AS we slowly edge towards the sunshine and promise of summer, it feels like the perfect time to shine a light on some fresh and exciting additions to our town centre.
One of my favourite parts of this role is seeing new businesses open their doors in Eastbourne and this past quarter has been particularly vibrant.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
First up, foodies, you’re in for a treat! There’s a wave of new restaurants bringing their own flavour to the town. If you’ve visited Eastbourne recently, you may have spotted Turkuaz, a traditional Turkish restaurant that’s already gathering a loyal following. With five-star reviews praising their delicious dishes and standout service, it’s a place where attention to detail really matters. Whether you’re after a special moussaka or a flavourful mezze platter, Turkuaz is making its mark.
Bangers & Mash is bringing a hearty slice of Britain to our plates. Officially opened in mid-April, this café-restaurant focuses on the classics—think traditional English breakfasts, satisfying sandwiches, omelettes, and of course, sausages and mash! Owner Georgios Mouratidis puts it simply: “Whether you’re joining us for a delightful breakfast to start your day or for a satisfying lunch, we promise delicious dishes and a cosy atmosphere.” Sounds like the perfect pitstop, whether you’re a local or just visiting.
In Little Chelsea, there’s something for those with a competitive streak too. The Darts Den has opened on South Street. They’ve got a clever ‘try before you buy’ setup, so you can test out darts in one of their three lanes. Want to bring the gang? They’ve got private room hire with auto-scoring systems that take care of the math while you focus on your aim. With the recent success of young dart champion Luke Littler, who knows—maybe Eastbourne’s next big talent is just warming up right here!
Meanwhile, over on Grove Road, board games are taking centre stage at The Dice Box. With more than 500 games to choose from, this new board game café is fast becoming a social hub. They’ve got food, drinks, and a welcoming space where anyone—total newbie or tabletop veteran—can roll the dice and join in. Keep an eye out for their regular social gaming nights every other Thursday. It’s the perfect excuse to unplug and connect with friends old and new.
Now, a quick update on our town centre stats—because they’re worth celebrating. Each quarter, Your Eastbourne BID carries out a shop occupancy survey, and as of now, we’re proud to report that Eastbourne’s occupancy rate is sitting just below 94%. That’s significantly above the national average of 86%, and a real testament to the strength and resilience of our local business community. So to all the new faces in town—welcome! We’re so glad you’re here.
Speaking of familiar faces, The Belgian Café has reopened after a refurbishment, just in time for the warmer months. Situated on the corner of Terminus Road and Grand Parade in Victoria Place, it’s a long-standing favourite for many. Their updated space is ready to welcome guests with all the old favourites: seafood platters, oysters, and daily specials. Plus, they’re serving up themed evenings—from fondue to seafood and wine pairings.
The Belgian Café is also home to something rather special: their own microbrewery. Add in live music from local performers and a menu of handcrafted cocktails, and you’ve got the perfect summer hangout.
Last but definitely not least, let me tell you about The Collaborative Canvas. Nestled in the Enterprise Shopping Centre, this Community Interest Company is all about art and wellbeing. They offer workshops in water-based media where the only requirement is a willingness to have a go. No experience necessary! It’s a calm, welcoming space where people of all ages can create, connect, and find a little artistic joy.
They also do incredible work with young people through Arts Award—a programme that helps 11 to 25-year-olds explore their creativity while earning an accredited qualification. Whether it’s one-to-one sessions or small group tutorials, it’s inspiring to see how art can make such a positive impact.
So, whether you’re in the mood for great food, a game night, a bit of healthy competition, or a mindful art session, Eastbourne is buzzing with new reasons to get out and explore. Let’s continue supporting our local businesses!
