Sussex

<p>EXCELLENT FIRST SNAPPY SNAPSHOT OF ST.LEONARDS,MORE CHIC THAN SHABBY, UNLIKE  NEIGHBOUR ING OLD HASTINGS, WHICH IS  MORE SHABBY THAN CHIC.PERHAPS A SECOND SNAPSHOT COULD EXPLORE ST LEONARDS GARDENS,,ALAN TURING&#8217;S HOUSE,GRAND HASTINGS THAT FEATURED IN THE HOTEL INSPECTOR AND IS A FREQUENT FILM LOCATION,PLUS THE MOSQUE AT MERCATORIA AND FUNKY STUFF IN MARKET STREET. AND SO MUCH MORE.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T190817.632.jpg" alt="What to do in St Leonards" class="wp-image-57295" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T190817.632.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T190817.632-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T190817.632-720x432.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T190817.632-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T190817.632-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Marina Fountain/Facebook</figcaption></figure>



<p>St Leonards-on-Sea has seen a huge influx of creatives in the last couple of years, drawn by reasonably priced period property and its slightly &#8216;rough around the edges&#8217; arty vibe. But what&#8217;s all the fuss about? We had a good nose about to bring you Muddy&#8217;s pick of where to eat, shop and spend time in this Sussex style hub – shove over, South Beach Miami! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-sample-street-food-at-heist-norman-road">1. Sample street food at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Heist, (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.heistmarket.com/" target="_blank">Heist,</a> Norman Road</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/616d77d6a72d9921ea571b0f/f474eb4e-4f88-4117-841c-83761f0464e1/IMG_0198_02.jpg?format=750w" alt="What to do in St Leonards" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Heist Market</figcaption></figure>



<p>This indoor street food market is housed in an old bank and is a cool collective of indie local food and drink businesses sharing the same values. They share communal seating too, so grab a table and tuck in!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-enjoy-a-pint-at-the-marina-fountain-pub-caves-road">2. Enjoy a pint at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Marina Fountain (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/marinafountain1845/" target="_blank">The Marina Fountain</a> Pub, Caves Road</h2>



<p>Described by <em>Sunday Times</em> critic Marina O&#8217;Loughlin as a pub to &#8216;be treasured&#8217;. The Marina was saved from closure by crowd-funding locals. Enjoy great food and drink, plus it hosts live music. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-add-a-love-lock-to-the-sculpture-on-the-seafront">3. Add a love lock to the sculpture on the seafront </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T144248.844.jpg" alt="What to do in St Leonards" class="wp-image-57258" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T144248.844.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T144248.844-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T144248.844-720x432.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T144248.844-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T144248.844-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Quirky Love Padlocks on the seafront. [Facebook/1066online]</figcaption></figure>



<p>The interactive artwork was unveiled over a decade ago on the promenade at Goats Ledge, and is constructed from reclaimed groyne timbers from nearby Pevensey Bay. Much like the (ahem) slighty more glamorous Pont des Arts in Paris, it&#8217;s become a destination for people to leave a padlock as a lasting personal souvenir of their time here. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-check-out-the-art-at-the-bin-yin-gallery-london-road">4. Check out the art at the <a href="https://www.bigyingallery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bin Yin Gallery</a>, London Road</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/61923d685b68072516e328dd/c6e84a9a-f6bc-4560-961a-45b75c931bca/IMG_0079.jpg?format=750w" alt="What to do in St Leonards" /></figure>



<p>An artist-led gallery from artist Euan Roberts and his partner Ruth Spencer, Big Yin is a contemporary art gallery that supports emerging talent.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-stella-dore-gallery-norman-road"><strong>5. Stella Dore Gallery, Norman Road </strong></h2>



<p>The space works directly with a selection of graffiti, street and urban contemporary artists. Regular exhibitions, commissions and outdoor mural projects are undertaken, making it a guaranteed source of art solace. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-6-have-lunch-at-the-royal-st-johns-road">6. Have lunch at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Royal (opens in a new tab)" href="https://theroyalstleonards.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Royal</a>, St Johns Road </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://theroyalstleonards.co.uk/wp-content/themes/yootheme/cache/Georgina-Cook-The-Royal-0668-db84fe01.jpeg" alt="What to do in St Leonards" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: The Royal</figcaption></figure>



<p>The Royal is a welcoming, low-key and down-to-earth gastropub, occupying an historic corner site by Warrior Square station that dates back to the 1860s. Serving draft beers, real ales, decent wines and simple but elevated pub cooking, it&#8217;s bagged a Michelin Bib Gourmand for &#8216;exceptionally good food at moderate prices&#8217;. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-7-have-dinner-at-st-clement-s-3-mercatoria">7. Have dinner at <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="St Clement's (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.stclementsrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank">St Clement&#8217;s</a>, 3 Mercatoria </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T164657.536.jpg" alt="What to do in St Leonards" class="wp-image-57268" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T164657.536.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T164657.536-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T164657.536-720x432.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T164657.536-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T164657.536-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">St Clement&#8217;s </figcaption></figure>



<p>In the mood for seafood? Of course you are! This small indie eaterie bases its ever-changing menu on the daily catch from Hastings&#8217; small, sustainable day boats. Everything is made from scratch, including the freshly-baked soda bread and the amazing puddings and ice creams. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-8-wander-through-warrior-square-gardens">8. Wander through Warrior Square Gardens</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T155123.864.jpg" alt="What to do in St Leonards" class="wp-image-57261" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T155123.864.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T155123.864-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T155123.864-720x432.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T155123.864-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T155123.864-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"> Facebook/St Leonard&#8217;s Festival  </figcaption></figure>



<p>Warrior Square gardens is a lovely area of green space opposite the seafront. Opened in 1852, with many of the surrounding buildings built around the same time, its 17,300 square metres of gardens are split into three sections. The lower area houses the famous statue of Queen Victoria looking regally out to sea, the top tier contains a Rose Garden. Its centre is sheltered by the buildings around it, so it&#8217;s a great area to relax in.  </p>



<p>In July the gardens host <a href="https://www.stleonardsfestival.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="St Leonards' Festival (opens in a new tab)">St Leonards&#8217; Festival</a>, a vibrant community initiative celebrating diversity and inclusivity for all through arts, music and entertainment. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-9-shop-for-basics-at-the-plastic-free-wonderfill-king-s-road">9. Shop for basics at the plastic-free <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wonderfill.st.leonards/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wonderfill</a>, King&#8217;s Road</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T165459.636.jpg" alt="What to do in St Leonards" class="wp-image-57271" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T165459.636.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T165459.636-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T165459.636-720x432.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T165459.636-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T165459.636-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wonderfill</figcaption></figure>



<p>A welcoming refill shop selling food, toiletries and cleaning products without unnecessary plastic packaging. Don&#8217;t forget your tubs and pots!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-grab-baked-goods-at-maker-baker">10. Grab baked goods at Maker + Baker</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T182138.269.jpg" alt="What to do in St Leonards" class="wp-image-57285" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T182138.269.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T182138.269-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T182138.269-720x432.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T182138.269-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T182138.269-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Maker + Baker Instagram</figcaption></figure>



<p>This insta-worthy organic Sourdough Microbakery <a href="https://www.instagram.com/makerandbakeruk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maker &amp; Baker</a> on King&#8217;s Road is worth a stop off to stock up on the fashonista&#8217;s bread of choice (when they eat carbs, obviously).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-10-buy-some-bagels-from-the-sleeper-store">10. Buy some bagels from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesleeperstore/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sleeper </a>store </h2>



<p>More of a bagel fan? You must visit Sleeper, also on King&#8217;s Road, for hand rolled, freshly baked bagels. Choose form sweet fillings like chocolate and morello cherry as well as more traditional lunchtime savouries like salt beef or smoked salmon.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-11-peruse-the-antiques-at-twisted-king-interiors-king-s-road">11. Peruse the antiques at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/twisted_king_interiors/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twisted King Interiors</a><a aria-label="Twisted King Interiors, (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/201185096703295/about" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">,</a> King&#8217;s Road</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T170824.289.jpg" alt="What to do in St Leonards" class="wp-image-57275" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T170824.289.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T170824.289-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T170824.289-720x432.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T170824.289-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-28T170824.289-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Instagram Mark Coney/Twisted_King_Interiors</figcaption></figure>



<p>Love 40&#8217;s and 50&#8217;s interiors? Get your fix with this quirky furniture shop that specialises in vintage mid-century items including lighting and fabrics. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-12-have-a-boozy-hot-chocolate-from-goat-ledge">12. Have a boozy hot chocolate from <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Goat Ledge (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.goatledge.com/" target="_blank">Goat Ledge</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/01/Untitled-design-52.jpg" alt="What to do in St Leonards" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Goatledge</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you have any space at all after all that indulgence, don&#8217;t miss this community café located right on the beach. Serving locally caught fish baps, delectable cakes, ice cream, waffles and drinks. They even have beach huts for hire. </p>


12 things to do in St Leonards-on-Sea

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