

This brand new gallery opened on the Stade, Hastings Old Town, in Spring 2012. The enamel tile facade complements the black fishermens' net sheds - an historic feature of that part of town - beautifully and the design as a whole is a major cultural asset to Hastings and East Sussex generally.
The Jerwood Foundation has been collecting examples of British painting for some twenty years and the work on show at the new gallery features an anthology from the early Twentieth century through to the present day. There are figurative and abstract pieces to suit all interests and the emphasis is on what I call real painting, that is, stuff done with paints, brushes and a sharp visual intelligence.
Works by Maggi Hambling, Frank Brangwyn, Ivon Hitchens, Matthew Smith and all sorts of other fine and delightful paintings to see at the Jerwood Gallery. Highly recommended.
www.jerwoodgallery.org
Rock-a-Nore Road, Hastings, TN34 3DW
+44(0)1424 728377
Google map: bit.ly/K8qcCn
This café near the seafront in Hastings is spacious, welcoming and relaxed.
If you’re looking for somewhere to take small children, you couldn’t really ask for better. There’s a play area to keep them occupied while you sip tea and enjoy a nice slice of cake, plus baby-changing facilities, a children’s menu and plenty of high chairs.
For those visiting without youngsters, it’s still an enjoyable venue for a light meal or afternoon coffee. It might be wise to sit nearer the front, away from the kids’ bit, but the place is big enough for any noise to stay safely in the distance. The outdoor area out the back also looks as though it’d be a hit in the summer.
The veggie and vegan options are really impressive – you can even have your pizza with tasty vegan cheese. Soya milk and non-dairy margarine are available, as well as quite a few wheat- and gluten-free options. The menu is simple – panini, soups, jacket potatoes and salads, but it’s done well and the food is good value.
The artwork on the walls adds a classy touch to an already friendly and appealing space.
12 Claremont, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1HA
+44(0)1424 426768
www.eat.uk.net/
Google Maps: bit.ly/fuQcLk
Home made scones and clotted cream. The jam is great and served in a pot. You can eat inside or out and it's very clean and comfortable.
By main car park near to Fairlight Church, Fairlight Country Park
If visiting Hastings it is well worth walking in the direction of the St. Leonard's end of the town. You can't miss it as there is a stunning 1930's art deco apartment block called Marine Court which looks like a land locked liner.
Close by, just a few minutes walk from the promenade and seafront, I discovered a wee gem of a restaurant called St. Clements. It has a simple brasserie look inside with attentive staff. The food is all fresh produce and, being Hastings, the fish is excellent. Curently they have an amazing two course set luncheon for £10 or three for £13.50.
I went in, not expecting much, but was treated and served as if I'd ordered more expensive dishes. I had chargrilled aubergine, courgette, roasted pepers, feta, and mint as a starter and beautifuly cooked Grey Mullet for my mainj course. Portions were excellent. And it really was only £10! Well, £15. 20 with a nice glass of wine to go with it all!
This is one of those places you leave wanting to come back. I intend doing so several times before my holiday is over!
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