High praise for Torquay’s newest venue after landing five-star rating

Torquay’s newest live events venue has notched up another success after being awarded the highest possible score in its first food hygiene inspection.

Arena Torquay, which officially opened in June following the transformation of the former Bohemia nightclub site on Torwood Street, has received a five-star food hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency.

A spokesperson for the Arena team said: “We’re absolutely chuffed to bits to be awarded our five-star food hygiene rating so early on in getting the business up and running. It’s great to have recognition for the hard work our staff has been putting into, and continues to put into the business since opening.”

The venue, led by owner Steve Garratt, director Dan Sheldon and hospitality manager Jake Sheldon, has been designed as a cultural and entertainment hub for the Bay. It boasts a 1,200-capacity performance space, flexible staging, bespoke bars and striking interiors created by local designer Demi Keenan.

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Since its VIP launch, Arena has already hosted live music and community events. Looking ahead, the programme includes a regular comedy club, An Evening with Jeff Stelling in January 2026, and a DJ set from Martin Kemp in June 2026, alongside more theatre, sport and live entertainment.

Local leaders, including Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, have welcomed the investment, praising Arena as a major addition to Torbay’s cultural scene, "The diverse and exciting entertainment programme will soon be attracting visitors from across the South West, generating vital overnight stays and helping to grow Torbay’s essential visitor economy. A huge well done to everyone involved in making this very exciting new investment happen.”

The hygiene award marks another milestone for the team behind the venture, who say they are determined to build Arena Torquay into a destination venue for locals and visitors alike.