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….

The kayak has looked rather forlorn in the lobby recently following the latest family addition and the inevitable lack of opportunity to hit the water in Eastbourne. Two guests here took pity on it and gave it a run-out thankfully, facing the wrath of the lifeguards and launching in the no-go swimming-only zone, the little devils.

Not traditional Eastbourne B&B owners, perhaps

Having limited time for fun has meant new fitness tactics – snorkelling. Sadly my inept swimming has already led to a near miss by the groynes and an embarrassing beaching episode but at least it entertains the sunbathers.

We can be grateful the constant sunshine of the last few weeks has warmed up the sea a little. Not that the stream of family and friends have been tempted.  The beach-side cafe has some sort of magnetic hold.

If you fancy a stay at our boutique B&B in Eastbourne give us a call on 01323 722774 or check out the suites here

Refreshing is one word for it. Let’s just say I needed the wetsuit for the inaugural swim of the year. And a bowl of steaming soup on my return. But the blood is certainly flowing again and we’re back in fine fettle after a hectic few weeks here at The Guesthouse East B&B in Eastbourne.

Swiss, French, Thai. Management consultants, teachers, designers. Young families, romancing couples and businessmen.  You can’t say it’s a bland crowd here. We’re completely taken over this Saturday night by an ecletic mix of walkers after the rigours of the South Downs Way. Better put some porridge on.

We still have some suites available for this Friday – self catering or bed and breakfast – and the chance to take advantage of my ‘Name your price!’ promotion. I’ve just had a lovely lady book on the phone who was obviously a bit embarrssed to  make an offer but delighted with the result. I suggest you give it a go too – on 01323 722774

….but this Eastbourne hotelier is on the verge of feeling festive. Maybe it also has something  to do with the barrage of signs advertising the Jack and the Beanstalk  production at Devonshire Park Theatre which kicks off this Friday. Apparently, it stars Emma Barton from Eastenders (currently enjoying fame as Roxie Hart in Chicago in the West End, I gather) and all manner of classic panto high campness. Fee fi fo fum indeed.

And if you’re on the razzle dazzle in Eastbourne over the Christmas and New Year period can I suggest that you leave the car at home, waive the extortionate cab fare and simply crash over here at The Guesthouse East - we’re very central (just a few minutes from the theatres and resturants), have comforting thick and fluffy duvets and I promise that my full English will set you on the road to recovery the next day.  Give me a call on 01323 722774 to book one of our suites.

lastminute.com top 10 travel blogs - The Guesthouse East is apparently helping to modernise Eastbourne – the face of new Eastbourne accommodation maybe?

The Guesthouse East , the pioneering Eastbourne b&b,  has teamed up with English Vine Tours  to offer a weekend to remember in October.

The Guesthouse East, which offers chic but comfortable 4* accommodation, has won awards thanks to it’s innovative  approach (with luxurious self-catering facilities whilst offering the indulgence of bed and breakfast) provides the perfect setting from which to embark on a tour of some of southern England’s finest vineyards.

English Vine Tours is a unique, locally-based company providing local and national tours, offering the opportunity to walk through the vines, understand the inner workings of a winery and taste the wines in production. With over 20 years of experience in the wine trade English Vine Tours offers a blend of wine knowledge and experience to make your wine tour both enjoyable and informative.

A 2-night package starting on Friday 23rd October is from £129 per person, with accommodation at The Guesthouse East, with Saturday spent with tours and tasting at  2 vineyards, lunch (with a glass of wine), drop off, free gift and complimentary bottle of wine.

Ring Carl at The Guesthouse East on 01323 722774 for more details or to book.