Hart

The Hart was first built as a “Gentleman’s hotel” in 1875, and was formally known as The Hartington Hotel. So named after Spencer Cavendish, the 8th Duke of Devonshire and Marquess of Hartington, whose nickname was “Harty Tarty” due to his somewhat unconventional private life.

The Dukes of Devonshire owned most of the land on which Eastbourne was built, and the plot the The Hart stands on was purchased from the Devonshire estate, on what was then called North Street.

Over the last 150 years the building has undergone many transformations, the last being in 2006 when a major refurbishment resulted in the building we see today.

The Hart appears always to have been the main LGBTQ+ venue in the town and since 2003 the business has been owned and operated by two business partners, Andrew and Gary.