Brighton to be first site for Dirty Blonde chain

Harley said the concept could eventually roll out to five or six sites and Eclectic currently has offers made on “several” outlets.

The Publican's Morning Advertiser sister title M&C Report revealed last year that Eclectic was looking to develop the Dirty Blonde brand, aimed at the early evening market. The company plans to spend between £500,000 and £600,000 converting Madame Geisha in Brighton’s East Street into the New York-themed concept in the first quarter of 2014.

It would feature a restaurant serving street food such as hot dogs. There would be a smoking terrace and a separate Champagne bar. “We are close to Brighton and we’ve traded there a long time, and we felt it was a good starting point for us.”

Asked about further Dirty Blonde conversions, Harley said: “I will do it if it’s the right location. It could probably roll out to five or six over a period of time.”