Shop Local: Gift Guide
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- December 7, 2023
Each of the shops in this guide has donated £15 to the brilliant, local charity: Seaview Project. This year, shopping local means more than ever!
Illustrations by Mel Elliott
1. AURA QUE
Our brand celebrates sustainability, fair trade and timeless design. From artisan-made bags, hand-knitted socks, felt slippers and merino accessories, to recycled jewellery and eco-conscious homewares, each piece tells a story. Discover our collection, designed in Hastings, where beauty meets conscience!
18-19 Robertson St, Hastings
2. BEAK & TAIL BUTCHERS
Beak & Tail Butchers is the lifelong dream of two brothers who grew up in the area. We strive to offer free-range, locally sourced, grass-fed meat of the highest quality. We offer a broad array of products ranging from A5 Wagyu steaks, to the more everyday items like minced beef and chicken fillets.
34 Robertson St, Hastings
3. THE BOTTLE OF HASTINGS
I’m Victoria, the new owner of The Bottle of Hastings. I’ve been sourcing a delicious range of wines for you to enjoy over the Christmas festivities. I offer exciting wine flights and wine by the glass, from a dry Manzanilla or a Pet Nat to a Bulgarian Pinot Noir. Come and enjoy a cheese board, posh olives, or truffle-infused nuts. Whatever your budget or level of decadence, I have just the thing for you to enjoy!
91 Queens Rd, Hastings
4. BUTLERS EMPORIUM
Established in 2009 in a beautiful exhardware shop built in 1831, we source and gather beautiful gifts, textiles and an ever-changing array of objects for you and your home. We go especially crazy at Christmas with gifts for everyone – come and see us. We also offer gift wrapping for a tiny extra cost at Christmas.
70-71 George St, Hastings
5. CANDAROMA
Light up your holidays with Paula’s Winter’s Night Candle – £24.00. This seasonal blend of cinnamon and nutmeg with a splash of orange and frankincense creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Handcrafted with eco-friendly packaging, it’s the perfect gift for a cosy Christmas. Experience 40 hours of good vibes and make your home a winter wonderland. Shop local and elevate your well-being!
SPACE17, 17 Bexhill Rd, West St Leonards
6. CAPSULE
Capsule is an independent boutique in Old Town Hastings selling carefully selected brands of men’s and women’s clothing as well as accessories and gifts. We sell products to enhance your closets or allow you to find the perfect gift. We’re passionate about giving you that magical boutique experience. Our Christmas gift ideas are Chuckle Soaps: Scrabble Word – £7.00 and Lego Figure – £6.00. These are great stocking-fillers and the Lego soaps are particularly great for getting children
to wash their hands as they want to get to the Lego figure inside the soap.
17 Courthouse St, Hastings
7. CHEESE ON SEA
Cheese on Sea is an artisan cheese shop and cafe based on Claremont in the America Ground. Offering an ever-changing variety of cheeses, charcuterie and deli items we have everything you need for your perfect cheese boards and much more. Come in for your Christmas essentials and stay for a toastie or a raclette!
10 Claremont, Hastings
8. FLOT & JETSAM
For the discerning and individual Fashionistas. Don’t just blend into the high street crowd! Clothing from colourful knitwear (jumpers and cardigans), striking dresses and organic boiler suits to quirky homewares, funky cushions, local artisan jewellery/art, cards and much more in our boutique store.
19 Claremont, Hastings
9. HARE & HAWTHORN
We stock a wide range of books for adults and children, as well as a large selection of Christmas cards and gift wrap. We also sell stationery, fine pens, children’s art range and calligraphy pens and inks. We will also have the popular Kit-Cat Klocks back again this year in limited numbers and True Grace candles.
51 George St, Hastings
10. THE HASTINGS BOOKSHOP
Situated in the historic America Ground, The Hastings Bookshop is a local, independent bookshop which stocks a wide range of titles for adults and children; including new fiction and poetry, philosophy, art, music, picture books and much more. Staffed by experienced booksellers, we are always happy to offer recommendations and we can also order specific books upon request.
5 Trinity St, Hastings
11. MADE IN HASTINGS
The original Shop of Wonder established in 2004. Situated in the historic Old Town of Hastings, Made showcases the work of local makers and artists alongside a carefully curated selection of must-haves, including a wonderful sock collection! The shelves are filled with an ever-changing array of treasures including pottery, stationery, textiles and knitwear and the walls are adorned with exquisite original art.
82 High St, Hastings
12. HASTINGS MAKERS MARKET
Hastings Makers Market: Over 60 stalls and open studios. Superb selection of hand-made presents, local produce and vintage treasures. Open studios at The Yard: December 2nd to 9th, 11am to 4pm. Late-night shopping: December 7th. Clogs, vintage, burgers, cushions, home wear, cakes, jewellery, prints, ceramics, clothes and more.
The Yard, Waterworks Rd, Hastings
13. MERCHANT 57
Berni & Peter launched Merchant 57 during the pandemic and with the support of the locals have gone from strength to strength. On offer is a vibrant mix of goodies which are colourful, joyous and unique. Predominantly brand new (but also vintage) homeware from all over Europe, with beautifully curated cushions, blankets, rugs and tableware. Great Christmas gift ideas too including jewellery, candles, perfumes, lotions and potions. There’s something for everyone!
57 High St, Hastings
14. ONLY COCO CHOCOLATES
Made only 15 mins from Hastings, Only Coco Chocolate hand-make all their chocolate using only the best, sustainably-sourced ingredients. With over 50 different flavours of chocolate bars, a huge selection of hot chocolate and chocolate goodies, Only Coco has it all. Indulge in the ultimate festive treat this year with our handmade Mince Pie Chocolate bar! Made with real mince pies! Crafted with luscious single-origin chocolate from Venezuela, this delectable delight boasts a rich 43.5% cocoa. Taste the magic this Christmas!
20 George St, Hastings
15. PAISLEY & FRIENDS
A colourful shop in the heart of St Leonards, selling ethically produced and environmentally conscious clothing, accessories, cards and gifts. So whether you’re after an orange water bottle, a yellow overshirt or a pink cardigan, we might just have you covered this Christmas!
56 Kings Rd, St Leonards
16. PENBUCKLES DELICATESSEN
Penbuckles is a small delicatessen in the heart of Hastings Old Town. We specialise in British and local artisan cheeses, wines and charcuterie with all the accompaniments you may need. We offer lots of gifts for foodie friends and family and bespoke hampers filled with things you know they will love. Don’t forget to place your Christmas cheese order!
50 High St, Hastings
17. PERIDOT JEWELLERS
Peridot Jewellers has been serving St Leonards for over 100 years. Specialists in on-site jewellery repairs. Scrap gold and precious metals are purchased at top prices. Luxury watch specialists. Secondhand Jewellery bought and sold.
46 London Rd, St Leonards
18. RESTE
Looking for a gift that’s a little different? You’re guaranteed to find something at Reste, a beautiful mix of homeware and lifestyle products, all carefully considered. Find traditionally made crafts, local pottery, handmade furniture, natural beauty and wellness gifts, an eclectic mix of old and new, all sitting alongside a heady choice of seasonal dried flowers and Christmas wreaths.
58 High St, Hastings
19. ROCCABELLA
If you’re looking for unique jewellery, Roccabella hand-make their jewellery here in Hastings using beautiful rough gemstones and real leaves, perfect for a unique gift or something special for yourself.
80 High St, Hastings
20. SEA WHISTLE
Thoughtfully curated emporium for children from birth to 8 years, selling sustainable clothing in organic and natural fabrics as well as beautiful wooden toys, books, and gift ideas. We stock quality European shoes including barefoot styles from pre-walker to junior sizes and we have a qualified specialist children’s shoe fitter with a vast experience of early years and special needs. Pop in for a more personal shopping experience.
23a Courthouse St, Hastings
21. SHOP HOUSE
Shop House Hastings is a small shop on the High Street crammed to the ceiling with unusual gifts to suit every depth of pocket. We are particularly well known for our felt mice, but we are so much more than that – we are constantly evolving.
49 High St, Hastings
22. SOAK
The perfect Christmas gift shop supplying Hastings’ best loved organic, natural toiletries and skin care. Brands include: Neal’s Yard Remedies, Dr Hauschka, Ren Skincare, Korres, Evolve, Noble Isle, Tisserand and Dr Bronner’s, as well as locally-made favourites: Rock Rose Beauty, The Hastings Soap Company and Romney Marsh Wools. Huge soap and bath bomb selection, candles, bath toys, body brushes, wash mitts, hammam towels and gift packs.
45b George St, Hastings
23. THE ST LEONARDS GROCERY
A much-loved store, right in the heart of the St Leonard’s community. Selling high quality fruit and vegetables, Sussex cheeses, local milk, eggs, smoked fish, charcuterie, meats and the delicious Bodiam ice cream. We have a wide range of grocery and store cupboard goods, as well as some remarkable Hastings-grown mushrooms! This popular store is passionate, and we specialise in local produce. Oh… and we deliver for free, throughout the town!
15 London Rd, St Leonards
24. THE WARDROBE CLOTHES AGENCY
A specialist designer and vintage clothing emporium, specialising in high-end quality clothing for both men and women. From decadent evening and party wear to gorgeous unique coats and suits, perfect for the chilly months. Together with accessories and shoes, our ever-changing and fast-selling garments from nearly new Prada, Vivienne Westwood and Ozzie Clark through to quality vintage from every Decade, there is always something unique and one off, perfect for the party season!
64a High St, Hastings
25. WARP & WEFT
At Warp & Weft we offer a range of OTP garments and accessories that are designed and handmade in-house in the finest materials. Our made-to-measure service guarantees you a perfectly tailored, timeless garment that you will treasure. This season, treat yourself or a loved one to a different retail experience and come and visit us in store.
68a George St, Hastings
26. WOW AND FLUTTER
An independent record shop in the heart of Hastings’ offbeat America Ground, full of treasure for all budgets. Along with an extensive selection of used records and CDs, we sell vintage comics, books, contemporary graphic art and cult Japanese toys. Though records are the shop’s focus all year round – including our curated wall of rare albums on rotation – come Christmas time we fill the space with unique gift ideas, from pin badges to Japanese anime cels to festive favourites on vinyl.
8 Trinity St, Hastings
