Image Credit: Jonny Fuzz – Hastings & St. Leonards On-Sea Photography
Discovering the Best Cafés in Hastings & St Leonards
Hastings and St Leonards are steeped in history, culture, and an underrated vibrant café scene. Often overshadowed by their coastal neighbours, these towns are now becoming the trendy area, with lots of creatives, artists, and media-types and Londoners moving here.
Whether you’re a discerning coffee aficionado, a lover of artisanal baked goods, or simply someone in search of a cozy corner with a sea view, there’s a café for you.
Hastings
Starsky & Hatch
Bottle Alley, Eversfield Place, Hastings
Starsky & Hatch is an independent, charming artisan coffeehouse and kitchen that has been well-received by locals and visitors alike. The cafe is on the lower promenade within the iconic Bottle Alley, offering a stunning view of the beach. The cafe’s menu features wholesome food and artisan coffee, making it a perfect spot for a quick bite or a leisurely brunch. The cafe’s outdoor seating area can accommodate up to sixty people and overlooks the waves!
The Cookhouse Cafe
79 Queens Rd, Hastings
The Cookhouse Cafe is a traditional English coffee. They serve all-day breakfast and home-cooked lunches with a Hungarian twist. The cafe is known for its intimate atmosphere and tasteful decor. The owners have created an eccentric Hungarian steampunk vibe with colorful wooden bow ties and other unique decorations. Customers have praised the cafe for its top-quality food, good value, and great coffee. The latte is worth a shout, with a quirky extended froth. If you’re looking for a cozy place to enjoy a good breakfast or lunch with a unique twist, The Cookhouse Cafe is definitely worth checking out.
Ladle Hastings
59 George St, Hastings
Ladle Hastings is a unique cafe located with warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with its delicious homemade soups, make it an ideal spot for lunch or a coffee break. The menu features a variety of homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads, all made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The cafe’s decor is rustic and eclectic, with wooden furniture, exposed brick walls, and quirky art pieces. The cafe also has a great outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.
The Pelican
20 E Parade, Hastings
Situated on the scenic seafront, The Pelican is a favorite cafe for both locals and visitors. Known for its relaxed and friendly vibe, the cafe offers a broad selection of teas, coffees, and pastries. Its location provides patrons with a delightful view of the sea. With its blend of quality beverages, tasty bites, and a warm atmosphere, The Pelican stands out as a go-to destination in Hastings for those looking to unwind and savor the coastal charm.
Hanushka Coffee House
28 George St, Hastings
Our personal favorite! Known for its vast array of books lining the walls, Hanushka provided both an excellent coffee and a cozy reading atmosphere. Located in the heart of Hastings, Hanushka is not just your ordinary cafe—it’s a bibliophile’s haven! The walls of this cozy establishment are adorned with an array of books, everywhere! Beyond its inviting atmosphere, Hanushka is known for serving a quality selection of coffees, teas, and delicious pastries.
Jempson’s Café
18 Wellington Pl, Hastings
Part of the renowned Jempson’s local independent store, Jempson’s Café in Hastings is a delightful fusion of traditional charm and modern culinary offerings. Well-loved by locals and visitors alike, the café serves a range of tasty meals, from hearty breakfasts to delectable lunches. Complementing their menu is a variety of baked goods, all prepared with a touch of local flavor and tradition.
Bullet Coffee House
38 Robertson St, Hastings
This coffee house is a hip, trendy spot that serves specialty coffee, tea, juices, and smoothies. You can also indulge in their waffles, pancakes, toasties, and cakes, all made with organic and vegan-friendly ingredients. Customers have praised the cafe for its friendly service, great coffee, and delicious food. Bullet Coffee House has a modern and minimalist interior, and also has a good selection of books and magazines.
St Leonards
Heist Street Food Market
22-26 Norman Rd, Saint Leonards-on-sea
A personal favorite of ours! Heist Market is a bustling indoor food market. The market is situated on Norman Road and is open seven days a week. Featuring a coffee shop along with a craft beer bar, natural wine bar, and cocktail bar. The market also offers a broad variety of street food options, including Japanese cuisine from Arigato, tacos from The Clam, and burgers and hot dogs from Wild Dogz. The market is an excellent destination for foodies and locals alike, offering a unique dining experience in a beautiful setting.
Sugarpie Honeybuns
235 London Rd, Saint Leonards-on-sea
Sugarpie Honeybuns is a cozy coffee shop with the menu featuring breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, as well as alcoholic beverages. Sugarpie Honeybuns has received positive reviews for its great coffee, friendly staff, and beautiful space. If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy some coffee or a meal, Sugarpie Honeybuns is definitely worth checking out.
Babilicious
Lower promenade, Saint Leonards-on-sea
Babilicious is a popular café located situated on the Lower Promenade and offers a stunning view of the sea. The café serves delicious coffee, hot chocolate, and cakes. They also offer simple and tasty sandwiches. The owner of the café, Barbara, is known for her friendly and slick service. She also serves doggy ice cream! Babilicious is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the beautiful view of the sea.
Poffley’s Coffee Shop
40a Marina, Saint Leonards-on-sea
Poffley’s Coffee Shop is a cozy and intimate café known for its freshly ground small-batch coffee, breakfasts, toasties, soups, salads, and homemade gluten-free cakes & scones. The café has a quirky and charming café with colorful wooden bow ties and other unique decorations. Customers have praised the café for its friendly service, great coffee, and delicious food. If you’re looking for a cozy place to enjoy some delicious coffee and homemade treats while in St Leonards-on-Sea, Poffley’s Coffee is worth checking out.
Fika@44
4 Kings Rd, Saint Leonards-on-sea
This café is a Scandinavian-inspired place that serves coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and soft drinks. You can also savor their sandwiches, salads, soups, and cakes, all made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Fika@44 has a warm and inviting interior, and you can also enjoy their outdoor seating area.
Dandelion
14 Kings Rd, St. Leonards on Sea
We are regulars at the wonderful Dandelion Deli. It’s a mix of café and delicatessen delights such as cheeses, cured meats, fish and dried goods. The staff are cheerful and friendly and contribute to the good vibes of this busy joint.
Offering lovely, locally sourced homemade hot vegan and meat or fish meal specials, which change daily. Healthy salad bar and variety of sandwich fillings are prepared every morning. There is the option to you to take away a delicious meal to be enjoyed, or why not take the weight off your feet and stay for a while in our garden room. Top notch!
Dovetail Coffee
46 Bohemia Rd, Saint Leonards-on-sea
Situated in the Bohemia Creative Quarter, Dovetail Cafe & Kiosk serves incredible coffee, gut healing latte’s that empower you from within, traditional builders tea, breakfast pastries and more, and more to come.
Located between a wonderful community of people with over 80 different businesses and shops, Dovetail serve super high quality coffee and a positive atmosphere. Highly recommended.