A few centuries later, theatre and dining was still popular amongst the Victorians. Crowded taverns and dinner rooms thick with smoke were partitioned off into boxes, so parties could chat in privacy whilst enjoying meat, fish and wine before heading off to theatre. The Victorians loved theatre as an exploration of society, morality and everything in between: it was still well-attended by those of every social class, for whomst it wouldn’t have been a matter of pomp, just a popular afternoon activity.
Eastbourne was part of this history, with our local The Devonshire Park Theatre (a 5 minute walk from the Lansdowne) considered to be one of the best surviving small Victorian theatres. Although dinner and a show might have been a much more commonplace activity in 1884 than today, you can still play your part in the long tradition of restaurant and the theatre by dining at our 1912 restaurant before your show.
When you show us your theatre ticket, we’ll offer you 15% off at our restaurant. We’ll be sure that your meal arrives to leave you with plenty of time to attend your show, while you enjoy splendid fare from our seasonal menu.
If you’d like the show to go on after you’ve left the theatre, we also offer accommodation packages so you can make a night of it from only £185. We’ll welcome you to your stay with a glass of Rathfinny English sparkling wine on arrival, where you can settle into your room then tuck into some of our quality fare at our1912 Seafood & Steak Restaurant* (*£30 per person allocation towards dinner, food only) before heading to your show. Sleep soundly to the waves of the ocean, then enjoy breakfast the following morning.
Feeling inspired for a trip to the theatre? See what’s on at the aforementioned Devonshire Park theatre or see what’s on at the Congress or Winter Garden theatre. Be sure to book ahead for a showstopper of a stay.
Nature is very important to us at the Lansdowne Hotel. Every day we are intimately reminded of our place in the natural world by our view of the changing tides.
Explore the spectacle and centuries old tradition of Eastbourne theatre life.
There’s plenty to do in our seaside home over this season: so kick up some coppery leaves and let us take you on a winding wander of what’s on in Eastbourne this Autumn.
