The Beach at St Leonards

Many people told us we were mad to move so far out of London, considering that it is where the bulk of our work lies. Six weeks on, since we got the keys to our beautiful new home & a dozen or so commutes later, I can look at this picture (taken a few minutes walk from our front door) and think yes, our decision was the right one. Hastings  and St Leonards have so much to offer and we haven’t even scratched the surface yet. What we have experienced so far has been life affirming and heartening – friendliness, a sense of community, some very funky arty types that cut through and shine brilliantly amongst the handful of substance abuse zombies, fabulous regeneration along the Norman Road, junk shops, vibrant little cafes and galleries, community garden projects and friendly neighbours are just a few of the positive aspects we have witnessed so far. Did I mention substance abuse zombies? Yes, like all major towns and cities, there is an element of social despondency going on here but no more so than in London or Glasgow or Manchester. We moved down from Kings Cross so come on Hastings/St Leonards, show us your worst in that department! St Leonards has been described as “Shoreditch-by-the-Sea” and we can’t argue with that. There is an exciting air of creativity here as more and more artists, musicians, writers, set designers and general creative types flock here from London with young families, attracted by the enormous (yet affordable) houses. The degradation of much of the glorious architecture in this once decadent and thriving town definitely lends itself to the artists imagination – of bygone times, halted lifestyles, voyagers, fishermen, seaside escapism and of course, 80’s hardship. How could you not get creative living here?