Nicola’s Guidebook
A few of our favorite local eateries.
Hastings Old Town is blessed with an abundance of independent foodie pubs and eateries.
Here are a few of my recommendations.
One of Hastings, in fact one of the countries favourite pubs. It is literally at the end of our street. Lovely location, locally sourced food and great selection of beers and Wine. Highly recommended.
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The Crown
Ashford RoadOne of Hastings, in fact one of the countries favourite pubs. It is literally at the end of our street. Lovely location, locally sourced food and great selection of beers and Wine. Highly recommended.
Following a family tradition since 1923, the owners of this lovely restaurant only use long-fermented artisan sourdough to make their delicious pizza. Run by the loveliest couple from Puglia, their passion for food and wine is contagious. Based on George Street. I recommend booking a table in advance.
http://www.monellis.co.uk/
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MONELLIS Sourdough Pizza & Aperitivo
43A George StFollowing a family tradition since 1923, the owners of this lovely restaurant only use long-fermented artisan sourdough to make their delicious pizza. Run by the loveliest couple from Puglia, their passion for food and wine is contagious. Based on George Street. I recommend booking a table in advance.
http://www.monellis.co.uk/
Fresh delicious American style dining for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Very generous portions. Requires booking in advance.
https://www.facebook.com/The-Pelican-Diner-163806793717917/
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The Pelican Diner
20 E ParadeFresh delicious American style dining for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Very generous portions. Requires booking in advance.
https://www.facebook.com/The-Pelican-Diner-163806793717917/
I am yet to get a table at this restaurant, but the location is wonderful and it looks super cozy and I have heard good things about it. It is just around the corner from the house.
http://rockanorekitchen.com/
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Rock a Nore Kitchen
23 Rock-a-Nore RdI am yet to get a table at this restaurant, but the location is wonderful and it looks super cozy and I have heard good things about it. It is just around the corner from the house.
http://rockanorekitchen.com/
Porters, set in the heart of the Old Town, at the bottom of the High Street is just a short walk from the house. Established in 1986, Porters is a Grade 2 listed building that has been recently refurbished and is a very popular family-run bistro.
Porters is renowned for its live music and features award-winning Jazz singer Liane Carroll on a regular basis; its excellent home-cooked food (locally sourced where possible) and its wide selection of beers, wines and spirits.
I recommend booking in advance tel 01424 427000 food is served Monday to Saturday from 12 until 10 pm. Menus always feature a selection of Vegetarian, Gluten-free, and Vegan dishes.
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Porters Wine Bar
56 High StPorters, set in the heart of the Old Town, at the bottom of the High Street is just a short walk from the house. Established in 1986, Porters is a Grade 2 listed building that has been recently refurbished and is a very popular family-run bistro.
Porters is renowned for its live music and features award-winning Jazz singer Liane Carroll on a regular basis; its excellent home-cooked food (locally sourced where possible) and its wide selection of beers, wines and spirits.
I recommend booking in advance tel 01424 427000 food is served Monday to Saturday from 12 until 10 pm. Menus always feature a selection of Vegetarian, Gluten-free, and Vegan dishes.
Our favorite fishery, run by a family who has been working in the local fishing industry since the 1800s. Rock-a-Nore Fisheries was founded more than 30 years ago and offers the most delicious fresh and smoked fish. Perfect for nibbling on the beach with some lovely fresh bread and a glass of vino.
http://www.rockanore.co.uk/
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Rock-A-Nore Fisheries
2 Rock-a-Nore RdOur favorite fishery, run by a family who has been working in the local fishing industry since the 1800s. Rock-a-Nore Fisheries was founded more than 30 years ago and offers the most delicious fresh and smoked fish. Perfect for nibbling on the beach with some lovely fresh bread and a glass of vino.
http://www.rockanore.co.uk/
Petite Fi
Friendly little coffee shop with lovely breakfasts, lunches, cakes, soups, and sandwiches. Located on George Street a quirky little shopping street in the heart of the Old Town.
https://www.facebook.com/petitfihastings/
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Petit Fi
17 George StPetite Fi
Friendly little coffee shop with lovely breakfasts, lunches, cakes, soups, and sandwiches. Located on George Street a quirky little shopping street in the heart of the Old Town.
https://www.facebook.com/petitfihastings/
Eco-Conscious Coffee & Cocktail bar offering an ever-changing
food and drinks menu using local, seasonal & quality ingredients. Based on George street.
https://ladlehastings.co.uk/
Ladle Hastings
59 George StEco-Conscious Coffee & Cocktail bar offering an ever-changing
food and drinks menu using local, seasonal & quality ingredients. Based on George street.
https://ladlehastings.co.uk/
A great pub, in normal times it can be very lively at the weekend, but we prefer it on quieter nights, the atmosphere is lovely, the food and wine are good....oh and Chapman brothers work on the walls.
http://dragon-bar.uk/
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Dragon Bar
71 George StA great pub, in normal times it can be very lively at the weekend, but we prefer it on quieter nights, the atmosphere is lovely, the food and wine are good....oh and Chapman brothers work on the walls.
http://dragon-bar.uk/
Lovely friendly historic pub at the end of our street, in normal times, known for incredible live music, it has a huge beautiful garden, delicious new menu by Ben served Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Booking in advance is required..
https://www.staghastings.co.uk/
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Stag Inn
14 All Saints' StLovely friendly historic pub at the end of our street, in normal times, known for incredible live music, it has a huge beautiful garden, delicious new menu by Ben served Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Booking in advance is required..
https://www.staghastings.co.uk/
A very well kept secret, this is a proper pub with proper pub food and its own locally brewed ale. It has a cosy friendly atmosphere and a wonderful open fire.
https://www.thefilo.co.uk/
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First In Last Out
14-15 High StreetA very well kept secret, this is a proper pub with proper pub food and its own locally brewed ale. It has a cosy friendly atmosphere and a wonderful open fire.
https://www.thefilo.co.uk/
Nearby galleries and museums.
The d.o.g is set up by local artists looking to create a space that is adjustable for all types of work.
https://www.thedirtyoldgallery.com/
The Dirty Old Gallery
31 West StreetThe d.o.g is set up by local artists looking to create a space that is adjustable for all types of work.
https://www.thedirtyoldgallery.com/
Hastings Fishermen's Museum is dedicated to the fishing industry and the maritime history of Hastings. Located on Rock-a-Nore Road at the end of our street.
https://www.ohps.org.uk/
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Hastings Fishermen's Museum
Rock-a-Nore RoadHastings Fishermen's Museum is dedicated to the fishing industry and the maritime history of Hastings. Located on Rock-a-Nore Road at the end of our street.
https://www.ohps.org.uk/
Formerly named the Jerwood Gallery, Hastings Contemporary is a museum of British art. Located on The Stade. It is a not-for-profit organization with a cafe overlooking the fishing harbour.
https://www.hastingscontemporary.org/
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Hastings Contemporary
Rock-a-Nore RoadFormerly named the Jerwood Gallery, Hastings Contemporary is a museum of British art. Located on The Stade. It is a not-for-profit organization with a cafe overlooking the fishing harbour.
https://www.hastingscontemporary.org/
Accessing Nature, moments from our House.
The natural areas surrounding the Old Town are simply breathtaking. If you are a keen walker or enjoy a sedate stroll then we have so much to offer. Bring your camera and sensible shoes, it's worth the effort.
This magnificent area of outstanding natural beauty with stunning views over the Old Town and The Stade is accessed via the steps leading from Tackleway, one of my favourite streets flanked by the sheer rise of the hill and ending with breathtaking views over the fishing Harbour.
The open grassland on East Hill stretches 3-4 miles east into Hastings Country Park at Fairlight. This Country Park covers about 660 acres consisting of ancient woodland, heath and grassland together with 3-4 miles of dramatic cliffs and coast.
https://www.hastings.gov.uk/countryside-nature/naturereserves/naturereserves-hastings/hcp/
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East Hill
East HillThis magnificent area of outstanding natural beauty with stunning views over the Old Town and The Stade is accessed via the steps leading from Tackleway, one of my favourite streets flanked by the sheer rise of the hill and ending with breathtaking views over the fishing Harbour.
The open grassland on East Hill stretches 3-4 miles east into Hastings Country Park at Fairlight. This Country Park covers about 660 acres consisting of ancient woodland, heath and grassland together with 3-4 miles of dramatic cliffs and coast.
https://www.hastings.gov.uk/countryside-nature/naturereserves/naturereserves-hastings/hcp/
If the steps leading to the top of East Hill seem a bit daunting, then take advantage of our East Hill Lift. A funicular railway that provides access to Hastings Country Park which overlooks the Old Town and Rock-a-Nore. Absolutely stunning views.
This railway is the steepest in the country and runs from Rock-a-Nore Road to the summit of East Hill.
https://www.visit1066country.com/things-to-do/cliff-railways-east-hill-p1424931
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East Hill Lift Upper Station
If the steps leading to the top of East Hill seem a bit daunting, then take advantage of our East Hill Lift. A funicular railway that provides access to Hastings Country Park which overlooks the Old Town and Rock-a-Nore. Absolutely stunning views.
This railway is the steepest in the country and runs from Rock-a-Nore Road to the summit of East Hill.
https://www.visit1066country.com/things-to-do/cliff-railways-east-hill-p1424931
Rock-A-Nore is a stunningly beautiful beach, but this coast can be dangerous and hard to access, with the potential of falling rocks and high tides with little to no access back up through the cliffs onto the high ground. So check when the tides are low, wear sensible shoes and stay away from the base of the cliffs and you will experience nature at its best. This must be one of the most stunningly photogenic places I have seen but please be careful.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock-a-Nore
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Rock-a-Nore
Rock-A-Nore is a stunningly beautiful beach, but this coast can be dangerous and hard to access, with the potential of falling rocks and high tides with little to no access back up through the cliffs onto the high ground. So check when the tides are low, wear sensible shoes and stay away from the base of the cliffs and you will experience nature at its best. This must be one of the most stunningly photogenic places I have seen but please be careful.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock-a-Nore
The Stade is a shingle beach used for beaching boats for more than a thousand years. It's also a great spot for swimming.
The name dates back to before the Battle of Hastings, in 1066, and simply means 'landing place'. During the medieval period, Hastings was one of the Cinque Ports and provided England with naval craft before the Royal Navy existed. In return. Hastings fishermen were given the use of the Stade, and it is now home to the largest beach-based fishing fleet in Europe.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stade.
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The Stade station
The Stade is a shingle beach used for beaching boats for more than a thousand years. It's also a great spot for swimming.
The name dates back to before the Battle of Hastings, in 1066, and simply means 'landing place'. During the medieval period, Hastings was one of the Cinque Ports and provided England with naval craft before the Royal Navy existed. In return. Hastings fishermen were given the use of the Stade, and it is now home to the largest beach-based fishing fleet in Europe.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stade.
A handful of our local Independent shops.
Hastings has more than its fair share of damn good independent shops, I have pinpointed a few of my favorites, but there are too many to mention so just stroll around and enjoy all that the Old Town has to offer.
Founded by Alastair Hendy, an award-winning food journalist, and photographer. His remarkable shop is an absolute must.
http://www.aghendy.com/
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A G Hendy & Co
36 High StFounded by Alastair Hendy, an award-winning food journalist, and photographer. His remarkable shop is an absolute must.
http://www.aghendy.com/
A gorgeous welcoming shop, launched in 2015 by Jacqui Martin a purveyor of artisanal and handcrafted household products and accessories from around the world.
https://reste.co.uk/
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reste
58 High StA gorgeous welcoming shop, launched in 2015 by Jacqui Martin a purveyor of artisanal and handcrafted household products and accessories from around the world.
https://reste.co.uk/
A fantastic shop selling old and new homewares and gifts in an ex hardware shop dating from 1831.
https://butlers-emporium.square.site/
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Butler's Emporium
70-71 George StA fantastic shop selling old and new homewares and gifts in an ex hardware shop dating from 1831.
https://butlers-emporium.square.site/
Warp & Weft is an absolutely beautiful boutique and atelier founded in 2010 by Leida Nassir-Pour. Her concept store not only offers a collection of bespoke, historically inspired tailor-made apparel but also a wide range of gorgeous hand-picked homeware, all housed in a glorious Victorian building formerly a foundry and ironmongers. Well worth a visit.
https://warpandweftoldtown.com/
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Warp & Weft
68a George StWarp & Weft is an absolutely beautiful boutique and atelier founded in 2010 by Leida Nassir-Pour. Her concept store not only offers a collection of bespoke, historically inspired tailor-made apparel but also a wide range of gorgeous hand-picked homeware, all housed in a glorious Victorian building formerly a foundry and ironmongers. Well worth a visit.
https://warpandweftoldtown.com/
If you fancy a spin along the prom then you can hire one of Bell's bikes or scooters and see all that Hastings has to offer on two wheels. https://bellsbicycles.co.uk/
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Bell's Bicycles
4 George StIf you fancy a spin along the prom then you can hire one of Bell's bikes or scooters and see all that Hastings has to offer on two wheels. https://bellsbicycles.co.uk/
A lovely shop with great quality antique and 20th-century interior items.
https://www.goodsdepot.co.uk/
Goods Depot
86 High StA lovely shop with great quality antique and 20th-century interior items.
https://www.goodsdepot.co.uk/
A lovely little independent book shop on Goerge Street.
https://www.hareandhawthornbookshop.co.uk/
Hare & Hawthorn - Bookshop
51 George StA lovely little independent book shop on Goerge Street.
https://www.hareandhawthornbookshop.co.uk/
An exceptionally lovely little shop, full of carefully selected vintage and antique apparel.
https://www.hawkanddove.co.uk/
Hawk & Dove
An exceptionally lovely little shop, full of carefully selected vintage and antique apparel.
https://www.hawkanddove.co.uk/
St Leonards, a pleasant 30 min walk along the promenade.
Offering beautiful parks & beaches, Decimus Burton architecture, art deco buildings, shops, restaurants, beachside cafes, pubs & galleries.
Located directly on the beach, Goat Ledge is a relaxed and welcoming licenced cafe, informally serving fresh fish baps and other tasty fish dishes throughout the day and evening. You can rent a beach hut through the website. https://www.goatledge.com/
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Goat Ledge
Warrior SquareLocated directly on the beach, Goat Ledge is a relaxed and welcoming licenced cafe, informally serving fresh fish baps and other tasty fish dishes throughout the day and evening. You can rent a beach hut through the website. https://www.goatledge.com/
One of my favourites, overlooking the sea, this wonderful restaurant, deli and gallery run by the lovely Stephanie Goj is truly a delight. She offers very selective food and lovely wine in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
https://www.instagram.com/grazeongrand/?hl=en
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Graze on Grand
16 Grand ParadeOne of my favourites, overlooking the sea, this wonderful restaurant, deli and gallery run by the lovely Stephanie Goj is truly a delight. She offers very selective food and lovely wine in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
https://www.instagram.com/grazeongrand/?hl=en
Restaurant, gallery and cinema under one roof. Owned and run by Russell Baker and Olga Mamonova, the Baker-Mamonova Gallery has been exhibiting, the best of 20th Century Russian Art since 2001. The adjacent PARLOUR BRASSERIE offers an exciting blend of Mediterranean and Californian flavours and the Kino cinema recently reopened with support from the BFI, offers a range of carefully selected independent and art house films. Well worth a visit.
https://www.kino-teatr.co.uk/
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Kino-Teatr
43-49 Norman RdRestaurant, gallery and cinema under one roof. Owned and run by Russell Baker and Olga Mamonova, the Baker-Mamonova Gallery has been exhibiting, the best of 20th Century Russian Art since 2001. The adjacent PARLOUR BRASSERIE offers an exciting blend of Mediterranean and Californian flavours and the Kino cinema recently reopened with support from the BFI, offers a range of carefully selected independent and art house films. Well worth a visit.
https://www.kino-teatr.co.uk/
Hell-bent on creating the best burgers on the planet !!! HMHB located directly on the seafront does indeed make damn good burgers. it's a guilty pleasure of ours and the vegan and vegie options are amongst the best I have eaten. The staff are great. https://www.halfmanhalfburger.com/
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Half Man! Half Burger!
7 Marine CtHell-bent on creating the best burgers on the planet !!! HMHB located directly on the seafront does indeed make damn good burgers. it's a guilty pleasure of ours and the vegan and vegie options are amongst the best I have eaten. The staff are great. https://www.halfmanhalfburger.com/
Specialising in local produce and natural wines this lovely little restaurant serves delicious meat dishes and the freshest fish and seafood as well as creative veggie and vegan dishes. They also serve a cracking Sunday Roast.
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Farmyard
52 Kings RdSpecialising in local produce and natural wines this lovely little restaurant serves delicious meat dishes and the freshest fish and seafood as well as creative veggie and vegan dishes. They also serve a cracking Sunday Roast.
Galleria is an intimate space aimed at seafood enthusiasts. Opened in August 2020 by owners Gianluca Tozzi & Jack Booth.
Chef Gianluca from Puglia, Italy, has for a number of years built personal relationships with the fishermen and women of Hastings. The wine is carefully selected to compliment the delicate flavours of the wonderful dishes on offer.
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Galleria Seafood Bar
39 Norman RoadGalleria is an intimate space aimed at seafood enthusiasts. Opened in August 2020 by owners Gianluca Tozzi & Jack Booth.
Chef Gianluca from Puglia, Italy, has for a number of years built personal relationships with the fishermen and women of Hastings. The wine is carefully selected to compliment the delicate flavours of the wonderful dishes on offer.
A most remarkable park. James Burton designed St Leonards Gardens in 1828, a green heart for his new seaside resort set in a valley, amongst picturesque villas and reflecting a unique Regency style. Originally just for wealthy subscribers, the Hastings Corporation bought the gardens in 1880 and opened them to the general public.
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St. Leonards Gardens
Maze HillA most remarkable park. James Burton designed St Leonards Gardens in 1828, a green heart for his new seaside resort set in a valley, amongst picturesque villas and reflecting a unique Regency style. Originally just for wealthy subscribers, the Hastings Corporation bought the gardens in 1880 and opened them to the general public.
A lovely walk to The Pier
It is generally understood that The Pier borders Hastings and St Leonards. It's a worthwhile stroll along the beach or promenade from the Old Town, with wonderful views and breathtaking sunsets. The Courtyard and Source Park have recently opened close by which makes it even more rewarding.
Following an extensive reconstruction project, Hastings Pier reopened to the public in April 2016. The pier is a modern, 21st-century attraction with its history and heritage at its heart.
Designed originally by renowned Victorian engineer Eugenius Birch and first opened in 1872, Hastings Pier has stood through wars, played host to music legends such as Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, been closed down, caught fire more than once, and was raised from the ashes by the local community and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The new, modern, RIBA-award-winning pier is a simple and sustainable platform that is loved by locals as well as being a popular visitor destination. As well as the Pavilion Restaurant and beach hut-style food and drinks kiosks, vintage fairs, exhibitions, and family-friendly events to keep you entertained – the Pier itself is an attraction that is not to be missed. Uninterrupted expanses of elegant Ekki wood allow you to get out in the elements and enjoy being closer to nature.
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Hastings Pier Shop
1-10 White RockFollowing an extensive reconstruction project, Hastings Pier reopened to the public in April 2016. The pier is a modern, 21st-century attraction with its history and heritage at its heart.
Designed originally by renowned Victorian engineer Eugenius Birch and first opened in 1872, Hastings Pier has stood through wars, played host to music legends such as Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd, been closed down, caught fire more than once, and was raised from the ashes by the local community and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The new, modern, RIBA-award-winning pier is a simple and sustainable platform that is loved by locals as well as being a popular visitor destination. As well as the Pavilion Restaurant and beach hut-style food and drinks kiosks, vintage fairs, exhibitions, and family-friendly events to keep you entertained – the Pier itself is an attraction that is not to be missed. Uninterrupted expanses of elegant Ekki wood allow you to get out in the elements and enjoy being closer to nature.
The Courtyard is located on the promenade. Housed in a former Victorian swimming pool, closed more than 60 years ago, this unique subterranean venue is a skate and BMX park as well as a great place for foodies with 4 independent establishments... The Bok Shop – a free-range fried chicken and vegan joint, found by Jamie O’Mara and Howard Kaye
Brewing Brothers – a brewhouse established by Ned and Charlie Braxton, and Billy Eriksson
Nelly’s – a kombucha, juice, and smoothie bar, run by Lindsey Cox
Goodmans – a barbershop and coffee spot
The Courtyard
The CourtyardThe Courtyard is located on the promenade. Housed in a former Victorian swimming pool, closed more than 60 years ago, this unique subterranean venue is a skate and BMX park as well as a great place for foodies with 4 independent establishments... The Bok Shop – a free-range fried chicken and vegan joint, found by Jamie O’Mara and Howard Kaye
Brewing Brothers – a brewhouse established by Ned and Charlie Braxton, and Billy Eriksson
Nelly’s – a kombucha, juice, and smoothie bar, run by Lindsey Cox
Goodmans – a barbershop and coffee spot
If you are still peckish, or should I say VERY hungry then you can do a lot worse than treating yourself to an amazingly decadent delicious burger at Trinity House Bar and Grill. YUM !!
https://www.trinitytownhouse.com/
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Trinity Wholefoods
3 Trinity StIf you are still peckish, or should I say VERY hungry then you can do a lot worse than treating yourself to an amazingly decadent delicious burger at Trinity House Bar and Grill. YUM !!
https://www.trinitytownhouse.com/
A cosy little restaurant offering authentic Neapolitan street food. Located on Robertson Street a very beautiful spot just off the seafront.
https://www.rusticoitaliano.co.uk/hastings.shtml
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Rustico Italiano
31 Robertson StA cosy little restaurant offering authentic Neapolitan street food. Located on Robertson Street a very beautiful spot just off the seafront.
https://www.rusticoitaliano.co.uk/hastings.shtml