Princess Diana’s Goddaughter Opens a Welcoming Pub for Charity That Makes a Difference

Princess Diana and Domenica Lawson.
Credit :

Anwar Hussein/Getty; Team Domenica

NEED TO KNOW

• Princess Diana’s goddaughter Domenica Lawson, 30, is helping launch a new charity-run pub in Brighton aimed at training young adults with learning disabilities for careers in hospitality.
• The venue is the latest initiative from Team Domenica, founded by her mother, Rosa Monckton, to enhance employment opportunities.
• Diana played a significant role in supporting Monckton during Domenica’s early years, and the charity has evolved from a single café to multiple businesses serving around 100 trainees.

In 2016, Domenica Lawson, goddaughter of Princess Diana, expressed her commitment to making a difference while working in a seaside café designed to provide real-world experience for individuals with learning disabilities.

Nearly a decade later, the charity established in her honor, Team Domenica, continues to expand its mission. Its latest venture, a pub named The North Star, opened its doors on December 4 in Brighton. Domenica welcomed supporters and friends on opening night, including her aunt, chef Nigella Lawson.

Born with Down syndrome, Domenica is the inspiration for Team Domenica, an organization founded by her mother, Rosa Monckton, aimed at helping young adults with learning disabilities gain the confidence and skills necessary for employment.

Rosa Monckton and Domenica Lawson open The North Star on Dec. 4, 2025.

Chenying Cannell

Located in Brighton, The North Star follows a series of cafés and a coffee roastery established to give young people opportunities for meaningful employment.

“We named it The North Star because we guide them into work and are a constant support even after they are employed,” Monckton stated.

At the opening, Lawson remarked, "May it shine brightly as a pub, as it is tonight. And may those who train and work here shine brightly too.”

She emphasized that Team Domenica not only focuses on finding employment but also fosters a sense of belonging and community. “What I believe in are good food and the community,” she added.

Standing behind the bar, Lawson humorously referenced her “Pat Butcher moment," a nod to a character from the British soap EastEnders. She expressed her admiration for the young people’s hard work, stating, “I am amazed at how quickly everyone has come together to make this beautiful place.”

Nigella Lawson helps open The North Star pub.

Chenying Cannell

Both Lawson and actress Marisa Abela, known for her portrayal of Amy Winehouse in a recent biopic, have been announced as the first patrons of Team Domenica. Monckton shared that Domenica will be actively working at the pub.

Abela expressed her enthusiasm for her ambassador role: "When I first met Rosa, I was inspired by her passion for this important cause. Meeting Domenica deepened that inspiration."

The North Star pub launch party in December 2025.

Chenying Cannell

In her closing remarks, Abela noted how the city of Brighton is enriched by the presence of the pub and the friendships formed there.

Princess Diana, who passed away in 1997 when Domenica was two, was a steadfast support for Monckton and her family during their early years.

“She said, ‘Believe in her, love her, and I’ll be there every step of the way,’” Monckton recounted, reflecting on Diana’s involvement in their lives.

Domenica Lawson and her mother Rosa Monckton in 2019.

Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

Now a member of the House of Lords, Rosa Monckton believes the demands of the hospitality industry align well with the training needs of Team Domenica’s participants.

Since its inception, the organization has evolved dramatically from training 20 candidates at its first café to helping approximately 100 students across three cafés and a coffee roastery. The North Star marks the next chapter in this journey.

“We are now a recognized special education needs college, and we are eager to expand training opportunities further,” Lady Monckton stated.

Domenica actively participates in the organization, working several days a week at the cafés and will be on duty to welcome guests at the grand opening.

The North Star pub in Brighton, U.K.

Natasa Leonie

The project has gained backing from partner businesses, including trustee Gavin George, co-founder and former CEO of The Laine Pub Company.

“We aimed to create a warm, elevated, and stylish environment that our candidates and the city could be proud of,” he remarked.

In this venture, The North Star is set to provide high-quality food, beverages, and service, all provided by the young people trained under the expert guidance of hospitality professionals. The initiative aims to equip candidates with the hands-on experience necessary for meaningful employment, with training sessions scheduled to begin in the new year.