Hastings & St Leonards
Discover Hastings & St Leonards — a vibrant, fast-growing coastal destination in East Sussex.
Once a grand Victorian resort, the area is now enjoying an exciting renaissance. Major investment has transformed the town,
from the award-winning £14 million Hastings Pier to new travel links that divert traffic from the centre, creating a calmer, more
welcoming seafront. Trendy cafés, independent restaurants, craft beer bars, galleries and boutique shops are appearing throughout
St Leonards and Hastings, giving the area a creative, contemporary feel.
The seafront is a highlight, with clean beaches, long promenades and scenic coastal walks. Head west along the shoreline towards
Bexhill-on-Sea, pausing at the charming Café By The Beach, and continue all the way to the beautifully restored
Art Deco De La Warr Pavilion for lunch, exhibitions and panoramic sea views.
Walk east through the historic Old Town and you’ll reach Hastings Country Park — 270 hectares of dramatic sandstone cliffs, rolling hills, ancient woodland and wildlife trails. A ride up the cliffs on one of the world’s oldest and steepest funicular railways is a must. The park forms a seven-mile extension of the South Downs and offers some of the most striking coastline in the region, complete with rugged paths, quiet coves (including a naturist beach), and rewarding walks for every level of explorer.
The jewel of Hastings is undoubtedly the atmospheric Old Town. Once described by Tatler as “the new Notting Hill,” this characterful
quarter sits just off the seafront and is a maze of cobbled streets, timbered buildings and independent shops. Antique
arcades, vintage clothing boutiques, retro furniture stores and quirky emporiums line every corner — many with wonderfully
playful names such as Cobblers to the Old Town and The Vinyl Countdown.
The area has a vibrant cultural energy, with live music drifting from pubs and bars most evenings. One of the most memorable local traditions is the Tuesday night folk and sea-shanty session at The Stag Inn — a true slice of Hastings life and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere on the coast.
The natural beauty of the surroundings, combined with a year-round calendar of events, makes this part of East Sussex an endlessly rewarding place to visit. Whether your stay involves rock-pooling on the beach, wandering through historic streets, exploring 1066 Country, or enjoying the view with a glass of wine, Zanzibar House provides the ideal base. It’s the perfect coastal holiday home for families, groups of friends or anyone wanting to experience the charm, creativity and coastline of Hastings and St Leonards.
Recommendations
Restaurants:
COLOMBO 16 — SRI LANKAN FUSION, SAINT LEONARDS
Link: https://colombo16.com/
A vibrant Sri Lankan fusion restaurant serving authentic flavours, creative small plates and cocktails in a cosy St Leonards setting.
LA BELLA VISTA
Link: https://labellavista.co.uk/
Award-winning Italian restaurant on the seafront offering fresh seafood, homemade pasta and uninterrupted sea views.
HALF MAN HALF BURGER — BURGER RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY, HASTINGS
Link: https://www.halfmanhalfburger.com/
Locally loved burger bar serving gourmet burgers, loaded fries and craft beers — perfect for relaxed dining or takeout.
THREE FACES
Link: https://www.instagram.com/threefacesstleonards/
A stylish neighbourhood spot combining café culture, natural wines, cocktails and creative small plates.
THE ROYAL, ST LEONARDS
Link: https://www.royalstleonards.com/
A beautifully restored pub known for excellent food, local beers, Sunday roasts and a warm, creative atmosphere.
THE CROWN, HASTINGS
Link: https://www.thecrownhastings.co.uk/
Award-winning gastropub in Hastings Old Town serving seasonal menus, local produce and an outstanding drinks selection.
ST CLEMENT'S RESTAURANT
Link: https://www.stclementsrestaurant.co.uk/
A long-standing favourite offering modern British dishes, fresh local seafood and an intimate dining experience.
HEIST MARKET — INDOOR STREET FOOD MARKET, ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA
Link: https://www.heistmarket.com/
A buzzing indoor food hall with rotating street-food traders, craft beers, wines and community events.
SUPERNATURE
Link: https://www.supernaturewine.com/
Natural wine bar and deli offering hand-selected bottles, small plates and a relaxed local vibe.
FORTES ITALIAN — TAKEAWAY MENU
Link: https://www.foodbooking.com/api/fb/nll4f
Classic Italian takeaway favourites including pizza, pasta and gelato from this long-established St Leonards family business.
GURKHA CHEF — NEPALESE CUISINE, SAINT LEONARDS
Link: https://www.gurkhachef.co.uk/
Authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine with aromatic curries, tandoori grills and warm, friendly service.
Coffee:
BOTANICA COFFEE BAR & EATERY
Link: https://www.instagram.com/botanica_marine_court/
A stylish, plant-filled coffee bar in Marine Court serving speciality coffee, fresh brunch dishes and house-made bakes with a relaxed coastal vibe.
HEIST MARKET — INDOOR STREET FOOD MARKET, ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA
Link: https://www.heistmarket.com/
A buzzing indoor food hall featuring craft coffee, local roasters, street food vendors and a lively community atmosphere.
GOAT LEDGE
Link: https://goatledge.com/
A colourful beachfront café known for great coffee, fresh seafood rolls, community art projects and an unbeatable spot right on the beach.
STARSKY & HATCH
Link: http://www.starskyandhatch.co.uk
A friendly neighbourhood coffee shop offering excellent flat whites, homemade cakes and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.
OYSTER BOY EVENTS
Link: https://www.instagram.com/oysterboyevents/
A pop-up oyster and coffee bar bringing fresh seafood, speciality coffee and unique outdoor dining
Bars:
RITUAL BAR — CRAFT BEERS & COCKTAILS, ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA
Link: https://www.instagram.com/ritual_stleonards/
A stylish, intimate bar specialising in craft beers, creative cocktails and a relaxed, modern atmosphere in the heart of St Leonards.
40 NORMAN ROAD
Link: https://www.40normanroad.co.uk/
An elegant neighbourhood wine bar offering natural wines, small plates, seasonal dishes and a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.
GRAZE ON GRAND — FOOD, WINE & GALLERY, ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA
Link: https://www.grazeongrand.com/
A beautiful seafront venue combining exceptional food, curated wines and rotating art exhibitions — perfect for long lunches or evening drinks.
Shops:
AN EXCHANGE OF SCENT AND MEMORY
Link: https://www.amygdalahome.com/
Luxury candle brand that blends neuroscience and natural aromas — crafting scent experiences designed to evoke memory and emotion.
MAKER & BAKER UK
Link: https://www.instagram.com/makerandbakeruk/
Independent sourdough bakery in Hastings (35 Robertson Street) offering artisan bread, pastries and speciality coffee in a friendly local setting.
BEAK & TAIL BUTCHERS
Link: https://www.facebook.com/p/Beak-Tail-Butchers-100090461281378/
Award-winning butcher in Hastings known for grass-fed British meat, free-range cuts and exceptional customer service.