Tourism Award Chance For Eastbourne—Despite Fall In Visitors

Despite the great uncertainty about tourism in the last twelve months, Eastbourne's Devonshire Quarter is in the running for what the borough council calls "a top tourism award".

It's been declared a finalist in the "Beautiful South" awards.

One of three places across the region shortlisted in the Business Events Venue of the Year category, the venue managed by Conference Eastbourne, has been selected for its conference facilities and what are being called "first class service and ethical management".

Additionally, the venue's Stage Door pub and DQ Terrace Bar & Café received "Commended" in their respective Pub of the Year and Restaurant, Café & Tearoom of the Year categories.

The decision placed them within the top four pubs and top five eateries across the south east.

Organised by Tourism South East, the awards celebrate outstanding tourism businesses across the region, with the winners to be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on 4 March. 

Councillor Margaret Bannister is responsible for tourism and enterprise on Eastbourne Borough Council.

She said:

"This is wonderful news and a huge testament to the incredible work which has gone into the redevelopment of our conference facilities and the tireless efforts of our Conference team in both welcoming and supporting new business events.

"The Commended awards for both the Stage Door pub and DQ Café are also the icing on the cake, and to receive this award within just 12 months of opening the café, really is a superb achievement."

The Devonshire Quarter conference, sporting and entertainment complex has undergone a £54 million transformation in recent years.  

The extensive redevelopment includes the 1,655 seater Congress Theatre auditorium, one of the largest in the south east, along with the Devonshire Park Theatre, Winter Garden, International Lawn Tennis Centre, and the addition of the Locker Room meeting facilities and new Welcome Building with state-of-the-art exhibition halls, café, outdoor plaza and breakout space.

The transformation included a number of improved accessibility and sustainable measures from solar panel generated electricity to a motion-sensing lighting system, level access and energy efficient glazing.

A restoration of the Grade II* listed Congress Theatre received a Sussex Heritage Trust award late last year.

Due to government guidance, the facilities are currently only available for business, educational and training events for up to 30 people, which are deemed essential and cannot be delayed or held online.  

The Covid secure venue has both COVID-Ready and Good to Go accreditation with extra measures in place to maintain safety.

According to the borough council, the DQ Terrace Bar & Café is currently open daily from 9.30am - 3pm for takeaway only and the Stage Door pub reopens with a takeaway and delivery service from Wednesdays to Sundays from 3 February.