Brighton's legendary Gut Buster
breakfast could have had its chips
after it was revealed the café which
serves it up has been put on the market.
The all-night Market Diner is up for
sale for £175,000.
The famous haunt, renowned for its
whopping breakfasts, including the huge
Gut Buster, has been catering for clubbers,
cabbies, and until recently, market
traders, for more than three decades.
But its current owners are selling up -
because they need to get some sleep.
Roger Cotton, from agent GPS Direct,
said owners Neal and Alec Ross, both
have families and want to see them grow
up.
He told The Argus: "They work right
through the night at the moment and
with both of them having families that's
not really viable.
advertisement
"They want to be around them a lot
more so they've decided to move on.
"The move has worried regulars of the
café, who now fear the new owners may
opt for a new menu or scrap the cafe
altogether."
Murray Sanderson, 38, who has been
going to the venue for the past four years,
said: "They can't get rid of the Gut
Buster. It would be sacrilege.
"The Market Diner is a Brighton institution
and there would be uproar if
people messed around with its format."
It is the first time The Market Diner, in
Circus Street, has been up for sale.
There has been a café at the site since
the early 20th century but it is under
ownership of Neal and Alec, and their
father Alex, which began in 1975, that
it really came to the fore.
It has been frequented by stars,
including comedian Mark Williams,
actress Patsy Palmer, singer Boy
George and footballer Bobby
Zamora in its time.
Large queues still regularly form outside
the 80 cover venue, particularly at
weekends.
The Gut Buster has appeared on the
menu of the "caff" in EastEnders and
even inspired Bentley Rhythm Ace's
Theme From Gutbusters. The dance duo
apparently wrote it while they were at
university in Brighton.
Neal Ross described the café's clientele
as a "real cross-section of Brighton" and
said it was a place where people from all
walks of life come for "mutual mastication".
He said: "I just hope that whoever
buys the place doesn't change it and sees
that it is popular as it is now.
"It's a Brighton institution and a lot of
towns struggle to maintain the individuality
that makes Brighton so popular."
Mr Cotton said the business would be
sold as a going concern, and believes
potential buyers will be falling over
themselves to snap it up - not least
because of planned redevelopment in the
area. Interested buyers should contact
agent GPS Direct on 01323 727271.
Posted by: big dave, portslade on 6:37pm Wed 21 May 08
I have a bicycle for sale, its a fantastic story, if the Argos want to send some one over I am happy to give them the whole story with no holds barred.
I might add that many famous people have ridden bicycles and given the new cycle lane in the city I am expecting people will be falling over themselves to snap it up.
I have a bicycle for sale, its a fantastic story, if the Argos want to send some one over I am happy to give them the whole story with no holds barred.
I might add that many famous people have ridden bicycles and given the new cycle lane in the city I am expecting people will be falling over themselves to snap it up.
Posted by: A-Dam, Brighton on 9:11pm Wed 21 May 08
Anything dubbed a "Brighton Institution" has had its coffin nailed.
Look at the West Pier.
Ten more years and this place will be Hastings if the council and Southern Rail have their way.
Anything dubbed a "Brighton Institution" has had its coffin nailed.
Look at the West Pier.
Ten more years and this place will be Hastings if the council and Southern Rail have their way.
Posted by: Johnny B, Kamptewn on 10:04pm Wed 21 May 08
Planned redevelopment, we know what that means, a load of yuppies from London buying properties nearby and then complaining that the noise from the MD is a nuisance and getting it closed down, no wonder the present owners are selling up...
Planned redevelopment, we know what that means, a load of yuppies from London buying properties nearby and then complaining that the noise from the MD is a nuisance and getting it closed down, no wonder the present owners are selling up...
as a 24hr plumber i used this place from the 70s, however when we were working on the palace peir in the 80s they used to make us a "blockbuster" 2 of everything on 2 plates, with 2 cups of rosie named after our drainage business set up by me and my brother, and served allday
bigger than a gut buster, problem is now have the belly to prove it
as a 24hr plumber i used this place from the 70s, however when we were working on the palace peir in the 80s they used to make us a "blockbuster" 2 of everything on 2 plates, with 2 cups of rosie named after our drainage business set up by me and my brother, and served allday
bigger than a gut buster, problem is now have the belly to prove it
Posted by: Richard Goodyer, Worthing on 7:11am Thu 22 May 08
I have fond memories of Neil and Alec and the Gutbuster and Market Special meals.
When i was a member of Coastway HR in Brighton in the mid 90's this place was our eating hole.
When the fruit market (opposite) closed it took away much of the trade, but, they still kept the cafe going.
Good luck guys and enjoy your time with your families.
I have fond memories of Neil and Alec and the Gutbuster and Market Special meals.
When i was a member of Coastway HR in Brighton in the mid 90's this place was our eating hole.
When the fruit market (opposite) closed it took away much of the trade, but, they still kept the cafe going.
Good luck guys and enjoy your time with your families.
[quote][bold]A-Dam[/bold] wrote:
Anything dubbed a "Brighton Institution" has had its coffin nailed. Look at the West Pier. Ten more years and this place will be Hastings if the council and Southern Rail have their way.[/quote] Brilliant comment mate, managing as you have to turn an article about the sale of a cafe into a moan about the council and railways. Perhaps you could explain how exactly the council and Southern Rail (of all people?!) want to turn the town into Hastings? And while you'er at it maybe you could explain the relevance of this revelation to this story? Or maybe think twice about posting such predictable, idiotic non-sequiturs in the future?
A-Dam wrote:
Anything dubbed a "Brighton Institution" has had its coffin nailed. Look at the West Pier. Ten more years and this place will be Hastings if the council and Southern Rail have their way.
Brilliant comment mate, managing as you have to turn an article about the sale of a cafe into a moan about the council and railways. Perhaps you could explain how exactly the council and Southern Rail (of all people?!) want to turn the town into Hastings? And while you'er at it maybe you could explain the relevance of this revelation to this story? Or maybe think twice about posting such predictable, idiotic non-sequiturs in the future?
my boyfriend and i met in a club then had our first 'date' at the market diner- i had a cheese sandwich and he had the Gutbuster at 3am! still together after 3 years! hope someone buys it and keeps it going
my boyfriend and i met in a club then had our first 'date' at the market diner- i had a cheese sandwich and he had the Gutbuster at 3am! still together after 3 years! hope someone buys it and keeps it going
Posted by: sc, Slough-Vegas on 8:49am Thu 22 May 08
[quote][bold]Johnny B[/bold] wrote:
Planned redevelopment, we know what that means, a load of yuppies from London buying properties nearby and then complaining that the noise from the MD is a nuisance and getting it closed down, no wonder the present owners are selling up...[/quote] In the country we call them townies. They move from in from the town and then complain about the noise the cows make when they moo and try to get them banned.
Johnny B wrote:
Planned redevelopment, we know what that means, a load of yuppies from London buying properties nearby and then complaining that the noise from the MD is a nuisance and getting it closed down, no wonder the present owners are selling up...
In the country we call them townies. They move from in from the town and then complain about the noise the cows make when they moo and try to get them banned.
Posted by: Farka Humperquim on 9:10am Thu 22 May 08
I have an authentic suburu for sale which recently appeared on Police Camera Action! I know that potential buyers will be violently beating each other with whisks and the like to get hold of this number. Numerous famous people have been seen walking past this fantastic example of an electric blue Subaru, most notable was Jodie Marsh who walked by and almost touched the spoiler with her breasts.
I have an authentic suburu for sale which recently appeared on Police Camera Action! I know that potential buyers will be violently beating each other with whisks and the like to get hold of this number. Numerous famous people have been seen walking past this fantastic example of an electric blue Subaru, most notable was Jodie Marsh who walked by and almost touched the spoiler with her breasts.
Posted by: Andrew, Patcham on 9:21am Thu 22 May 08
[quote][bold]Leroy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]A-Dam[/bold] wrote: Anything dubbed a "Brighton Institution" has had its coffin nailed. Look at the West Pier. Ten more years and this place will be Hastings if the council and Southern Rail have their way.[/quote] Brilliant comment mate, managing as you have to turn an article about the sale of a cafe into a moan about the council and railways. Perhaps you could explain how exactly the council and Southern Rail (of all people?!) want to turn the town into Hastings? And while you'er at it maybe you could explain the relevance of this revelation to this story? Or maybe think twice about posting such predictable, idiotic non-sequiturs in the future?[/quote] What's "[bold]non-sequiturs[/bold] "?
Is that some new fancy way of pruning a rose bush?
Leroy wrote:
A-Dam wrote: Anything dubbed a "Brighton Institution" has had its coffin nailed. Look at the West Pier. Ten more years and this place will be Hastings if the council and Southern Rail have their way.
Brilliant comment mate, managing as you have to turn an article about the sale of a cafe into a moan about the council and railways. Perhaps you could explain how exactly the council and Southern Rail (of all people?!) want to turn the town into Hastings? And while you'er at it maybe you could explain the relevance of this revelation to this story? Or maybe think twice about posting such predictable, idiotic non-sequiturs in the future?
What's "non-sequiturs "?
Is that some new fancy way of pruning a rose bush?
Posted by: Gino, Portslade on 10:48am Thu 22 May 08
Ahh, Friday nights after Transister at the Pavilion Tavern in the 90s...straight on to either the dodgy fried chicken shop next door or the MD for the famous Gutbuster (or just a plate of chips if you'd spent all your money and needed to save some for the cab home). Elvis playing in the background, various bits of the menu on those fluorescent orange "flashes". I can't keep my eyes open past midnight now, but those were the days!
Ahh, Friday nights after Transister at the Pavilion Tavern in the 90s...straight on to either the dodgy fried chicken shop next door or the MD for the famous Gutbuster (or just a plate of chips if you'd spent all your money and needed to save some for the cab home). Elvis playing in the background, various bits of the menu on those fluorescent orange "flashes". I can't keep my eyes open past midnight now, but those were the days!
[quote][bold]mick[/bold] wrote:
as a 24hr plumber i used this place from the 70s, however when we were working on the palace peir in the 80s they used to make us a "blockbuster" 2 of everything on 2 plates, with 2 cups of rosie named after our drainage business set up by me and my brother, and served allday bigger than a gut buster, problem is now have the belly to prove it[/quote] It's now the mega-buster that is double the size of the GB.
What a complete shame if the market diner does close, or that potential new owners look to seek a different clientele/new menu.
Great memories of falling out of the Gloucester, heading over road & queuing in the freezing cold or rain, having a pundit with the doormen before grabbing a cuppa splosh & GB; then getting up early doors Sunday morning to play footie!!
mick wrote:
as a 24hr plumber i used this place from the 70s, however when we were working on the palace peir in the 80s they used to make us a "blockbuster" 2 of everything on 2 plates, with 2 cups of rosie named after our drainage business set up by me and my brother, and served allday bigger than a gut buster, problem is now have the belly to prove it
It's now the mega-buster that is double the size of the GB.
What a complete shame if the market diner does close, or that potential new owners look to seek a different clientele/new menu.
Great memories of falling out of the Gloucester, heading over road & queuing in the freezing cold or rain, having a pundit with the doormen before grabbing a cuppa splosh & GB; then getting up early doors Sunday morning to play footie!!
I once saw a young girl get barred from the diner after a dispute.
I remember thinking at the time "she might not realise it yet, but she's probably just made the biggest mistake of her life".
I once saw a young girl get barred from the diner after a dispute.
I remember thinking at the time "she might not realise it yet, but she's probably just made the biggest mistake of her life".
Posted by: Marc Gee, Surrenden not preston park on 1:37pm Thu 22 May 08
I had my first gut buster when i was just 7. i always used to bribe neal and alec for cigarettes and force my mates to pay for snickers bars with there cab fare home after the casino. happy dayz.
I had my first gut buster when i was just 7. i always used to bribe neal and alec for cigarettes and force my mates to pay for snickers bars with there cab fare home after the casino. happy dayz.
Posted by: Marc Gee, Herbert Road on 1:50pm Thu 22 May 08
I'd say i'm the market diners no.1 customer. I've had a tab running there for many a year. It would break my greasy, unhealthy heart to see this place go to the dogs.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate my uncle Bobby Charlton for last nights magnificent display.
P.s: Can anyone lend me a score? I'm good for it.
I'd say i'm the market diners no.1 customer. I've had a tab running there for many a year. It would break my greasy, unhealthy heart to see this place go to the dogs.
I'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate my uncle Bobby Charlton for last nights magnificent display.
Posted by: Shane Lightley, Still as tight as a ducks **** on 2:12pm Thu 22 May 08
Heath, I was wondering whether i could have that fiver off you for that fry up i cooked 10 years ago. The most expensive homemade fry up in history i think you'll agree.
Heath, I was wondering whether i could have that fiver off you for that fry up i cooked 10 years ago. The most expensive homemade fry up in history i think you'll agree.
Posted by: Jonny Bongo, BN1 on 5:51pm Thu 22 May 08
Big news...not. Businesses come and go,usually without being hyped by the town media.
Anyway,the forerunner to the Market Diner was the infamous Aqua cafe,a basement on the Old Steine.Didn't make any headlines when it closed its doors,many moons ago.
My experiences of The Market are of eating unhealthy fat-laden rubbish,but being too intoxicated to decline the seizure-on-a-plate..
.
Big news...not. Businesses come and go,usually without being hyped by the town media.
Anyway,the forerunner to the Market Diner was the infamous Aqua cafe,a basement on the Old Steine.Didn't make any headlines when it closed its doors,many moons ago.
My experiences of The Market are of eating unhealthy fat-laden rubbish,but being too intoxicated to decline the seizure-on-a-plate..
.
Posted by: ronaldo, essex somewhere on 7:15pm Thu 22 May 08
ahh the memories meet in shades the druids the sussex dr brightons then to the zodiac west street then to the market for amazing munchies ... the best breakfasts in brighton as i remember was grahams in brunswick st hove !
ahh the memories meet in shades the druids the sussex dr brightons then to the zodiac west street then to the market for amazing munchies ... the best breakfasts in brighton as i remember was grahams in brunswick st hove !
Ah,the 'Butt-Thruster' as we called it,after a night of too many brown ales and cheap ciders.
Be very sad to see the place go.No doubt it'll be bought by some asian chap,and be turned into another expensive joke shop,selling plastic chickens and chips.Oh well.
Ah,the 'Butt-Thruster' as we called it,after a night of too many brown ales and cheap ciders.
Be very sad to see the place go.No doubt it'll be bought by some asian chap,and be turned into another expensive joke shop,selling plastic chickens and chips.Oh well.
Posted by: Toadfish McBeer, Eastbourne (but lived 3 mins uphill from the diner for many years) on 3:20pm Wed 28 May 08
Gutbuster? Pah! Why no mention of the Megabuster? I used to eat the Gutbuster as a starter before the Megabuster. And contrary to popular belief, the food is just as delicious enjoyed sober. Long live the Market Diner! The only cafe to stand up to the PC, Liberal, Tofu-munching, Tree-hugging, Fruitarian Brighton Grauniad-readers.
Gutbuster? Pah! Why no mention of the Megabuster? I used to eat the Gutbuster as a starter before the Megabuster. And contrary to popular belief, the food is just as delicious enjoyed sober. Long live the Market Diner! The only cafe to stand up to the PC, Liberal, Tofu-munching, Tree-hugging, Fruitarian Brighton Grauniad-readers.
Oh no! All those years hardening my arteries and now its coming to an end. I can no longer manage a mega-buster, but still travel down for a gutbuster on occasion. Oh well, gotta get the lads together for one final jaunt and see if I can do one more before the end of an era.
One thing that amazed me though, after finishing a gutbuster there was very little grease left on the plate - unlike most other caffs I've been in where the food would be swimming in grease.
Oh no! All those years hardening my arteries and now its coming to an end. I can no longer manage a mega-buster, but still travel down for a gutbuster on occasion. Oh well, gotta get the lads together for one final jaunt and see if I can do one more before the end of an era.
One thing that amazed me though, after finishing a gutbuster there was very little grease left on the plate - unlike most other caffs I've been in where the food would be swimming in grease.
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