the year.

Aside from its location by Dorset Gardens and opposite The Amex building, The Verdict’s secret weapon is the stunning 60-capacity basement venue, which first attracted owner Andrew Lavender to buy the former Drury’s Coffee And Tea shop.

“I was looking for a room with great acoustics,” says Lavender. “This amazing room had been used for basement storage. It was a shell, but it was underground so there were no neighbours. It was quite dry, and it had a dead acoustic when you clapped your hands.

“I knew it was going to work.”

It is hard not to be affected by the lovely, warm atmosphere conjured up by cabaret style tables, a low stage hosting its own baby grand piano and drum kit, and walls lined with portraits of jazz greats painted by Adrian Kendon.

The space has hosted Lavender’s regular Friday night jazz sessions ever since it first opened three years ago – welcoming the likes of the late Stan Tracey, Israeli-born saxophonist Gilad Atzmon, and south coast veteran Bobby Wellins.

Now Easterby has launched a popular Wednesday night jazz jam, hosted by the Brighton Jazz School’s Wayne McConnell with ace pianist Gabriel Garrick a regular guest, and live shows on Thursday nights, ranging from folk music to comedy, including Edinburgh Comedy Award-winner Brendon Burns on Thursday, March 5.

Musicians and promoters Jack Kendon and Eddy Myer are currently applying for Arts Council funding to host a regular showcase of new and up-coming jazz talent at the venue.

Brighton-based comedy troupe The Short And Girlie Show also hold regular nights, with the next taking place on Saturday, March 14.

“So many fringe venues are attached to a pub, but here the whole space is given over,” says the Short And Girlie founder Ali Hendry-Ballard, “This feels like our home.”

During the day Easterby provides an ever-changing menu of seasonal, locally sourced café favourites at reasonable prices.

Monday’s menu included roast chicken with mixed dressed leaves, red onion and mayonnaise for £4.50, and baked aubergine, tomato, home-made hummus, feta cheese and salad for £4, as well as a range of salads and platters from £4.95.

In the evenings, to accompany the live events, he gets creative with a three-course menu as well as running a licensed bar.

“Last weekend I cooked ox cheeks with horseradish foam,” he says. “I’m very proud of the food I put on. I get it locally sourced wherever possible, and all the suppliers are small local businesses, from the butcher Paul Clark on Lewes Road, to the artisan baker Flourpot in Western Road.”

Easterby wants to turn The Verdict into an arts hub for Kemp Town.

“Every high street is turning into a facsimile,” he says. “All around the country you see the same shops and supermarkets. The Verdict is an opportunity for me to contribute to a community that means a great deal to me.”

The far wall of the café is dominated by the jazz greats of the past – as captured in a classic photograph by Art Kane – but Easterby is very much looking to the future.

The Verdict
Edward Street, Brighton, 01273 674847

Open weekdays 8am to 4pm. Shows from 7pm. Visit www.verdictcafé.com