Devonshire Quarter in Running for Top Tourism Award

15th February 2021

The Devonshire Quarter is in the running for a top tourism award, after being announced as a finalist in the prestigious 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, first class service and ethical management.

The venue’s Stage Door pub and DQ Terrace Bar & Café are also enjoying a slice of success after picking up Commended in their respective Pub of the Year and Restaurant, Café & Tearoom of the Year categories, placing 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 announced at a virtual awards ceremony on 4 March.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister 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-sensored lighting system, level access and energy efficient glazing.  It’s sensitive restoration of the Grade II* listed Congress Theatre also garnered 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.

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.

The Conference Eastbourne team are available to discuss advance bookings for all business events, private functions and weddings, with site visits and 360˚tours online of some facilities.

For more information telephone 01323 415437 or visit www.ConferenceEastbourne.com.