Meet Catherine Clifford, Managing Partner at one of Eastbourne’s oldest and finest hotels, The Lansdowne. From overseeing strategic planning and interior design to ensuring every guest feels at home, Catherine’s role combines creativity with precision. Read on to discover a day in the life of Catherine as she shares the highs, challenges, and unique charm of running one of Eastbourne’s most beloved hotels.
How long have you worked at The Lansdowne?
I have worked at The Lansdowne for 20 years.
What does your job involve?
My role involves strategic planning, hotel interior design, and refurbishment.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
Balancing guest expectations, learning the needs and personal business goals in an industry that never stops!
What’s been the best advice given to you?
Never lose sight of the guest experience while managing the business side of operations.
What’s the best part of your job? And least favourite?
The best part is making the hotel look beautiful with a home-from-home feel that can be appreciated by all. Least favourite… It can be like painting the Fourth Bridge – once you finish, you have to go back to the start again!
What’s your favourite dish on the menu at the moment?
Grilled octopus and chorizo with charred vegetables, new potatoes and salsa verde.
What are the catering options for delegates?
We take a flexible approach to the packages we offer our delegates. Food can be served either in the meeting
room or in our restaurant. Our events manager will be happy to provide a full overview of the available options.
Do you have a favourite meeting room and why?
I love our Lawns Room. It’s incredibly versatile, with beautiful décor, plenty of natural light, and fantastic sea views.
What’s been the most memorable event held at your venue?
For our 110th anniversary, we welcomed many loyal guests, along with new and local businesses, councillors, and of course, our hotel family.
What can a 24‑hr delegate do in their downtime?
There’s so much to do right on our doorstep. You can enjoy walking or running along the promenade
and up to Beachy Head. Theatres and the Towner Art Gallery are just a two -minute walk away, and Little Chelsea offers unique shops, coffee shops, and bars.
What do you do in your downtime?
I enjoy paddleboarding, playing padel, hot yoga, going to the gym, walking, and playing the piano.
Why should an event organiser pick your venue?
If you want to come somewhere where you value excellent customer service, beautiful, well-kept public
areas and bedrooms, a fantastic restaurant, and the best location in Eastbourne, then The Lansdowne really does tick all those boxes!
Discover how The Lansdowne can elevate your next event.
With seven versatile meeting spaces for up to 90 delegates, stunning sea views, flexible catering, and a location that brings both work and leisure together, Catherine and her team are ready to make your event unforgettable.
Book now with Findmeaconference:
Fot more info and T&Cs, visit our website or contact our team:
01775 843410
enquires@findmeaconference.com