Future of Eastbourne hotels under threat as Shearings owner collapses into administration

EY, the administrator to Specialist Leisure Group (SLG), confirmed that 2,500 people, who had previously been furloughed under the government's job retention scheme, have now been made redundant.

SLG's operations include Bay Hotels, which runs the Bay Burlington Hotel and the Bay Majestic Hotel in Eastbourne.

In a statement on the Bay Hotels website, it was revealed that all tours, cruises, holidays and hotel breaks booked with SLG have been cancelled and 'will not be rescheduled'. All hotels trading as Bay Hotels, Coast & Country Hotels and Country Living Hotels will not reopen.

The notice added: "The Specialist Leisure Group operated several businesses that sold holidays and other travel arrangements under the following brand names, which have all ceased to trade, due to the impact of COVID-19."

Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC) said it is 'very sad and worrying news' for all the staff, adding: "The closure of Shearings is clearly added concern for hoteliers and local businesses that welcomed their customers."

Have you read?: ‘Period of uncertainty’ expected in Eastbourne after collapse of Shearings puts hotels under threat

EBC said, that while the loss of a holiday operator is 'very regrettable', it remained confident that 'millions of visitors' will continue to choose the town ahead of other UK and international destinations.

A spokesperson added: "Looking ahead, both hotels occupy highly sought after locations on our world class seafront and will undoubtedly be of great interest to a wide range of prospective purchasers.

"For over 150 years, Eastbourne has welcomed holidaymakers to the town and as a consequence boasts an extremely robust and mixed tourism economy.

"We benefit from a natural and built environment that is second to none, record sunshine hours, the best events calendar outside of London and theatres that host West End shows throughout the year."

Are you a member of staff or customer at Bay Burlington Hotel and the Bay Majestic Hotel? Share your experiences by emailing [email protected].

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