Morgan Fabulous chats with Tony Lupton, one-third of the business trio who now run The Amsterdam Bar and Kitchen on Marine Parade.
Tony grew up in Hammersmith, London, and arrived in Brighton six years ago via Suffolk where he lived and worked for five years.
He took over the Amsterdam in January this year with his two business partners, dropping its previous name ‘A Bar’ and renaming it The Amsterdam Bar and Kitchen’. The bar is open to everybody and offers a welcoming, friendly environment to relax in whatever the time of day.
When the management changed in January so did the decor. They brightened the interior up with new lighting and a fresher feel. Outside they are continuing to do work on the terrace, with new plants and lighting to make it a more inviting place to sit and take in the sun. The large terrace is without a doubt one of the best places on Brighton seafront to spend a summer’s afternoon, or hot summers night sipping a G&T from their Gin menu which supports local brands, and ideal if you are a smoker.
Even though the venue has been part of Brighton’s gay scene for a long time now, the new refurbishment gives the bar a fresh feel and continues to be a vibrant and welcoming part of the Brighton scene.
With drag acts, karaoke and quiz nights The Amsterdam Bar and Kitchen welcomes all clientele from local glitterati to out-of-town hen parties! They also offer the venue up for charity events and are currently selling fabulous sparkling t-shirts, which are great for pride, in aid of the Sussex Beacon and planning charity events for the future.
As is the case with many people in the hospitality trade, Tony was drawn in by the social aspect of the job and loves getting to know his customers and meeting new people.
After a career in advertising, he was asked to run the hospitality sector in a film studio at Twickenham Film Studios. He went on to run a pub in rural Suffolk before moving to Brighton where he managed The Farm Cafe in the North Lanes with business partner Chris, who is now also his business partner at the Amsterdam Bar and Kitchen along with Pete the chef.
Tony’s says his biggest achievement has been losing weight, and he now tries to keep as fit and healthy as possible. He enjoys exercise and walking his dogs and has made sure The Amsterdam Bar and Kitchen is very dog friendly!
His favourite drink is Gin and tonic (with Tom Cat – my favourite local gin!), his favourite movie is Personal Services with Julie Waters and his favourite book is Cynthia Payne’s autobiography An English Madam.