Mar 12th, 2011 by admin No Comments »
The sun’s feeling particularly warm this morning, the air the sweetest of the year and we’re skipping around the kitchen preparing breakfasts with beaming smiles – we’ve just been voted Number 1 in this morning’s Independent‘s Top 50 B&Bs!
Better dash – the sausages need turning….
Mar 7th, 2011 by admin No Comments »
Great guest-list here over the last few days, surely confirming our position as Eastbourne’s most accommodating bed and breakfast - including a farmer, his dog and several sheep. All in the same room.
My toddler son is often very fond of our guests, particularly when they love dancing as much as him. Thankfully, the cast of Shaun’s Big Show, running recently at the nearby Devonshire Park Theatre were both generous and enthusiastic, offering us tickets for a performance and impromptu dance lessons in our kitchen.
The childless amongst you might not have stumbled upon Shaun the Sheep, but few parents will be unaware of the slapstick animation, straight from the Nick Parke/Ardman flock and, more importantly, his ability to capture kids’ attention whilst offering an irreverent angle to keep the oldies entertained.
Happily the TV show and its characters have translated well to the stage – sufficiently well to engage my little man for an hour and a half with a plot based around dancing sheep, which is frankly astonishing. Thank you very much indeed.
The theatrical roll-call has been gathering momentum – several of the Hairspray crowd were here over recent weeks and whilst Mickey Dolenz, returning as one of the leads, wasn’t staying here he was out on the town with the cast. Davy Jones, fellow Monkee, was also around apparently for one particularly heavy session in Eastbourne which ended with karaokee in a local pub. How much would you have paid to have seen it – Davy Jones, up with a mic, singing Daydream Believer. Nice touch!
Feb 14th, 2011 by admin No Comments »
New Government and and a new tack on tourism.
How do you choose your hotel, bed and breakfast or indeed any short-break accommodation – Check their website? Look for feedback? Ask a friend?
The Government, it seems, is potentially disbanding the official star-rating system that many (surely most of us?) use as a simple reference point when setting out on a search. We instinctively trust its objectivity, whilst recognising the limitations of categorising properties into just five bands. At its simplest, we don’t expect a carpeted bathroom if we book a four-star hotel nor march to reception if we have to share a bunk-room in a one-star hostel. It hardly sorts the wheat from the chaff, but at least it narrows the field.
Consumer voice alone is set to become all-powerful, with the like of TripAdvisor and other consumer review websites apparently offering more accurate information than the stars allocated by VisitBritain.
As a businessman I applaud reduced bureaucracy and as a hotelier recognise the value of positive, speedy feedback and openly display the TripAdvisor reviews received for The Guesthouse East on my homepage. I also appreciate the potential flaws; the malicious responses, underhand reviews from competitors and downright subjectivity. I would never base a decision that can fundamentally affect the success of a holiday on a consumer review alone.
Maybe I should sit back and wait for the Tourism Strategy from the Department for Media, Culture and Sports to be announced. Or maybe I should prime my mother for a glowing report on my accommodation…..
Let me know what you think.
Jan 24th, 2011 by admin No Comments »
I think I’m reasonably fit. My pasty chicken legs go vaguely whizzy when on two wheels and have been known to break into an occasional canter when confronted with hilly green bits, but even I had to gulp when considering the sporting opportunities hitting Eastbourne this year.
The 2011 Beachy Head marathon takes place on October 22 and will provide arguably the most scenic 26-miler of the year and certainly the most gruelling. 
We’re always full of runners and their families for the marathon weekend, drawn to our Eastbourne self catering and B&B accommodation by our sporting heritage and carbo-loading breakfasts, but even aware of the inevitable comeraderie over porridge in the dining room and the reviving hands of the masseur we offer our guests here, I just can’t quite find the dedication to fill in the application form.
I regularly run some of the course, with the finale a death-defying vertical mudslide onto the Eastbourne side of Beachy Head. I was amazed at the finish of last year’s event to see how everyone bombs down in a fit of enthusiasm over exhaustion. Whilst I simply look to tentatively traverse across in survival mode. The last time I tried anything resembling a stright line down I hit a wet patch, over-compensated and went head-first into a roll, retrieving my composure with a commando roll straight back onto 2 feet and away again in a joyous vision of fluidity, to a gentle round of appause from the cafe at the base of the hill.
If challenging yourself amongst spectactular scenery is what makes you tick you might also want to consider Endurancelife. Their Coastal Trail Series showcases some of the most exhilarating sections of the UK coastline with the toughest trail running series on offer. The eighth leg, Sussex, takes place around Beachy Head and Birling gap on March 26 this year, with 10k, half- and full marathons available, but irrespective of length expect an undulating route, with expansive views and an unforgetable experience.
If two wheels are more your bag why not take a look at the Eastbourne Cyclosportive, taking place on May 22, with entry now open for three routes.
The Cyclosportive is part of the Eastbourne Cycling Festival, a weekend of cycling events based on the seafront. It won’t be all lycra and inappropriate shorts – family rides will also be available as well as the time trials and road racing.
So, some pretty hardcore action on offer. Stay at The Guesthouse East and get prepared – on a Wednesday night enjoy the regular running club night with The Running Inn (as well as this red-faced ginger author) or perhaps a Friday night Circuits session with (Iron) Mike Ovens – let’s not hear any excuses about not being ready for it…..
Jan 22nd, 2011 by admin No Comments »
It seems like yonks since the filming took place for Brighton Rock (here in Eastbourne last Winter) but momentum behind the forthcoming release is building nicely, with an article in the Telegraph magazine recently.
The new adaptation of Graham Greene’s 1938 novel features a heavyweight cast including Helen Mirren as Ida, the tearoom proprietress, John Hurt, the late Pete Postlethwaite, Andrea Riseborough and Sam Riley, best known for his portayal of Ian Curtis in Contol, the 2007 biopic about the band Joy Division.
Tim Fox Evans, our friend and photographer, took some wonderful shots of the filming from one of our suites here at The Guesthouse East and on the Eastbourne seafront, which I’ve held back until the promotional work has started.
This interpretation is directed by Rowen Joffe who went back to the original novel and has been able to ‘put back some of the darker and more perverse violence and sensuality that the book is shot through with’, according to the Telegraph interview. Can’t wait….
Eastbourne was home for much of the shooting – the retained period features and old school pier were the perfect backdrop (with Brighton simply too busy and modernised).
I can’t wait for the release and the chance to see this director’s perspective of both the novel and setting.
Jan 19th, 2011 by admin No Comments »
It’s taken a couple of days to recover from the sleep deprivation and liver damage but I can now bask in the memories from the weekend – when we were taken over for a group holiday and a 40th birthday celebration.
The combination of group travel and accommodation may well cause some to break out in a cold sweat (psychological scarring from ski chalets circa 1990, perhaps?) but thankfully we were able to offer enough space, autonomy and flexibility to keep everyone happy, particularly the birthday boy who seemed to revel in the dual roles of head chef for 16 (great Eton mess!) and games host (Who wants to be a millionnaire will never be the same again…). 
Thankfully the bracing walk along the prom on the Sunday morning cleared the heads and allowed the toddlers to run riot.
If you’re looking for accommodation for a friends and family break you might want to give us a thought – free reign over a large kitchen and dining room, 7 lovely suites sleeping up to 18 and the beach at the end of the road. Job done. Just don’t tell the guys the organising was so easy.
Jan 7th, 2011 by admin No Comments »
VAT’s gone up. Inflation is following suit. Job cuts are in the air and it would appear that Britain is battening down the hatches. Thank goodness no one seems to be telling our guests.
A busy Christmas and New Year here at The Guesthouse East with a typically eclectic guestlist; escapees chrerishing life away from London, a writer seeking inspiration, stranded transatlantic travellers and a number enjoying festive visits to family locally in Eastbourne, but equally finding delight in the space (and tranquility….) of their suites.
I felt a pang of guilt yesterday suggesting to a lovely couple that the clear blue skies they could witness from the breakfast table made for perfect viewing at Beachy Head so off they walked. Straight into a downpour. Sorry guys. At least you got to enjoy the warmth and creativity of the latest exhibition at the Towner Gallery – Tamoaki Suzuki’s only solo event in the UK this year, featuring his figurative sculptures. Well worth a visit, especially if you’re slightly damp.
And if you need some plain old economic encouragement to visit this month how about the offer of a free night? Stay for two nights and get the third night free. Crazy, indeed. It’s the least we can do when times are tough.
Call me on 01323 722774 to book your slot now.
Dec 13th, 2010 by admin No Comments »
Health and Safety would have had a fit seeing me stumble blindly around in the unlit loft searching for the decorations but we’re almost set up for Christmas in Eastbourne at The Guesthouse East. Almost - half the lights have gone AWOL since being packed, the sherry is already drunk (well, it was my duty to sample the bottle to ensure it was appropriately delicious for guests) and my back has barely recovered from the recent snow-shovelling (which would have melted overnight anyway).
While I’m still firmly entrenched in bah-humbug mode, it seems others are being far more proactive – we’ve been persuaded to offer vouchers to stay here for Christmas gifts, so if you are stuck for ideas there is still time for us to personalise a voucher for you for as little as £70 for a night’s stay for two people. Surely a better idea than a dressing gown and bath salts??
If you can’t stomach giving away such delights can I suggest a getaway for you? We still have suites available for Christmas itself – and we have a frankly Ker-razy December offer, giving away a free night when you book two. I know, bonkers. Call 01323 722774 now to book.
Nov 15th, 2010 by admin No Comments »
You really never know who might be sitting alongside you for breakfast here.
We’re both sociable types and I guess our personalities have been reflected in the Wagamama-style communal dining table. So although we offer self-catering facilities in every suite and, indeed, breakfast in your own room (well, you’re on holiday after all…) many people choose the social option.
In recent times we’ve been taken over by cheerleaders (with 2000 in Eastbourne overall including family) so ringlets and pom poms were the order of the day (many congratulations to the Gold medal winners who stayed with us for the weekend!). Matt, a sky-dive instructor, was here for the best part of a week and this weekend a lovely crowd had the run of the place for a Christian conference. The Congress, Winter Garden and Devonshire Park theatres are just a few minutes walk away so we’re perfectly located for the events which alway draw an interesting, international and eclectic crowd.
Unfortunately I’m hidden away as the kitchen hand so miss most of the breakfast banter and my menial tasks continued today, as general lackey to a variety of tradesmen who are currently refurbing the place. At least you can get to experience the benefits either through the near-legendary porridge or sparkly bathrooms.
Oct 21st, 2010 by admin No Comments »
Sometimes it takes a trip away to fully appreciate what you have. Even when your destination happens to be a prestigious hotel in the beautiful Dovedale in the Derbyshire Peak District. As a full blown outdoor devotee, I can recognise and savour dramatic peaks and ruggedness as much as the next man (many thanks btw to the delightful newlyweds and friends who provided the backdrop, band and pinot noir – a wonderful occasion x).
With a family to return to, not to mention kayak, fishing rod and accommodating sea bass, my right foot was decidedly heavy on the accelerator returning south down the M1 on Sunday morning.
Whenever I stay in another hotel my eyes are inevitably drawn to a dusty shelf in the bedroom or taste buds sensitive to over-salted scrambled eggs.
Perhaps I should simply remain in situ here at The Guesthouse East, if not for hyper-critical hotelier eyes or withdrawal symptoms from Beachy Head but for the threat of being usurped as the host with the most – most recently by friends Ruth and Miles (above) last weekend who helped out, delivering hospitality, childcare and culinary offerings to frankly unparalleled levels.