Mikaela's Guidebook

Mikaela
Mikaela's Guidebook

Food scene

Bayte opened end of Summer 2023, so relatively new to our neighbourhood. Co- owner Ruby Boglione is the daughter of the founders of Petersham Nurseries in Richmond- a favourite of mine whilst I still lived in Chiswick in West London. Bayte sells delicious dishes, including vegan food and wonderful cocktails and the staff and atmosphere is always warm & welcoming. I also find that their prices are highly competitive in comparison to the rest of the neighbourhood.
BAYTE
Bayte opened end of Summer 2023, so relatively new to our neighbourhood. Co- owner Ruby Boglione is the daughter of the founders of Petersham Nurseries in Richmond- a favourite of mine whilst I still lived in Chiswick in West London. Bayte sells delicious dishes, including vegan food and wonderful cocktails and the staff and atmosphere is always warm & welcoming. I also find that their prices are highly competitive in comparison to the rest of the neighbourhood.
Love this place and the lovely Stephanie who owns it. Gorgeous & relaxed space on the seafront where you can enjoy a seasonal menu/ cocktails & wine / coffee and watch the world go by. The indoor space is gorgeous and the outdoor space is heaven on a sunny day…
48 locals recommend
Graze on Grand
16 Grand Parade
48 locals recommend
Love this place and the lovely Stephanie who owns it. Gorgeous & relaxed space on the seafront where you can enjoy a seasonal menu/ cocktails & wine / coffee and watch the world go by. The indoor space is gorgeous and the outdoor space is heaven on a sunny day…
Heist is a new favourite of mine, 5 minutes walk from my place. Situated in an old bank on Norman Road, it opened it’s doors mid July 2021 .With its eye catching interior, it is home to The Boatyard, a restaurant offering fish & seafood dishes run by the lovely Alison and her gang! The food market also offers coffee, natural wine, authentic Japanese food as well as Korean, a Hot Dog/ Burger stall + cocktails. With its vibrant , buzzy feel, it’s great for people watching and it feels like I’m back in London again! Open 7 days a week, pre- book your restaurant reservation.
39 locals recommend
Heist
22-26 Norman Road
39 locals recommend
Heist is a new favourite of mine, 5 minutes walk from my place. Situated in an old bank on Norman Road, it opened it’s doors mid July 2021 .With its eye catching interior, it is home to The Boatyard, a restaurant offering fish & seafood dishes run by the lovely Alison and her gang! The food market also offers coffee, natural wine, authentic Japanese food as well as Korean, a Hot Dog/ Burger stall + cocktails. With its vibrant , buzzy feel, it’s great for people watching and it feels like I’m back in London again! Open 7 days a week, pre- book your restaurant reservation.
Goat Ledge had remained one of my absolute favourite places since I first visited St Leonards in 2020. It is located right on the beach in Warrior Square and serves locally caught fish baps, delectable cakes, ice creams, waffles and hot drinks as well as beer, wine & cocktails. Everybody loves Goat Ledge! ♥️
101 locals recommend
Goat Ledge
Warrior Square
101 locals recommend
Goat Ledge had remained one of my absolute favourite places since I first visited St Leonards in 2020. It is located right on the beach in Warrior Square and serves locally caught fish baps, delectable cakes, ice creams, waffles and hot drinks as well as beer, wine & cocktails. Everybody loves Goat Ledge! ♥️
European/ British cuisine with a natural wine bar. Vegetarian friendly with vegan and gluten-free options, built around the best seasonal and local ingredients from the land and sea around St. Leonards... Portions are generous and the staff are an absolute delight! Highly recommend but must book beforehand as usually very busy!
43 locals recommend
Farmyard
52 Kings Rd
43 locals recommend
European/ British cuisine with a natural wine bar. Vegetarian friendly with vegan and gluten-free options, built around the best seasonal and local ingredients from the land and sea around St. Leonards... Portions are generous and the staff are an absolute delight! Highly recommend but must book beforehand as usually very busy!
Gorgeous healthy selection of salads, sausage rolls ( both vegan and non vegan), tarts, cakes and lovely coffees to be had either outside, or inside with the option of sitting in their lovely plant filled conservatory. A great stop after or before getting off/on train as Warrior Square train station is seconds away… and good for people watching and listening to the owner Silva’s brilliant playlist!
18 locals recommend
Fika@44
44 Kings Rd
18 locals recommend
Gorgeous healthy selection of salads, sausage rolls ( both vegan and non vegan), tarts, cakes and lovely coffees to be had either outside, or inside with the option of sitting in their lovely plant filled conservatory. A great stop after or before getting off/on train as Warrior Square train station is seconds away… and good for people watching and listening to the owner Silva’s brilliant playlist!
Kassa is another absolute favourite of mine! It’s a lovely and welcoming cafe right on the seafront which offers Persian/Indian food which is freshly made after you order. It caters for everyone including vegetarians/vegans and have great gluten-free options too. It is also known as the place that makes the best coffee in St Leonards/ Hastings!
38 locals recommend
Kassa coffee
15 Grand Parade
38 locals recommend
Kassa is another absolute favourite of mine! It’s a lovely and welcoming cafe right on the seafront which offers Persian/Indian food which is freshly made after you order. It caters for everyone including vegetarians/vegans and have great gluten-free options too. It is also known as the place that makes the best coffee in St Leonards/ Hastings!
Wonderful cafe run by husband and wife team, Ray & Lulie. Yummy home cooked food, amazing cakes & coffee in beautiful setting with a great atmosphere. Super friendly and good value for money.
Sugarpie Honeybuns
235 London Rd
Wonderful cafe run by husband and wife team, Ray & Lulie. Yummy home cooked food, amazing cakes & coffee in beautiful setting with a great atmosphere. Super friendly and good value for money.
Italian/ Mediterranean food including pizzas Vegetarian/Vegan / Gluten free options.
68 locals recommend
La Bella Vista
8 Grand Parade
68 locals recommend
Italian/ Mediterranean food including pizzas Vegetarian/Vegan / Gluten free options.
Everyone, including other business owners in the area, has got a good word to say about this shop! Run by the lovely Eliot, who is always so welcoming and great chatting to- Collected Fictions stocks specialist craft beers, natural and biodynamic wine as well as tasty ciders! This is a small business that I love supporting!
Collected Fictions
6-8 London Rd
Everyone, including other business owners in the area, has got a good word to say about this shop! Run by the lovely Eliot, who is always so welcoming and great chatting to- Collected Fictions stocks specialist craft beers, natural and biodynamic wine as well as tasty ciders! This is a small business that I love supporting!
This is another one of my favourite places in St Leonards ~ ‘Three Faces’ is a Spanish style tapas restaurant serving super fresh foods; tortillas, olives,salads, hummus w sourdough bread, Spanish & local cheeses, seafood & beautiful wines.
15 locals recommend
Three Faces of Del Parc
1 Western Road
15 locals recommend
This is another one of my favourite places in St Leonards ~ ‘Three Faces’ is a Spanish style tapas restaurant serving super fresh foods; tortillas, olives,salads, hummus w sourdough bread, Spanish & local cheeses, seafood & beautiful wines.
My friend treated me to a birthday meal here and I can honestly say that it was one of the best meals I have ever had in my fairly long life!! Sheer perfection... We had the linguine with mussels, clams, garlic, chilli, cherry tomatoes & parsley pesto as well as the sous vide monkfish fillet with the potato terrine, wild mushrooms & smoked roast garlic sauce... and some beautiful champagne and pomegranate cocktails. Again, as it has gained a loyal following since opening last year, it’s necessary to book in advance to avoid disappointment!
17 locals recommend
Galleria Seafood Bar
39 Norman Road
17 locals recommend
My friend treated me to a birthday meal here and I can honestly say that it was one of the best meals I have ever had in my fairly long life!! Sheer perfection... We had the linguine with mussels, clams, garlic, chilli, cherry tomatoes & parsley pesto as well as the sous vide monkfish fillet with the potato terrine, wild mushrooms & smoked roast garlic sauce... and some beautiful champagne and pomegranate cocktails. Again, as it has gained a loyal following since opening last year, it’s necessary to book in advance to avoid disappointment!

Shopping

This is an amazing shop owned by the lovely mother & daughter team, Helen & Holly- filled with carefully selected items. You can find anything from beautiful dresses to deliciously scented soaps and perfumes, as well as reading glasses, deli food, homeware, gorgeous cards & wine!
28 locals recommend
SHOP
32-34 Norman Rd
28 locals recommend
This is an amazing shop owned by the lovely mother & daughter team, Helen & Holly- filled with carefully selected items. You can find anything from beautiful dresses to deliciously scented soaps and perfumes, as well as reading glasses, deli food, homeware, gorgeous cards & wine!
I love this little studio/ pop up shop run by the lovely Jo Cave - gorgeous local, handmade & fairtrade items - new and pre loved items; cards, art prints, jewellery, hair accessories, clothes, shoes etc. Most likely to be open at the weekends!
90 Norman Rd
90 Norman Road
I love this little studio/ pop up shop run by the lovely Jo Cave - gorgeous local, handmade & fairtrade items - new and pre loved items; cards, art prints, jewellery, hair accessories, clothes, shoes etc. Most likely to be open at the weekends!
Great little shop run by the lovely owners, Linda & Andy who are dealing in restored furniture, everyday homewares and handmade gifts; I bought my 1930’s mirror for my bathroom from here as well as a lovely pair of cotton socks before hopping on the train into London after I stepped in a ‘hidden’ puddle in my trainers! Great for gift buying!
Pass Muster Trading
41 Kings Rd
Great little shop run by the lovely owners, Linda & Andy who are dealing in restored furniture, everyday homewares and handmade gifts; I bought my 1930’s mirror for my bathroom from here as well as a lovely pair of cotton socks before hopping on the train into London after I stepped in a ‘hidden’ puddle in my trainers! Great for gift buying!
I absolutely love this shop! To find a Moomin welcoming you outside the shop is like being back in my native Finland. This shop is owned by the lovely Nicky who also has a shop in Brighton. She stocks a lot of lovely Moomin designs, Snoopy- another favourite from my childhood, Tatty Devine jewellery, kitchenware, lots of lovely cards, cushions, books etc Well worth a visit!
Popsicle
I absolutely love this shop! To find a Moomin welcoming you outside the shop is like being back in my native Finland. This shop is owned by the lovely Nicky who also has a shop in Brighton. She stocks a lot of lovely Moomin designs, Snoopy- another favourite from my childhood, Tatty Devine jewellery, kitchenware, lots of lovely cards, cushions, books etc Well worth a visit!
Best card shop in St Leonards; amazing selection of retro greeting cards and vintage goods, Caneva’s best sellers include fully refurbished & guaranteed telephones from UK & USA and classic 1950’s West German ceramics.
Calneva
13 Kings Rd
Best card shop in St Leonards; amazing selection of retro greeting cards and vintage goods, Caneva’s best sellers include fully refurbished & guaranteed telephones from UK & USA and classic 1950’s West German ceramics.
A lovely and very friendly place to check out mid-century jewellery, furniture, art, glass, ceramics, sculpture & textiles.
Omega Studio
14 Grand Parade
A lovely and very friendly place to check out mid-century jewellery, furniture, art, glass, ceramics, sculpture & textiles.
Great little vintage shop on Norman Road set over two floors with a great selection of clothes for men & women. Lovely staff and very reasonably priced.
Xanadu Vintage Clothing
37 Norman Rd
Great little vintage shop on Norman Road set over two floors with a great selection of clothes for men & women. Lovely staff and very reasonably priced.
Pelham's
22 Kings Rd

Art & Galleries

If you’re into music & photography, like myself, then the Lucy Bell Gallery will delight you! Exhibitions previously hosted has included Geoff MacCormack’s photos of his childhood friend David Bowie as well as the Michael Putland exhibition, someone who photographed pretty much every rock star and was the Rolling Stones’ chosen tour photographer from 1973 onwards.
Lucy Bell Fine Art Gallery
46 Norman Rd
If you’re into music & photography, like myself, then the Lucy Bell Gallery will delight you! Exhibitions previously hosted has included Geoff MacCormack’s photos of his childhood friend David Bowie as well as the Michael Putland exhibition, someone who photographed pretty much every rock star and was the Rolling Stones’ chosen tour photographer from 1973 onwards.
Independent gallery on Norman Road -run by the lovely Steph- who works directly with artists whose practice began in the street. A lovely selection of original artwork, prints & books can be bought here by artists such as Shuby, Mew (Welch from Elastica), Kid Acne, Lucie Flynn etc
Stella Dore
64 Norman Rd
Independent gallery on Norman Road -run by the lovely Steph- who works directly with artists whose practice began in the street. A lovely selection of original artwork, prints & books can be bought here by artists such as Shuby, Mew (Welch from Elastica), Kid Acne, Lucie Flynn etc

Cinema/gallery & food

Kino is a true gem in the area of St. Leonards- art house cinema, gallery and restaurant on Norman road. It is housed in the old purpose built Curzon Cinema which dates back to 1913. The fabulous auditorium has been lovingly restored by the owners, and the venue is now a very popular and vibrant hub in the area. ‘Reel’ is the new restaurant residing within the building and serves a blend of salads, fish, falafels etc. coupled with the most amazing cocktails made by Sam.
90 locals recommend
Kino-Teatr
43-49 Norman Rd
90 locals recommend
Kino is a true gem in the area of St. Leonards- art house cinema, gallery and restaurant on Norman road. It is housed in the old purpose built Curzon Cinema which dates back to 1913. The fabulous auditorium has been lovingly restored by the owners, and the venue is now a very popular and vibrant hub in the area. ‘Reel’ is the new restaurant residing within the building and serves a blend of salads, fish, falafels etc. coupled with the most amazing cocktails made by Sam.

Supermarket

This is the closest supermarket to where I live - about 7 minutes walk away. You can pretty much find everything you need in here- lots of vegan/ vegetarian options as well as a shelf dedicated to gluten free foods.
16 locals recommend
Co-op Food
30-32 London Rd
16 locals recommend
This is the closest supermarket to where I live - about 7 minutes walk away. You can pretty much find everything you need in here- lots of vegan/ vegetarian options as well as a shelf dedicated to gluten free foods.

Arts & Entertainment

This is also known as ‘The People’s Pavilion’ and is a pioneering centre for arts and culture in an iconic modernist building by the sea built 1955. It presents free exhibitions by contemporary artists in two galleries, live music and comedy gigs in the evenings, films, talks and tours and regular events. In the summer months, you’ll find free outdoor music with bars and food on the seaside terrace.
99 locals recommend
De La Warr Pavilion
Marina
99 locals recommend