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Fri 11–Sun 13 2014 ly Ju Friday 11 July: Pop up seaside songs in Central St Leonards’ restaurants
Saturday 12 July: 12–7pm Free Family Saturday
Market in Kings Road, parade plus food, stalls, entertainments and live music in Warrior Square
Image courtesy of Osadia
Plus fringe events in local venues all weekend – see programme for details
Sunday 13 July: 12–5pm Bask on your picnic blanket as the sounds of opera drift through the gardens. Refresh your glass at the bar and browse the craft market and nature zone. A perfect summer’s day for opera virgins and aficionados of all ages.
For more information and to buy advance tickets for the Sunday event, visit www.18hours.org.uk The programme may be subject to change
St Leonards Festival 2
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Cover credits: red chair by Bombarock, ketchup from Young’s, dog light from Kate Bramwell-Cole, cookie from Oak Bakery, teapot and Sally Walton bag from SHOP, sandal from Heaven on Sea, sunglasses from Plan B.
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“Very St Leonards-on-Sea” is a description of our seaside lifestyle. We warmly welcome visitors and residents to explore the town and make the most of all the great things to do, eat and buy that are on offer. St Leonards-on-Sea has its own unique wealth of independent businesses, great cafes and restaurants and a growing community of world class creatives. Very St Leonards-on-Sea is produced by: Cath Tajima Powell, Creative Projects Email: cathtajimapowell@gmail.com Design: Erica Smith: wordsmithdesign.co.uk Marketing: Tina Morris: sweetanddandy.co.uk
Supported by
“Businesses and the community working together to make our town thrive” is the motto of St Leonard’s Town Team (pictured here). They are working on improvements to the public realm, commissioning events like St Leonards Festival and supporting the creation of a regular market. Find out more about the Town Team by visiting www.verystleonards-on-sea.co.uk/townteam or find it on Facebook: St Leonards Town Team
Facebook: Very St Leonards on Sea & Twitter: VeryStLeonards
Every Saturday from Saturday 19 April
StALLS incLUdE: ProdUcE frUit & VEg StrEEt food cLothES PLAntS chocoLAtE & morE!
PLUS: StrEEt EntErtAinmEnt from 19 APriL to 7 JUnE For more information or to book a stall, contact Anton Burton Tel: 07927 568319 Email: stleonardsmarket@live.co.uk
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Art is theword;
St Leonards
Whether you make art, buy art, or love to look at it, St Leonards is the land of opportunity, and rapidly gaining a reputation as the place to be… 4
“Ici et La” project by Christine Gist
is the place
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Hastings Arts Forum, (36 Marina; hastingsartsforum.co.uk) is more than a gallery, it is a community and treasured local institution. Set on the seafront it comprises two gallery spaces and has over 600 members, welcoming both amateur and professional artists into its ranks. With an affectionate following for its regular shows and events, Hastings Arts Forum is also a great place to buy artwork. Youthful and exuberant, the Kave Gallery (8 Kings Road) is an independent venture supporting artists and championing creativity and a DIY culture. It offers good value artwork, a coffee bar, a great selection of music for sale by local and international artists, as well as performances, talks and other off-piste events. 5
Top:
© ALEXANDER BRATTELL
swallow: Delete at Claremont Studios
A
n arts hub in the heart of town is Claremont Studios CIC (48 Kings Road; claremontstudios.org). Directors include Caroline Le Breton, Elise Liversedge, and Christine Gist who between them bring a wealth of experience working in public art, community projects, installations, transnational and cross channel collaboration projects. Claremont Studios showcase local and rising talent as well as bringing in outside artists, along with providing studio space and hosting meetings and art discussion groups. Art is everywhere in St Leonards and Christine Gist is an artist who creates temporary interventions using redundant sites and buildings. She is curator of the sPaCE, located on St John’s Road, next to St Leonards Warrior Square station which offers opportunities for artists to embed temporary works in St Leonards town centre. The current project ‘St Leonards Foundary’ by Colin Priest runs until 14 April and draws upon utopian visions of Regency architecture and Sidney Little’s modernist seafront structures. See map. St Leonards is overun with great photographers and the newly opened Silverhill Darkroom, a well equipped community dark room, is a welcome asset to the scene (see bottom photo on page 7).
48 Kings Road, St Leonards on Sea TN37 6DY Tel: 01424 420927
Is an artist led studio located at 4 Marine Court, St Leonards on Sea, TN38 0DX. We have a wide range of original Paintings, Drawings, Sculptures, Jewellery, Painted Glass, Prints and Cards. Come in and cut out the middle man, buy direct at affordable prices and have a talk to the artist about their work. For further information contact Ian Francis on 07535 253619 or Email: ianfrancis409@btinternet.com
Architectural Interior Design & Property Renovations Passionate about adding Style & substantial Value to homes and property assets of busy, discerning clients. From Design Consultation & Advice, De-cluttering & Home Organisation, Staging & Styling, to our Niche Speciality: Space Planning & Total Renovation/Transformation with full Project Management. Consultations from ÂŁ250.
Call: 07801 246 080
Tel: 01424-715 175 • 020 8674 8070
www.room4style.com petralander@room4style.com
Covering Sussex, Kent, London & surrounding areas
Fri 29 Aug - Sun 14 Sep coastalcurrents.org.uk 6
The highlight of the arts calendar is Coastal Currents Arts Festival, which this year runs from 29 August to 14 September, and is curated by Creative Coast and Home Live Art. Expect a dynamic and interactive line-up of live performances and visual art (coastalcurrents.org.uk). The festival serves to bring attention to the wealth and diversity of artistic talent St Leonards has to offer.
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Top: georgia scott lighting, middle: joc hare, logjam, bottom: silverhill dakroom ALL IMAGES
© ALEXANDER BRATTELL
t Leonards is also the perfect place to come shopping for high quality and handmade lifestyle goods, whether you are looking for fashion or something for the home. Illustrating this perfectly is the new event, UPMARKET, a three day designers’ and makers’ fair showcasing the best in applied arts, running from 28–30 March at the newly expanded Baker Mamonova Gallery, 43–49 Norman Road (11am–6pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am–4pm on Sunday). This spacious venue is the perfect location to browse selected designers and their high quality pieces such as lighting, glass, ceramics, jewellery, fashion, furniture, and interior items. Visit verystleonards.co.uk for details. With many satellite events scheduled, why not book a long weekend in one of the great choice of boutique hotels or quirky B&Bs and experience all that this weekend of design has to offer. Try the uniquely designed Victorian B&B St Benedict’s, in Pevensey Road (www.victorian-bed-and-breakfast.com). Throughout the weekend UPCOMING will be at Claremont Studios, 48 Kings Road, showcasing new contemporary applied arts, while across the road at the Kave Gallery will be POP-UP FLOWERS, featuring music, poetry, film, and interactive art. On Saturday and Sunday (29 & 30 March) UPSTAIRS at the Admiral Benbow, 2 London Road, will be Olivia’s secret sample sale, while on Saturday evening enjoy UPBEAT an evening of music at Miki’s Bar, 8 Marine Court. Hannah Collisson
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Xanadu
bramwell-cole original clothes ceramics & lampshades designed & made by kate bramwell-cole open wed-sat 10-5 42 norman road • st leonards-on-sea Tel: 0790 025 2857 The Pink Minx… a range of naughty but nice cushions & homewares that have a Retro Cheek appeal
www.thepinkminx.co.uk
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A fabulous shop, full to the brim with unique clothes, accessories, vintage collectables and curios. Catering to elegant folk and film productions… capes, stoles, smalls, headwear, plus fours, tweeds, cravats. 37 Norman Road TN38 0ED Open 10am–4.30pm (Wed–Sat) Tel: 07751 861850
Miles of Style Shop local and stay stylish? In St Leonards, for sure. Cutting-edge to vintage, bric-a-brac to boutiques, this town has it covered. For the discerning woman, Who’s Wearing What, 34 London Road (above), offers quality, colour and individuality for the season ahead, with brands not readily available on the high street or internet, at affordable prices. Boudoir, 33 London Road (right), is a kind of ladies’ dressing-up box. Sarah gets to know her customers and hand-picks clothes and accessories rather like a personal shopping service. Newly moved to the area, Michelle Duke is offering a complete personalised fashion service through her Style Studio, with style consultations as well as a personal shopping service. Call 07801 621310 for a consultation.
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Stuff by the Sea 19 Grand Parade tN37 6DN the best kept secret in St Leonards-on-Sea! bursting with retro clothing and more‌ open 7 days a week 11am–5pm
Card and Gift shop Probably Best Greetings Card shop in Hastings & St Leonards Birthday Cards, Wedding & Anniversary cards and many other occasions Gift wrap, bags & boxes Balloons & banners A range of hand selected ladies clothing, gifts and furniture plus a nail service all under one roof! Stock includes East of India, Gorjuss & Jan Constantine Come in for a browse open 6 days a week!
33 London Rd
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TeL: 01424 721281
Soft toys & Birthday Gifts
47 Kings Road,
St Leonards on Sea. TN37 6DY (01424) 430476 Open: Mon - Sat ~ 9 am - 5 pm
Mixing collage and fashion is Kate Bramwell Cole, 72 Norman Road (top right), who hand-makes unique dresses, skirts and tops using vintage fabrics and accoutrements. Also worth a look is her range of accessories, statement lampshades, and ceramics. Edgy boutique Susan Diamond, 22 Kings Road (middle right), features a hybrid of out-there styles with local and international labels and new stock arriving weekly. Thinking vintage? Think Xanadu, 37 Norman Road, and Stuff by the Sea, Grand Parade. Treasure troves of retro chic, lose an afternoon or even a few decades browsing the rails, whether it be casualwear or something more glamorous that you are looking for. Omega Studio, 40 Norman Road (bottom right), is a unique shop stocking contemporary and 20th century jewellery, furniture, art and cut glass. Shoppers with an eye for design, will find much of interest here. For lovers of traditional jewellery look to Peridot Jewellers, 46 London Road, which also offers a repairs service. Too tempting are unusual fossil jewellery and fabulous strings of pearls at Burton Gallery, 5 Marine Court. Jump feet first into Heaven On Sea, 13 Marine Court (below left), where there are socks for all sorts, practical yet stylish beach footwear, and the town’s largest selection of Crocs.
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contemporary and twentieth century design
Who’s Wearing What boutique
The independent boutique in the heart of St Leonards-on-Sea
jewellery • ceramics • glass • art • furniture 40 norman road tn38 0ej +44(0)7950 011611 open: wed–sun or by appointment Nostalgic charm for all occasioNs
Bobo FLoweR & GaRden Shop Opening Times
Mon–Sat: 8.30am–5.30pm Thu and Fri: open til 6pm
45b London Road Tel: 01424 721120 LOcaL free deLiveries
Easy-to-wear affordable fashion for the season ahead Labels include Ochre cotton and merino knitwear Two Danes, GR Nature and introducing the innovative labels Neeru Kumar and Eve in Paradise
Open Mon–Sat 10am to 5pm and Sun 11am to 4pm 34 London Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN37 6AN
01424 272925 www.whoswearingwhat-boutique.co.uk
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You can always look your best in St Leonards with a surprising number of hair and nail salons, as well as men’s grooming. Try the newly opened Truffle, 77 Norman Road (top right), or the unisex Halcyon Hairdressing, 72 Norman Road, an Aveda salon, will be opening soon. Gents can head to Shaws, 44 Norman Road, for the traditional barber experience. Don’t forget the eyewear. 20 Kings Road is the home of designer Tom Herrington’s artisan glasses label RockOptika. Having relocated from Hastings Old Town, those looking for something special can browse the selection of exquisite frames, handmade in France – the ultimate in cool. Barraclough & Stiles, 13 London Road, stocks a good selection of frames to suit all budgets, with designer and statement specs also available. For the style savvy, SHOP, 32–34 Norman Road, is a department store with an earthy and retro feel, housing fashion, homeware and gifts. From leather satchels and beautiful french baskets to breton tops and costume jewellery, as well as luxurious blankets and rustic furniture, this shop evokes picnics, long walks, and laughter-filled kitchens. Whether fixing up a new pad or giving your home a fresh look, there are some gems to be found around St Leonards. Woodworks 1066, 1 Marina, sells made-tomeasure recycled wood furniture, giving a new lease of life to beautiful old wood for that distinctive coastal look. Sideshow Interiors, 64 Norman Road, is a vintage treasure trove, with an eclectic selection of furniture, lighting, and other objects. Don’t forget the basics; St Leonards has that covered too. White goods and electricals can be found at Adams & Jarrett, 8–16 Norman Road, and at Cut Diamond Flooring, 14–16 Marine Court, browse an extensive range of flooring and carpets. Hannah Collisson
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Beautiful Reclaimed Wood Furniture Tel: 01424 716171 Mob: 07843 791161
Seafront: 1 Marina, St Leonards-on-Sea
www.woodworks1066.com T w i n n e d w i T h B i L Ly d i e S e L F u r n i T u r e , A u S T r A L i A
Classic Law Have your Will or Power of Attorney expertly prepared in your own home by an experienced former Solicitor and Judge Fixed Price: No VAT We also specialise in Mediation and Dispute Resolution
Contact Simon Kenny For a free initial assessment 01424 316099 07716 020316 info@classiclaw.co.uk
www.classiclaw.co.uk
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Go…
Sat 29 March–Sat 10 May Colin Jones/ The Who at Lucy Bell Gallery, Norman Road. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the formation of The Who. lucy-bell.com Sun 11 May 11am–4pm Companion Dog Show, Markwick Gardens. A must for those with dogs and great fun for those without! Registration for dogs starts at 11 am. Classes to suit all. Stalls, also barbecue and homemade cakes. Free admission / Dog Show £1 per class. markwickgardens.org.uk Sat 17 May 7.30pm Battle Choral Society Christchurch, Silchester Road. A flourishing choir of over 100 voices presents Brahms’ ‘German Requiem’, and Elgar’s ‘For the Fallen’, a concert to commemorate the outbreak of WW1. battlechoral.co.uk. Sun 3 Aug 1–5pm A garden full of family delights, St Leonards Gardens. A free, great family day out celebrating many faiths/ one community. Focusing on local talent, fashion, music, food and art. hastingsinterfaith.org Fri 20 and Sat 21 June A Midsummer Night’s Dream presented by the Mercatoria Company. A strolling performance of this Shakespeare play set in the enchanting St Leonards Gardens, Maze Hill. Enjoyable for all ages. Bring a picnic and arrive early. mercatoria-company.co.uk
Fri 11–Sun 13 July St Leonards Festival: ‘Beside the Seaside’ events including free family festival Saturday and an Opera Garden Party on Sunday. A Saturday market, live music, great food and crazy crafts. Facebook: St Leonards Festival
Sun 27 July 11am–4pm Summer Fair, Markwick Gardens Singers, dancers, coconut shy, garden games, tug of war, raffle and refreshments. Entry is free, so bring along friends and family for a fun day out and enjoy the Gardens at their best! www.markwickgardens.org.uk
29 Aug–14 Sept Coastal Currents, over three weekends, this annual visual arts festival takes over galleries, cafes, beach huts and venues of all descriptions and showcases the best of local creativity and art with open studios, exhibitions, performances and events: coastalcurrents.org.uk Thurs 12–Sun 15 September Heritage Open Days. A nationwide celebration of history and culture which takes place in September every year with events across town. And best of all, everything is free. 1066heritage.org/events
Fri 3–Sun 12 October AfriKàBa. Annual festival of African and Carribbean heritage, arts, music performance, family events, Mon 11–Fri 15 August Hastings storytelling and discussions including the mesmerising singer, and St Leonards Sailing Club song-writer and dancer Dobet Sea Week. A chance to get hands-on experience and find out Gnahore. See afrikaba.co.uk more about local sailing, training Wed 31 December Outrageous and membership. Decadence New Years Eve Party Email sailingclubsec@gmail.com at the Masonic Hall to give you the best chance of A guaranteed memorable evening. having someone at hand to take Proceeds to the Sarah Lee Trust. you out on a boat. Note that Book tickets in advance at children have to be accompanied. outrageousdecadence.co.uk
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MARINE QUARTER Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club
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St Leonards Foundary by Colin Priest
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SWIM, SURF, SAIL, ROCKPOOL… High tide times can be found at: hastings.gov.uk/community_living/tide_tables/ Find us on Facebook: Very St Leonards-on-Sea Visit our website: www.verystleonards-on-sea.co.uk
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www.facebook.com/MarineQuarter
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‘‘Welcome!
COVER IMAGES: ‘V’ from Love Cafe; ‘E’ from Plenty; ‘R’ from Kick’s Barbers; ‘Y’ from Philip Oakley Illuminations; swimming costume from La La Rookh & photographed by Alun Callender; crockery from charity shops; cake from Post Office Tea Rooms; lobster from Azur; dog from St Leonards Glass; basket and dress from SHOP; mannequin from the Garment Rail Centre. VERY St Leonards-on-Sea is supported by Hastings Borough Council Printed in St Leonards by Hastings Print Company: www.hastings-print.co.uk
We stock a vast range of wood flooring, laminates carpets, rugs and vinyls
VERY St Leonards-on-Sea would like to thank ALL the local people who have supported this publication, the advertisers, the interviewees – Deborah Bowness and K Avery-Stallion – and everyone who has offered their advice and suggestions. We hope you find this magazine an appropriate celebration of our special town!
Welcome to St Leonards-on-Sea, a seaside town with £4 promenade with a lot of front! Over 6–8pm: a mile of wide unspoiled vistas out to sea on one side, and facing that view, gorgeousCoffee terraces, & a square, Roasted Cake:gardens £2 and avenues snaking down hills. The area has long attracted visitors and artists for its lovely surroundings its ethereal quality 8 Marineand Court of light. Today a wave of creative entrepreneurs has discovered that thisTN38 town is0DX a great place to ‘eat, live, love’ and to create, work and shop! 01424 444481 St Leonards-on-Sea has an enviable mix of bold new businesses and niche ideas side by side www.facebook.com/mikisbarhastings with an established community of knowledgeable
independent shops and family run businesses that span generations. It’s a recipe flavoured with international spice, a dollop of seaside sauciness, a taste not overpowered by overegging the ‘twee’, a bit rough and raw, sometimes eye watering, but well seasoned by a diverse community and it always results in an interesting dish. St Leonards-on-Sea has several shopping hot spots. Don’t be surprised to find several ideas in one place, such as an opticians in a café or a combo dog biscuits, felted crafts and web design shop. When you want to take a break from work and shopping, there are delightful eateries to enjoy… catch up on gossip, plan a project or just unwind, and there’s plenty of spots for a makeover or pamper.
Late Nights and Long Weekends
www.verystleonards-on-sea.co.uk
Cocktail Hour every night
Azur at the Marina Pavilion The perfect place to watch the sun go down… meals, light bites, cold beer, ice cream, fresh lobster
MEDITERRANEAN STYLE RESTAURANT, BEACH VIEW BALCONY, BEACH LEVEL BISTRO & FUNCTION ROOMS FOR WEDDINGS, CONFERENCES & PRIVATE PARTIES
www.azurmarinapavilion.com 2 18
Telephone: 01424 447461
Poffley’s Coffee Shop
…a little bit lovely
Peckish? Why not pop into Poffley’s? • Fabulous breakfasts • Lip-smacking lunches • Marvellous freshly ground coffee • Scrumptious cakes
ssion de w ith pa Coffee ma Fo o d ma de w ith lo ve 40a Marina, St Leonards-on-Sea TN38 0BU Tel: 07904 381462 Email: info.poffleys@yahoo.co.uk
The wedding party and gift store
Get 5% discount with this ad or order online at www.our-Big-day.co.uk & use this code: MrandMrs0001
11 Marine court, st leonards-on-sea tn38 0dX tel: 01424 433609
Let tings & Propert y Management
01424 446916 (Lettings) 01424 430011 (Property Management) rushwittwilson.co.uk
We offer competitive fees, tenant find only, part & full managed packages, optional rent guarantee insurances and a database of quality tenants!
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THE
LITTLE LARDER We are open Tuesday–Friday: 9am–3pm Saturday: 9am–4pm 39 Norman Rd TN38 0EG Tel: 01424 424364
www.thelittlelarder.co.uk
Mamma Putt’s African Caribbean Restaurant Homestyle cooking, delicious cuisine
Jerk Chicken, Goat Curry, Rice and Peas, Ackee and Salt Fish, Oxtail stew, Yams, Okro, Egusi Soup, Patties and more. Takeaway and Eat in, groups welcome, vegetarian options Wednesdays are Curry Nights Private parties catered for
Young’s Café & Provision Store
Specialist and locally sourced groceries on your seafront doorstep. We stock a range of quality groceries and gluten free foods. Our store cupboard basics include tasty chutneys and jams, an extensive choice of flours and beans, speciality teas and coffees and continental and seasonal foods.
23 Kings Road TN37 6DU www.mammaputts.co.uk Tel: 07400 384 443 Find us on Facebook: Mamaputt’s Kitchen and Lounge
We believe in keeping food simple. Fresh ingredients, simple flavours. We are known for our English and vegetarian all-day breakfasts, egg benedict, Welsh rarebit, smoked kippers, seasonal salads and specials. Our new burger menu offers a selection of beefburgers – and vegetarian and vegan burgers. We also offer gluten free, spelt and soya options. We make raw juices to order, fresh fruit yoghurt smoothies and homemade cordials. We have an extensive selection of teas, freshly ground coffee and wines, beer and cider. On the seafront, great sea views and outdoor seating, comfy sofas, a relaxing atmosphere – the place to meet and eat.
‘smiths’
21 Grand Parade TN37 6DN Tel: 07543 109959 Closed Tuesday … also available for private hire and catering
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We also stock: Lighthouse bakery bread fresh daily Local Cheeses Specially selected wines and beverages Taywell icecream Ecover household cleaning products Elles Kitchen babyfood Unica Natural Cosmetics Dine frozen meals Fine & ‘Raw’ chocolate Infinity Foods goods
Relax in our café with home made cakes, coffee, smoothies, and savoury light lunches that can be served with a glass of wine or beer. Come in and say hello! We stock our customers’ favourites
16 Grande Parade, St Leonards-on-Sea TN37 6DN Tel: 01424 439736 2 hours free parking outside Open: Mon–Sat 10am to 6pm Facebook: New Young’s Café and Provision Store
Take Tea… and Jam
“Shop local” is a campaign aimed to make our town centres and local businesses thrive but if a campaign sounds a bit like a worthy drudge, then put on an explorer’s helmet (or any stylish hat) and undertake your own campaign into new territories, a mini adventure looking at and finding out about things that are a bit different. Add some variety to your daily routine and discover new shops, cafes and restaurants. Take tea for instance and jam, two inexpensive store cupboard basics, just daily drinks and spreads. You may be surprised to learn there is a wealth of interest
and taste variations for under a fiver in everyday items. Cay, or Kay, is a tanninrich Turkish tea, drunk black and usually sweet, served in dainty glasses. A mere 50p at Oskars Middle Eastern Restaurant on Norman Road. The glasses are decorated with a lucky eye to keep evil at bay. Next door at Gizem Nur supermarket, you can buy Cay loose tea, as well as Turkish coffee flavoured with spices, or Persian tea infused with cardamom. Gizem Nur also stocks a wealth of unusual jams such as quince, fig, loganberries, date molasses – as well as ten types of honey! 21
Oak Bakery 17 London Road Baked on the premises daily
A range of speciality breads, vegetarian pastries, sandwiches, rolls and salads. Now also supplying hotels and restaurants fresh breads daily.
Forte’s Pi zzer i a 2 EvErsfiEld PlacE TN37 6BY
oPen: tue to sun From 12 (noon) to 10pm For bookings call 01424 425566 order online at www.just-eat.co.uk
Find us online:
verystleonards-on-sea.co.uk 22
facebook.com/VeryStLeonardsOnSea twitter.com/VeryStLeonards
Across the road at the Tastebud Café, you can buy rose petal jam, known as Gul. This intriguing spread has a long history in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and as far as India. You can make your own by layering petals and sugar in a glass jar, covering with a white cloth, and leaving in the sun for ten days. This Gulkand is reputed to be a tonic for tiredness. Alternatively, enjoy a strong Turkish coffee at Tastebud accompanied by baklava, Turkish delight or even some halva, a healthy paste made from sesame seeds. Ruzzanna’s Speciality Store down at Marine Court also stock a variety of jars of exotica, including green walnuts in honey and black cherry jam. Pop next door to Relax Café to enjoy an authentic Armenian coffee served with blinis and sour cream or a honey cake. Eastern Europe supermarkets (there are several in St Leonards) all stock an excellent range of fruit teas. Lime flower tea, or Linden, commonly drunk in Europe, is one of the more unusual ones to try.
Pete Llewellyn handmade spoons from Kave Gallery
Alternatively, join Sarah Watson and her project Wild Feast and learn to forage for ingredients to make your own tea such as Linden, nettle or berry. www.facebook.com/wildfeast Vegan restaurant Moose’s Kitchen on Kings Road sell and serve a range of Gaia brand organic and biodynamic teas, and all hot drinks can be served with rice, soya or almond milk. Young’s on Grand Parade is just the ticket for tea choice and variety, also selling award winning Lighthouse Bakery breads and their own label jam. Choice, comfort and individualistic charm can be found at all St Leonards cafes and eateries; highly recommended are Love Café, Little Larder, Young’s, One Café, Smiths or Poffleys. Finally for a classic English affair in sumptuous surroundings and splendour plus a sea view, try the Royal Victoria Hotel on the seafront. They serve a proper afternoon tea with English Breakfast tea, cocktail sandwiches, petite cakes and warm scones with clotted cream. 23
T: 07975 512614
Find us on Facebook: The Roomz St Leonards
Gensing Farm present
ELF & STACY
16-18 London Road St Leonards TN37 6AN
FRACKING TOWN E.P
Opening hours Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm to 11pm & Sunday 3pm to 9pm
Monthly live music on a Sunday 5–7pm
Tel: 01424 272332 Email: thestleonard@gmail.com www.thestleonard.co.uk Twitter @thestleonard Facebook: St Leonard Public House
ARTWORK : THAD SKEWS/TOBY UK44
Fortnightly Quiz Wednesday at 8pm
Available 31st March elfandstacy.bandcamp.com
PRESENTS THE MASONIC HALL
PARTY VENUE STUDY HALL MEETINGS EVENTS FAIRS Contact: 01424 442550 www.3degreecatering.co.uk www.3degreeevents.co.uk
BIRTHDAYS 24
SPECIAL OFFERS
AVAILABLE
WEDDINGS
HALL HIRE
Clustered around St Leonards are a surprisingly diverse range of evening retreats. Whether you are in the mood for live music, sundowners, cocktails, real ale, conversation or the plain bizarre, there is always something to suit…
After the sun goes down… © Bob Mazzer
One of the go-to evening hangouts, is The St Leonard pub, 16-18 London Road. It offers a classy and contemporary interior, and a vibrant atmosphere. They run a popular quiz every second Wednesday (Tip: Get there early!). If you want interesting live music, The Roomz, 33–35 Western Road, tucked away off the beaten track, is a hot-bed of creativity and there is a real buzz. From Mexican hip hop to jazz to experimental music, anything goes, and the regular open mic and Cheap Thrills Bonkers Bingo nights are worth a look.
It is worth keeping tabs on vegan cafe Moose’s Kitchen, 52 Kings Road – great food, but also a growing programme of evening events, which include cabaret nights and live music. The same goes for the new Baker Mamonova Gallery, 53 Norman Road, which has already hosted live music and theatre events. For something more traditional, seek out the Horse and Groom, 4 Mercatoria (at the top of Norman Road), for a pint of real ale, and enjoy the relaxed, friendly vibe.
Heading west along the seafront, Gecko Bar & Bistro, 22 Grand Parade, is the first stop, a venue with a wide range of spirits, live music, pool table, and an open deck for DJs every Tuesday evening.
Pop into chic and cosy Miki’s Bar, 8 Marine Court, for a cocktail. This is a popular weekend choice, and the Sunday live music sessions attract talented performers. Cafe Relax, 18–19 Marine Court, is a family-run Armenian bar and restaurant, the warmth of the decor and especially the hospitality, making for an enjoyable visit. There is nowhere better to enjoy the dramatically beautiful sunsets than from the balcony of Azur Marina Pavilion across the road, a bar, restaurant, and multipurpose venue. Behind the Royal Victoria Hotel, in East Ascent, stands the grand and imposing Masonic Hall. Part of James Burton’s original St Leonards resort, it now hosts events ranging from monthly Leroc jive dances to comedy, and the infamous Outrageous Decadence parties.
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St Leonards may have changed over time, but it has always been shaped by those with
bold v Just look at the town’s beginnings: in 1827, builder James Burton, responsible for swathes of Georgian London, set about creating an idyllic seaside resort – the centrepiece being St Leonards Gardens. Burton’s work was continued by his son Decimus.
By the 1930s holidaying was taking off, sun-worshipping was in, St Leonards was still on the map, and borough engineer Sidney Little – ‘Concrete King’ – was thinking bolder than ever. His extensive plans for redeveloping the seafront included creating the suntraps of St Leonards’ lower promenade, underground car parks and subways, and the now demolished Olympic-sized bathing pool at West Marina, which opened in 1933.
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The construction of one of St Leonards’ most prominent landmarks, Marine Court, was supported by Little. A copy of the Cunard Queen Mary ocean liner, it represented the latest in speed and luxury. Hastings Pier, straddling the boundary between St Leonards and Hastings, designed by Eugenius Birch and opened in 1872, was the UK’s first pleasure pier and groundbreaking in terms of engineering. Following its decline and decimation by fire, Hastings Pier Charity has taken over, and there is a bold new vision for the pier’s future courtesy of cutting edge architects dRMM, including a Visitors Centre with mirrored exterior and rooftop platform. Simon Opie, Hastings Pier Charity CEO, said: “I think it’s important that the architects’ plans preserve the heritage of the
isions existing pier and its history, and then use that as a springboard to develop something new, fresh, and modern. “The desire was very much to use the pier as a platform to develop a new vision of what it can offer the community.” St Leonards is rapidly developing as a hub for the arts, and two new venues draw upon elements of the past to offer a new vision for the future. The Baker Mamonova Gallery in Norman Road, was opened last October by artist Russell Baker and Russian art expert Olga Mamonova. More than just a Russian art gallery with cafe, it has hosted a number of events with more planned. On top of this, the restoration of what was the town’s first purpose-built cinema, which lies directly to the rear and will be accessed through the gallery, is due to be completed this year.
Property developer Ellen Gordon and talent agent Dee Dee Crosher are at the helm of an extensive refurbishment project at the site of the former St Leonards Congregational Church, in London Road. The 450-capacity St Leos, opening later this year, is to be a multipurpose venue with performances and events of all types, with both national and local acts. Here in St Leonards, there is always something new and creative in the pipeline, and with such a rich history of design, architecture and bold developments to draw upon, the sky is the limit in terms of the town’s future. Hannah Collisson
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An estate agent that works harder on your behalf
Looking for something out of the ordinary, something classic, stylish or original? At Hunters we pride ourselves on our selection of classic, timeless properties sourced within St Leonards. We are a family run estate agent whose expertise in St Leonards property is unrivalled. Based in the heart of the town on Kings Road, this approachable, focused and dedicated property specialist is best placed to find you your next home. An ideal time to buy in this affordable, bohemian town with a great community, atmosphere, amenities, culture and fantastic architecture; plus with the new pier opening in Spring 2015 and the link road, St Leonards offers great opportunities to any buyer. Sales: 01424 429355 Lettings: 01424 429355 6 Kings Road TN37 6EA www.huntersnet.co.uk
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St Benedict B&B 81 Pevensey Road TN38 0LR
Stay in Victorian style in St Leonards-on-Sea E: stephen.groves@zen.co.uk T: 01424 434973
www.victorian-bed-and-breakfast.com
Peter Nichols
Stamp & Coin Shop
Coins & Medals wanted to purchase & for sale
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5.30pm 3 Norman Road, St Leonards-on-Sea TN37 6NH Tel: 01424 436682 Email: downsidepete@hotmail.co.uk
Do…
Hatha Yoga by Candle light with Katrina Love Senn, 52 Kings Road. This Yoga is her own blend of breathing, stretching, intention, visualisation and personal enquiry. It helps to strengthen body-mind connection, activating richer levels of creativity and spirituality. Monday and Thursday 6–7.30pm, and Thursday mornings at 9.30–11am. £8 per session: katrinalovesenn.com
Hastings and St Leonards Sailing Club, Lower Promenade, Marina. Become a member and enjoy courses for beginners and children, a great clubhouse and a packed sailing programme: hastingssc.org 1066 Jazz Club, Azur at the Marina Pavilion, Marina. Hosts a different live jazz band every Friday night, playing in the New Orleans style. The music inspires dancing, so try out Lindy Hop, Skip-Jive, Rock’n’ Roll, Ballroom or Charleston Stroll. Admission – Members £8, Visitors £10: azurmarinapavilion.com/events
Contemporary Music School, Western Road. Group and private lessons on guitar, vocals, piano, drum, vocals and music production: makingmusicians.com 1066 Wing Chun Schools, 26 Grand Parade. Kung Fu, Tai Chi, meditation, keep fit and women’s self-protection classes. Also classes for 4–7 year olds, as well as junior and teen classes: 1066wingchunschools.org 29
Raymond McChrystal MA Paper Conservator Restoration & Conservation of Watercolours, Drawings, Prints
Millinery for special occasions Also millinery workshops And hen pArties
tel: 01424 722262
www.carolinemorrismillinery.com
Maps, Posters and Paper Ephemera www.raymondmcchrystal.com 3 The Lawn St Leonards-on-Sea 01424 425459
Hastings is the full time home and central hub of 1066 Wing chun schools
specialising in Wing chun Kung Fu we are the martial arts family for your family
We run classes in HasTinGs, BexHill, BaTTle and rye At our Hastings HQ in St Leonards we have Little Dragons, Junior and Teenage classes for kids from 4 years old as well as adult classes and one-to-one sessions and early morning fighter fitness sessions We also run our very own unique women’s self defence classes called W.A.S.P. Women’s Advanced Self Protection
The makers of Hastings Works together with Coastal Space are delighted to announce the opening of our new office in St Leonards. Visit us at 14 Silchester Road and find out how we can help you: find a job set up in business learn new skills St Leonards Works is the High Street marketplace for employment and skills advice bringing together local job seekers, employers and organisations
www.stleonardsworks.com 30
www. 1066wingchunschools.org 26 Grand Parade, St Leonards-on-Sea Tel: 07851 725359 Facebook: 1066Wing Chun Schools Twitter: @1066WingChun
Do... Burtons’ St Leonards Society. Guided walks of St Leonards Gardens and the surrounding Georgian architecture: burtonsstleonardssociety.co.uk
The Labyrinth, Warrior Square (by the beach steps). A useful and exciting space for community activity with a focus on the environment, cycling and the arts. Every Wednesday there is a cycle workshop 6- 8pm with access to tools, spares and advice to help keep your bike on the road, or build your own bike from scratch. Also does paint recycling: labyrinthonsea.org
St Leonards Seafront Promenade, play areas and cycle path. Take the family to enjoy the play and exercise equipment stretching from Warrior Square to Seaside Road, or hire a bike from High Tide Cycles, Marina, and ride the car-free seaside path to Bexhill: hightidecycles.co.uk The Green Lawn Tennis Club, Tower Road West. Offers a programme of tennis coaching for juniors and extensive member facilities with acrylic and hard courts, plus floodlighting for extended play and a cosy clubhouse: thegreenltc.co.uk Shiatsu College, Grand Parade. Classes in Tai Chi, Qigong, Shiatsu and Yoga plus training courses and tutorials: shiatsucollege.co.uk
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