A cafe and an arts centre have scooped a regional architectural prize.

East Beach Cafe in Littlehampton and the restoration of the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill are among three building projects recognised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in the South East.

The cafe, owned by Jane Wood and her daughter Sophie Murray, was designed by Thomas Heatherwick in 2005 and has won a clutch of awards since it opened the following year.

Mrs Wood, whose daughter runs the cafe, said: "I think commissioning Thomas Heatherwick was the first step. I knew I was creating an unusual building.

"You cannot guarantee getting awards but it is always very flattering and exciting when you do and it's wonderful for Littlehampton."

The De La Warr Pavilion reopened in October 2005 following an £8 million refurbishment by John McAslan and Partners, largely funded by the Arts Council England, Heritage Lottery Fund. Work on the modernist Grade I listed building was completed in 2006.

Alan Haydon, director of De La Warr Pavilion, said: "We are absolutely delighted at the recognition this award brings. The task of redeveloping the De La Warr Pavilion as a centre for modern and contemporary art while retaining its unique architectural qualities has been a complex one.

"The expertise of John McAslan and Partners and their attention to detail has been crucial to the design and build process.

"The Pavilion is an integral part of the local community and a catalyst for the regeneration of the region."

The third project to win a regional prize was The Lightbox in Woking, Surrey.

In March judges revealed a shortlist of eight projects chosen from 23 entries across the South East region, which covers Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Guernsey and Jersey.

Any building by an RIBA chartered member or international fellow is eligible to enter the awards. All the buildings were completed and occupied between January 1, 2006 and February 21, 2008.

The three buildings will now go forward to compete for the RIBA National Awards which also form the judging list for the RIBA Stirling Prize. The national winners will be announced at an awards dinner at the London Hilton Hotel on Friday, June 27.