Culture on the coast
St Leonards is sometimes overshadowed by its bigger, more famous neighbour, Hastings. But this compact seaside town packs some serious cultural punch. And in recent years, it’s blossomed into a bustling artistic community filled with galleries, coffee shops, indie eateries and antique stores – all just moments from the shingle beach.
So, leave your car at home, jump on the train, and get ready for some thrift shopping, gallery hopping and small plate scoffing in St Leonards. Here are our top tips for a day out with a difference.
Coffee, antiques and vintage finds
Get off the train at St Leonards Warrior Square – around 1hr 30mins from London Bridge – and wander straight down Kings Road, opposite the station. Be careful not to get off at West St Leonards station, which is about a mile away!
Here you’ll find plenty of options for artisan coffee and a pastry. Pull up a stool by the window for some people-watching, then set off for a rummage in the town’s numerous antique stores.
Up next, head into the Kings Road Bazaar – a traditional cabinet of curiosities selling the weird, the wonderful and the collectible. It’s run by a number of stallholders who each have their own pitch, often with specific niches. Expect to unearth one-off finds and brilliantly bizarre bargains.
After a mooch here, make your way to nearby Norman Road, where you’ll discover Hastings Antiques Centre. This is a treasure trove of artworks and antiques, filled from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. It’s well worth visiting, if only to admire its impressive collection of chandeliers and vintage lights.
Sunless is only a few metres away at number 65. A beautifully curated boutique, it specialises in vintage clothing, stylish antique homeware, and statement furniture with a story to tell. And before grabbing some lunch, stop in at Grand Design Antiques, which is an emporium of all things antique and unique right on the seafront.
Lunchtime in St Leonards
All that rummaging is hungry work. Luckily, St Leonards is filled with incredible independent eateries, with something for all tastes. Here are a few local faves.
Goat Ledge
With benches overlooking the beach and a cosy interior, the Goat Ledge is ideal for lunch with a view, whatever the weather.
Bayte
A modern European restaurant with Sussex-sourced ingredients. Bayte draws on global influences, with small, larger and sharing plates.
Farmyard
Part restaurant, part wine shop. Farmyard works with locally sourced ingredients, with an ever-changing seasonal menu and an impressive selection of natural wines.
The Royal
Directly opposite the station, The Royal is a low-key gastropub that’s earned its place in the Michelin Guide. Looking for a slap-up Sunday roast? Look no further.
Liban Coast
Get stuck into a mix of Syrian and Lebanese dishes, with homemade falafel and Arabic sweets. Liban Coast is a popular spot, so make sure you book ahead.
Gallery hopping
St Leonards has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting art scenes in the south, luring creatives from the city to the coast. For your dose of culture, head back to Norman Road, where you’ll find plenty of galleries. Admire the works, pick up a print, or simply soak up the buzzy vibes.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday, the Lucy Bell Gallery is an inviting space, specialising in fine art photography from established and emerging talents. Music fan? Previous exhibitions have focussed on icons like Oasis, Bowie, Blondie and the Rolling Stones. You can also pick up premium prints for hanging on your wall at home.
Stella Dore Gallery is a few doors down and is all about showcasing street and contemporary art. Starting out in the Truman Brewery in Brick Lane, the gallery relocated to St Leonards when its founder Steph Warren moved back to her hometown. Steph knows the scene inside out, having managed a screen print studio under the instruction of Banksy. Pop in on Thursdays and Saturdays, or get in touch for a private appointment.
Next up, make your way to the intersection of Norman Road and London Road where you’ll see Unit 2. This volunteer-run gallery is passionate about giving a platform to emerging artists and curators. Expect an ever-changing calendar of exhibitions, with an array of fresh, thought-provoking works giving a voice to local and underrepresented artists.
Food and a flick
Before heading home, make an evening of it with dinner and a film.
First up, HEIST Market on Norman Road. You can’t miss it – just look out for its bright, vibrant facade. This warehouse-style food market is open seven days a week, serving a choice of burgers, pizzas, burritos, bao buns, seafood and more. You can also enjoy craft beers, natural wines and cocktails for a pre-film aperitif. If it’s sunny, head to the small courtyard at the back to dine al fresco.
From HEIST, it’s less than a minute to Kino-Teatr, a much-loved indie cinema, gallery space and restaurant. First opened in 1913, it twice narrowly escaped bombing during the Second World War. Today, it shows a varied mix of reasonably priced films, which veer more towards the arthouse and dramas than big blockbusters. Make sure you check the listings, as it’s a small space and screenings aren’t always daily.
When it’s time to head home, it’s just a six-minute walk to the station, as you head up London Road and into Kings Road. Remember to keep your eye on the time. Trains to London Bridge can run hourly in the evenings, with the last direct trains around 10-10.30pm, depending on the day.
Ashford International to London St Pancras
