Hastings and St Leonards: a guide to the best hotels, shops and restaurants Two Caple Gardens, a self-catering Arts and Crafts house, has been decked out in the best of St Leonards style by its owner, Kathryn Flett. With art, wallpaper and furniture made by locals, it's quirky, welcoming and comfortable. Children will love the pirate bunks. From £400 for two nights. Eat Try brunch, lunch or dinner at the Michelin-recommended St Clement's. Delicious, locally sourced dishes are created by the owner-chef, Nick Hales. From Caple Gardens it's a 10-minute walk, past Alan Turing's house and through the splendid St Leonards Gardens. Drink For a friendly drink (and a local cheese plate) in a groovy but traditional pub, you need go no further than The St Leonard. Phoenix & Plum is an independent wine merchant with a great selection. It also hosts regular tasting evenings and takes bookings for private tastings. Shop Butlers Emporium There are lots of independent shops around, and their owners share a great sense of British style. Rock Optika, in St Leonards, sells stylish own-brand eyewear, vintage furniture and vinyl records. The nearby Wayward is a treasure-trove of vintage textiles and haberdashery. Head to Hastings Old Town for mid-century furniture at 20th Century Fashion & Design (01424 460068), or Moroccan slippers and enamelware at Butlers Emporium. Buy If you are staying in self-catering accommodation, go to the picturesque fishermen's huts on the beach in Hastings and buy a freshly caught something for a sustainable supper. Pick up a hand-made leather or canvas bag by the local label St Leonards. We like the Totely Tassel dispatch bag. Available at the Jerwood Gallery shop and online. Do Jerwood Gallery The Jerwood Gallery houses its own collection of 20th- and 21st-century British art as well as a changing programme of other artworks. The winner of a 2013 RIBA National award, it is also an architectural must-see. Take a ride up the West Hill. It has Britain's steepest funicular railway and boasts spectacular views from the top of the cliff towards Beachy Head.