Suntrap of the South
Having recently moved to Eastbourne, I am feeling as though I am on one very long holiday. Back in the 1940’s the phrase ‘Sun Trap of the South’ was used in promotional material and has stuck ever since, and is well deserved. 
When clouds hover ominously inland, the skies over Eastbourne often remain blue and the sea sparkles invitingly.
The tourist board work their socks off to organise one event after another, not a week goes by with something new to see or do. Continental food markets along the promenade are a regular feature, as well as a weekly market in town on Wednesday.
The Eastbourne Aegon Tennis Tournament grows bigger and better every year and this year runs from 22-30 June 2018. The town will be at fever pitch cheering on our very own no.1 player, Johanna Konta, an Eastbourne resident.
The iconic Grand Hotel in Eastbourne has developed a very special tennis themed afternoon tea, the perfect complement to the tournament. Their ‘Grand Slam’ cocktail of melon liquor, ginger ale and fresh lime is the perfect summer tipple. A stay at the Grand is not cheap as it is a luxury 5-star property, but it is an unforgettable experience for those special occasions.
For somewhere more affordable to stay try www.visiteastbourne.com for last minute offers and discounts.
After the tennis comes Eastbourne AirBourne arguably one of the best free shows you can find. What could be better than a picnic on the beach with a full afternoon of daring displays from the Red Arrows, Typhoon, Spitfire, Wing Walkers – the list goes on. The town draws in visitors from far and wide for the 4 days of the airshow so travel by train or bus if you can as parking can be tricky. There are park and ride services around town – check out www.eastbourneairshow.com
The historical and very pretty bandstand on the promenade has a new lease of life as a venue for almost nightly ‘tribute’ shows through the summer as well as traditional Sunday afternoon concerts and Wednesday evening ‘1812’ fireworks.
There are several theatres, the largest is the Congress which is currently undergoing extensive renovations and is closed for a while. But great productions are shown at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Hippodrome and Winter Gardens.
The Towner Art Gallery draws visitors from far and wide and showcases art from home and abroad as well as holding regular workshops for both adults and children. The Urban Ground coffee shop on the top floor is the perfect pit stop and gives great views across town to the downs.
Finally, I can recommend some great eateries that I have discovered over the last few months.
Top of my list
Pomodoro e Mozzarella, 
Italian food – family owned and great value, especially the set 2 or 3 course menus available every day except Friday and Saturday evenings.
Gr/Eat for home cooked Greek delicacies.
If you are beside the sea you must have fish and chips and it is worth walking slightly out of town to the Dolphin Fish Bar in Seaside Road.
Fancy a pub with all the old favourites, a pint of Harvey’s beer and an interesting menu? I can recommend two, The Ship Inn and The Pilot. Both are situated in Meads which is at the far western end of the town.
That’s my town – now let’s hear about yours.
