One of Eastbourne’s most historic sporting institutions, The Saffrons Sports Club, has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a traditional members-only sports club into a thriving, open, and inclusive destination for sport, leisure, and social connection.
Founded in 1886, The Saffrons has long been home to the town’s oldest and most prestigious cricket, hockey, football, and croquet clubs – each of which continues to flourish and offers free coaching to juniors.
Now, after significant investment and redevelopment, the club has expanded its offering to embrace new sports, social facilities, and a renewed sense of community purpose.
The revitalised site now features:
• Four state-of-the-art Padel
tennis courts, introducing one of
the UK’s fastest-growing sports to
Eastbourne.
• A welcoming outdoor café from
Twinn Coffee – the perfect spot
for members, visitors, and
passers-by to relax, meet friends,
or enjoy a coffee after a game.
• The Gun Brewery taproom,
offering locally brewed craft beers
in a laid-back, social setting.
While the club’s sporting heritage remains at its core, the modernised Saffrons is no longer just for members – it is a place for everyone. Friendly staff, inclusive events, and accessible social spaces have positioned the club at the very heart of Eastbourne’s community life.
@EdealSouthEast brewers working with enthusiasm and great ingredients and without the constraints of large corporations are producing delicious beers once again.
“This is a new chapter in the story of The Saffrons,” said Roger Myall, Chairman of The Saffrons Sports Club. “We’re proud of our 140-year history and our role in nurturing local sport, but we’re equally excited to welcome more people than ever before through our gates – whether they come for the cricket, hockey, padel, the café, the taproom, or simply to enjoy the atmosphere.”
The Saffrons’ blend of tradition and innovation ensures it continues to be a place where sport and community thrive side by side – honouring the past while embracing the future.
Chamber members Eastbourne Town Football Club and Eastbourne Bowls Club are delighted to welcome Padel4All and Gun Brewery to Saffron’s Sports Park.
Dave Shearing, Eastbourne Town Football Club Chairman said, “The addition of these great organisations has really developed the sports park.
“Padel tennis is attracting a new client base and Gun are providing excellent cask and keg beers to keep everyone well hydrated!”
About Gun Brewery
Over the past few years, there has been a quiet revolution in the way people drink and make beer. Small Gun Brewery are part of that movement. Their aim is simple; inspired by brewing styles both old and new, to make great beer, using the best ingredients. In September 2021, Gun were awarded the coveted Great Taste Producer status by the Guild of Fine Foods, so visit the Taproom at Saffrons to try their excellent cask and keg beers.
The Taproom is set in the historic flint walls of The Saffrons, surrounded by 18 acres of trees and beautiful grounds in the very heart of Eastbourne. It’s in this tranquil setting that you’ll find the Gun Brewery Saffrons Taproom.
Open to all, it combines the best of a brewery taproom with the warm welcome of a clubhouse.
Here you will find 12 Keg and 4 cask lines serving brewery fresh beer (all made with Sussex Spring water) complimented by a carefully curated list of wines, spirits and soft drinks.
Live sports are a key part of the offering, which is completed by a rotating series of street food offerings. Quiz, music and DJ nights are all in the mix too.
So be sure to visit, catch a game and
enjoy a pint or two in the sunshine
surrounded by glorious grounds .
For more information visit
www.thesaffrons.org
www.gunbrewery.co.uk/saffrons