We've all been guilty of it ... you start in the Old Town, cover the town centre, wander down towards the Pier, but that's where it stops. The Colonade behind which the shops are hidden Not one foot further because there isn't anything west of the Pier. However, take those tentative first few steps towards Warrior Square and beyond and you might be surprised!
Underneath the imposing Marine Court is an attractive canopied parade leading to the historic colonnade, which also continues to the west side of the Royal Victoria Hotel. If you look at Marine Parade, or between the columns, you will see a whole variety of businesses, which could broaden your shopping opportunities! The shops really are tucked away in a corner - visitors to the town don't notice them and many Hastings and St Leonards residents are simply not aware that this part of the town also has shops! Shops, shops and more shops
A long the parade, there are over 20 shops. Begin at the west end of the colonnades and you will find: the Drawing and Planning Office, pine furniture and home accessories, specialised back care furniture, Cooking and Heating Spares, PADI diving educational centre, and just east of Marine Court at 21b Marina you will find Miller's motorcycle sales and repairs.
Some of the retailers have been there for years - the CB Centre, which specializes in communication, offers an assortment of cellular phone accessories and has been sited at Marine Court for over 20 years. There is also an art centre, run by the Riviera Art Group, a pizzeria, a candle shop, an off licence, newsagent and post office. There is also Fuel 4 Bodies - a shop which offers Organic whole foods, Sports Supplements, Natural Remedy products, alternative therapies.
Josie Richards, owner of Fuel 4 Bodies is also part of the management council for the Burtons' St. Leonards Society. She said: "The individual shops along the parade have a lot to offer and with two hours free parking outside this makes the parade well worth a visit by car. Alternatively, cycle along the cycle path from the town centre. If you choose to walk but having finished shopping feel you've been on your feet long enough, Y2K private car hire service is there to take you home!"
The Burtons' St Leonards Society is also based at Marine Court. It is a registered charity run by volunteers and holds a wealth of information about the area and its buildings. Pop in for a coffee any Wednesday or Saturday (between 10am and 4pm) and discover more about the history of the new town founded by James Burton in 1828 and continued after his death by his son Decimus. During the summer, the Society hosts lectures and local guided walks of historic interest.
If you don't want to shop, the area surrounding Marine Court is steeped in history. One of the earliest Burton buildings was the Royal Victoria Hotel, now much altered set between the two sets of colonnades. Behind the hotel, hidden from view, are public gardens, which were once `Subscription Gardens' used only by the gentry who owned such fine houses as Gloucester Lodge, North Lodge and the Clock House, which adjoin the gardens.
Opposite Marine Court is the Marina Pavilion, which has a café and a bar, open from April to September, and available for function hire. Next to the Marina Pavilion is Hastings and St. Leonards Sailing Club - why not rest a while and enjoy watching members of the club out on their boats or windsurfing. Tuesday evenings is their club night and they are happy to welcome enquiries from potential new members. If the weather is bad, the Royal Victoria Hotel is open to non-residents - enjoy refreshment or a meal with spectacular sea views.
Together with colleagues from the Society, and with the backing of the Council, Josie is helping to prepare an illustrated visitor brochure about the locality, which will be available from the Hastings Information Centre and from the Burtons' St. Leonards Society next year.
So, next time you feel like stretching your legs, why not head west and see for yourself what life is like there!
Miller Motor Cycles Sales and Repairs telephone:437719
HSL - Specialists in back care furniture telephone: 460511
Cooking and Heating Spares - Free technical advice given telephone: 717030
The CB Centre - communication equipment and electrical goods telephone: 442025
Hastings Diving Centre - 5 star PADI Educational Dive Centre and shop- PADI registered telephone: 715006
www.maltarediscovered.com
Bengal Curry House - Indian Cuisine, restaurant and take-away telephone: 465076
Pizza One - pizzas take-away and delivery, plus burgers, baked potatoes and much more
Cranhams Candle/Aromatherapy Shop - candles, essential oils, and incense, oil lamps telephone: 441520
John Bray and Sons - Estate Agents telephone: 420312
Marosi Patisserie - traditional English Fare and yummy desserts telephone: 444504
A1 Quality Furniture - Pine furniture, mirrors, wicker baskets, unusual clocks, pictures telephone: 201795
Fuel4Bodies - Natural Remedy and Whole food products, Sports Supplements, Treatments. Pick-up centre for Scragoak organic fruit and vegetables. Telephone: 422011
Y2K - private car hire sevice telephone: 72 2000
Burton Books - Dr Who Mail Order telephone: 436825
http://home..btclick.com/burtonswho1
Burtons' St Leonards Society - local historical information centre telephone: 422090
Riviera Art Group - Exhibition Centre for work by local artists telephone: 712349
Marina Post Office - post office counter service and stationery shop telephone: 437256
Threshers Wine Shop - off licence, drinks catering service. telephone: 446210
Marina News - newsagents, local convenience store and video hire telephone: 425476
Royal Victoria Hotel - Open to non-residents for refreshments and meals. Function room hire available telephone: 445544
Sussex Marine Yacht Chandlers - everything Nautical telephone: 425882
Elevations - All aspects of drawing work for Planning and Building Regulation Applications telephone: 422555
Marina Pavilion Café and Bar - telephone: 781850 and 781144
Hastings and St Leonards Sailing Club - telephone: 420656
You are guaranteed an interesting browse among the many specialist and general shops with personal service. Go along to Marine Court Parade and check out what they have to offer. Support for small businesses is imperative and you can help!
If you are interested in starting a business then why not take a closer look at the few units that are still available to rent in Marine Court. Letting agents Dyer Commercial and Vint and Brays would be happy supply details of vacant units along the parade.
You can join the Burtons' St Leonards Society and receive a regular newsletter and diary of events. Membership is only £7.50 per person per annum and volunteer help is most welcome.
With thanks to Josie Richards of Fuel 4 Bodies
Back to top of page...
< Sailing into the Limelight | Hastings Week >
This page last updated: 22/07/2005