local independent shops?

[Jennymole]

Hello
We're looking to move to Hastings or St Leonards.
Of course I use supermarkets like everyone else but I like to avoid them where possible. I'd really like to live somewhere where there are local independent shops still going for things like fruit and veg, bread etc.
I'd really appreciate any info on areas that are well served for local shops or those that aren't.

Thanks

Jenny

[PG]

We've got a few areas like that, Jenny.

Silverhill still has a lot of small independent shops of that nature, (although the new ASDA currently being built at Silverhill Junction might kill some of them) and is mostly a pleasant, friendly area to live.

Bohemia has plenty of individual shops, too, and a 'village' feel to it, although parking is very difficult.

The Old Town has many independent shops up the High Street and along George Street, (including the well-known Judges the Bakers) and it's a very lively, vibrant area, although property tends to be a lot dearer there, as it's mostly period houses.

Kings Road, St Leonards, used to be good for those sort of shops (haven't been down there for a while) although the nearby area is a becoming a bit rough ( bed-sit-land-ish, with a lot of what used to be known as drop-outs)

Ore could be worth a try, too. It's not my end of town so don't know the shops, but they seem mostly smaller shops rather than chain stores.

Hope this helps!

[Jennymole]

Thank you. that's really helpful.
If Bohemia is villagey- when would the centre of the village be? Still struggling to get my bearings.
I've heard a lot about the area around Kings Road being dodgy but to be honest it didn't look too bad to me but maybe that's because I'm coming from Hackney. Local neighbourhood street drinkers and crackheads are what estate agents refer to here as "local colour'!