Cost of Living or High Demand? The Delicate Balance Facing Eastbourne’s Hospitality Trade

I was very sad to hear on Monday evening that Nathan Scammell had decided to close down his restaurant in Pevensey Bay.

Nathan, 37, is an inspirational man, and I had been meeting him as he tried to make his business into the success he deserved it to be.

Alas, it was not to be – and his story made me think just how tough it is for the hospitality industry it.

Or is it?

First, back to Nathan and he took over the restaurant in Pevensey Bay in June. The village is a popular tourist destination so summer was always going to be his busiest time.

He felt that after 20 years working in retail he needed a change, but buying and then opening a restaurant in a popular seaside resort wasn’t his original plan.

After the summer, times became tough and Nathan had plans to relaunch this week as a wine bar and fine dining experience.

It was a step too far, alas it’s now closed.

So how tough is the hospitality trade?

Talk to restaurant owners and many will tell you it’s extremely tough at present. I was chatting to the wonderful Shoes last week at Glass House on Eastbourne Seafront – which she owns – and the only evenings it’s now open are Friday and Saturday. The demand isn’t there, and the running costs are high. Glass House is a wonderful restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a first class experience.

But – go out on a Friday or Saturday night, and you will see many of our restaurants full – so it’s clear the demand remains.

Yes, we are may be in a cost of living crisis, but some people – if they can afford to – are still happy to pay.

Only on Monday, we were chatting to Magnus at The Wheatsheaf, and he was talking about serving the highest quality food, and it isn’t cheap. Perhaps quality is the key word.

It’s clear that times are not easy – but it’s also clear that Eastbourne has a fantastic range of places to go out and eat.

We should be grateful to those business owners who make that possible…